Just located in the heart of San Carlos de Bariloche, in the southern province of Río Negro, this hill is one of the most important winter centers of Argentina and South America. Its 47 tracks of ski conform a skiable area of 70 kilometers (44 miles) A complete guide with all services.

By Fernando Amato

The Cerro Catedral- the name has to do with the similarity of its peaks with a gothic cathedral- is the most important ski resort of South America. It is located in the marvellous region of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, at 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the International Airport of Bariloche and 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, in the southest province of Río Negro. One warning: the resort is divided into two skiable area (each one functions whith diferents tickets or passes, non combinables between them): Roble Catedral with its ski tracks of Punta Princesa, De la Garganta, Pista Seis o Del Bosque, Amancay, De las Nubes and Carlitos; and the Alta Patagonia with its ski tracks of Punta Nevada, Del Segundo Lomo, De la Palmera, Intermedia, Primer Lomo, Piedra del Cóndor and La Avalancha.

The mountain has 47 ski tracks that conform a skiable area of 70 kilometers (44 miles) which are preferred scenes of international competitions included in the calendar of the Internatitional Ski Federation (ISF). Besides, there is an area of 140 hectares (345 acres) for lovers of snowboard. It's base is at 1030 meters (3380 feet) above sea level and their higher tips, Punta Norte y Punta Princesa, are at 2200 (7217 feet) and 2160 meters (7086 feet) respectively . The slopes which are accesible by means of lifts are situated between 1050 (3445 feet) and 2050 meters (6725 feet) above the sea level.

Imported Snow

The resort possesses a novel snow-making system, imported from the United States that guarantees, with its 45 Bonanza and Snow Diamond tubes, 10 white hectares (25 acres), smooth descents all over the mountain and a greater durability of the snow in it«s base. Besides, all the nights, seven machines Kassbohrer pass upon the trails to offer a compact snow. Catedral Alta Patagonia resort has implemented a sofisticated electronic«s pass system -Chip Pass- with special visors that facilities the access to the means of lifts. Also, the resort has recently inaugurated new mountain shelters in Piedra del Cóndor (in the area for beginner skiers), in the Bariloche Shelter and in Lynch Refuge.
In that place, you can enjoy the new sextuple Superbubble chair lift that provides skiers with a quick, comfortable and no-waiting route to the upper slopes from the base village, carrying up to 1800 skiers by hour, crossing 2586 meters (8484 feet) in only nine minutes.
In the base of the mountain and in Cota 1600, there are several Telefonica Cabins with international telephony services and Internet and some press rooms installed in the very heart of the mountain. Besides, the place counts wiht one ski-school for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and the possibility of practicing other winter sports.

Winter Season 2002

This year, the winter season will begin on 22th. June, 22 and will last till 31st. August. During the first fortnight of August it will take place the XXXII National Snow Festival with it«s traditional ceremony of the Bajada de Antorchas (Slope of Torches) that ends with the coronation of the National«s Snow Queen. For information about prices, travelling, lodging, rentals, etc. call to the Secretaría Municipal de Turismo (Municipal Tourism Secretary): (+54)-2944-429850