Where to find the best summer skiing at Cerro Catedral for families on a budget?
Skiing enthusiasts revel in the endless opportunities presented by the contrasting seasons of the northern and southern hemispheres. Every summer, ski teams from Europe and America flock to Chile’s ski resorts for intensive training. Meanwhile, Bariloche, Argentina, stands out as a premier destination for skiing aficionados.

The “Cerro Catedral” in Bariloche is celebrated as “the most scenic ski resort in the world.” Constructed in the early 1940s, it is now known as “Catedral Alta Patagonia,” named for its majestic, Gothic church-like mountain peaks. Nestled within the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Argentine Lake District, part of the Andes Mountains, it borders the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake and is near Río Negro Province.

Its prime location, just 18 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche, offers a maximum elevation of about 2,400 meters. The base of the ski area sits at approximately 1,150 meters, the mid-mountain at around 1,650 meters, and the summit at about 2,100 meters.

There are at least three compelling reasons to visit Bariloche.

1️⃣ First, it is a renowned lake district in Argentina, where the breathtaking Nahuel Huapi Lake is encircled by towering mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop. For Argentinians, Bariloche is akin to Mexico’s Cancun, with charming shops selling artisanal chocolates and trendy gadgets scattered throughout the town.

It is also a haven for beer lovers, boasting over 20 craft breweries that serve up fresh, locally brewed beers daily. The combination of stunning landscapes, succulent grilled meats, and refreshing beer forms the perfect recipe for an unforgettable holiday.

2️⃣ Second, due to the economic challenges in Argentina, known as the “blue exchange rate,” the continuous depreciation of the peso against the dollar means that your dollars go further here, making it a more cost-effective destination than ever before. (To be continued)

Written by: Da Jiang Edited by: Clara
Follow “Latin American Diary” to dive into the rich culture and traditions of Latin America! Thank you for reading, and feel free to follow and share. Please do not reproduce or redistribute without the author’s permission.
