Cerro Catedral

Cerro Catedral takes its name from the rock spires along its summit ridge, which stand up like a cathedral front above the forest, and the mountain carries the largest ski area in South America: some hundred and twenty kilometres of pistes spread over a wide bowl, with lifts rising to around two thousand metres and views over Lago Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding peaks from the top stations. The base village has hotels, rental shops, schools and restaurants, and the season generally runs from late June into early October depending on snow. In summer the same lifts serve walkers and mountain bikers, with trails along the ridge, to the Refugio Frey beneath the spires, and onward into the Nahuel Huapi backcountry.

What you actually see

• The ski terrain - the largest lift-served area in South America.
• The rock spires - the summit ridge that gives the mountain its name.
• The lake views - Nahuel Huapi seen from the upper lifts.
• Refugio Frey - the classic mountain hut and climbing area below the spires.

When to go

June to September for skiing, with July filled by Argentine winter holidays and correspondingly crowded and expensive. December to March for hiking and biking. Snow quality varies year to year and low seasons happen.

Honest expectations

Prices in the winter high season are steep and lift queues in July are long. Snow reliability is inconsistent, and warm spells can strip the lower slopes. Wind closes upper lifts often. In summer the base village is quiet with much of it shut.

Nearby

Bariloche is twenty minutes away; the Circuito Chico road runs nearby.