The Alta Patagonia Ski Resort

Alta Patagonia is fast becoming South America’s most up-to-date ski resort. New lift systems, runs and trails, and snow making capability put this Argentina Ski resort on any powder hound’s A-list. Alta Patagonia boasts a 3,900 ft (1,188 meter) vertical drop, 15 lifts, 50 marked trails and over 5,000 acres of terrain, with 4,000 acres groomed. Recent upgrades include a new 6-passenger chair lift, complete with weather shields a la Vail, increased snowmaking capacity, and additions to the base village. Catedral attracts a young crowd who love challenging slopes and a lively social scene. Alta Patagonia is an Argentina skiing classic!

The Skiing at Cerro Catedral:
Compared with some other South America ski resorts, Catedral used to have limited lift service and unreliable snow at its base. Today with increased snowmaking technology and more lifts, there are no more complaints of long lines or poor conditions. Some of the best skiing in Argentina can be found in the upper bowls where you will find treeless runs that tumble down into weaving lower trails through Lenga forests. Hikes to steep chutes, bowls, and the cliff bands of “Punta Nevada” and “La Laguna” are accessible to the south. Experience powder, powder and more powder as well as knock out views from the top of this famous Argentina ski resort. Visible from the ridgeline are the National Park Nahuel Huapi, Mt. Tronador (11,660 feet, 3,554 meters), and over the border to Chile’s Lake region. Perhaps you will even see an Andean Condor gliding high above. Ski Argentina!

Apres Skiing:
After an awesome day of Patagonia Skiing, kick off your boots and enjoy the base village restaurants, 40+ shops, a casino, and a movie theater. You can also check in at the Club Catedral, an impressive structure situated on a rock outcrop and accessed only by gondola. Here you will find a heated indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, and massage as well as two restaurants serving excellent cuisine. This Argentina ski resort is only a short drive, 15km (9.3 miles), from the exciting town of San Carlos de Bariloche. The city of 120,000 is situated on the banks of the sapphire blue lake Nahuel Huapi. The city was founded in 1902 and is the oldest ski resort in Argentina. It has strong connections with Europe and is considered the “Little Switzerland” of South America. It is known for its inexpensive, fine leather goods as well as a vibrant nightlife.

Night Life in Bariloche and Cerro Catedral:
The Club at Alta can provide an elegant and relaxing evening of dining and fireside chats after a day of skiing in Argentina. If you would like to join the action in Bariloche there are regular shuttles between the Cerro Castor ski resort and town. Bariloche is a hotspot for a large variety of musical acts and also offers many different kinds of pubs, bars, and restaurants. A stroll through town will certainly give you a tour of your choices, or you can ask the concierge and the Club to make a suggestion.

Alta Patagonia Ski Resort Statistics:
Location: Northern Patagonia, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Elevation: 1,050m (3,445ft) to 2,050m (6,725ft)
Vertical Drop: 1,000m (3,280ft)
Inbound Terrain: 50 Runs- 15% Beginner, 60% Intermediate, 20% Advanced, 5% Expert
Lifts: 29
Backcountry Access: Very Good
Heliski: Yes
Annual Snowfall: 300+ inches
Typical Argentina Skiing Season: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November*

(*South American Winter Ski Season is the North America Summer.)

Fuente: www.exchile.com