In winter, the famous city of San Carlos de Bariloche turns white and gives away incredible postcards of its landscapes.
And not only that, it also offers “a mountain” of activities and sports to do in the snow, which is reason enough to make it one of the most chosen destinations.
Snowboarding, skiing, sledding, Nordic skiing: Bariloche has it all and you just have to choose where and how to do it.
Next, we leave you a guide to everything you need to know to organize your Ski trip in Bariloche.
Ski Centers
Cerro Catedral
It is nothing more and nothing less than the center of ski most important in South America because it has 1200 skiable hectares and an excellent infrastructure for practicing all kinds of winter sports: more than 70 slopes of all levels and 34 lifts (chairlifts, gondolas and towed vehicles).
In addition, throughout the entire mountain you can enjoy incredible views of the Gutierrez and Nahuel Huapi lakes, Cerro Tronador and the Andes Mountains.
Cerro Catedral never stops offering activities and for this reason zón is open all year round:
In winter, all the mentioned slopes and schools prepared for the practice of sports such as skiing and snowboard .
In summer, activities for adventure lovers such as trekking, climbing, zip lines and mountain bike .
Piedras Blancas
It is considered the cradle of skiing in Argentina because it was where the activity began and its complex is located on the eastern slope of Cerro Otto.
Today, it has 3000 meters of exclusive slopes and you can also take snowboarding and skiing lessons at its own school.
Centro de Esqui Nordico
Just 6 kilometers from the city of Bariloche and located in the Cerro Otto is this center with easy access and that, being 1280 meters high and accompanied by lenga forests, offers unique views.
It has more than ten kilometers of slopes designed for all levels that are prepared with treadmill machines for the two techniques of Nordic Ski: skating and classic .
And not only that, it also adds other Recreational activities such as ATV rides, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
With daily maintenance that provides all the necessary security, these slopes are open throughout the winter season from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
In addition, it has a mountain refuge to enjoy a good hot chocolate and excellent gastronomy later from an afternoon to pure skiing.
Neumeyer Refuge (Cerro Challhuaco)
It is located just 20 kilometers , leaving from the Civic Center in the city of Bariloche and is accessed by a gravel road.
It has two tracks strategically designed for descents in winter both skiing or sledding, better known in Argentina as “culipatin”.
In addition, its trails are well marked and walking through them you can see its lenga forest and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Undoubtedly, an ideal space to go with family, group of friends and partner.
The essentials: What do I need to ski?
If you are a lover of this sport and have just started to the clues, it is very important that you first know the equipment you need and also know how to use it.
Here is a list of what you should bring:
- Skis: you can buy or rent them at the ski center. It is best to be according to your level of skiing and let a professional (at the shopping store or rental center) help you adjust and adjust them.
- Boots: the essential part of the equipment, because they are in direct contact with the skis. Always wear boots of your size so that your feet are already comfortable in turn, have good control. Remember to fasten and adjust them well.
- Bindings: they are an anchoring system for the skier to the ski and it is also ideal to be graduated first by a professional. In addition, it is very important that the bindings are loosened (not excessively) in the event of a fall to avoid strong blows on the legs.
- Canes: they must be of a size according to your body and have straps that are tied to your wrists. An easy way to check if your poles are the correct length is to grab one upside down, with your hand on the washer. If your elbow is at a right angle, that's perfect.
- Helmet: As in all sports, safety is paramount. Every time you go skiing, you have to wear a ski helmet (not just any helmet helps in this sport).
- Sunglasses or goggles: se r It is recommended to use them because the reflection of the sun's rays on the snow is strong and can hurt the eyes. Above all, goggles protect your eyes from the cold, snowfall or some other obstacle on the road.
- Warm clothing: wear thermal and special clothing for skiing.
Can equipment be rented in Bariloche?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions and the answer is YES .
Both in the hills and in the center of the city, there are different sports stores that offer the purchase service and equipment rental .
Depending on your preferences, you can rent it per day or week.
Passes
There are different types of passes for ski centers.
Their rates vary according to age, services, number of days and the season you choose to go. High season will always be the most expensive.
You can hire them by the day or by packs ranging from 3 to 30 days.
Classes
Ski lessons are ideal for everyone: whether you are just starting the sport or if you have experienced it several times but want to improve your techniques and skills.
These Classes are divided into levels and also age ranges (there is a school for children and a school for adults).
In turn, each workshop is in the hands of the best professionals who will help you with everything you need and questions you may have.
Classes always begin with a brief introduction on equipment placement, correct body postures and speeds.
Then you just have to practice and have fun!
Tips and recommendations
So that you have an excellent skiing experience, we want to give you some tips that you should remember to do this sport safely:
- Ski always accompanied: although you are an expert in sports, falls or accidents can happen the same and for this reason it is always good that you do this activity with a company willing to help you.
- I followed the instructions of the guides: always stay on the slopes indicated and never try to ski in areas that are closed.
- Observe your limits in skiing: you need to know your limits in this sport and if You are a beginner, start on the beginner slopes until you feel confident on others with more heights and slopes.
- Enjoy it: the process of learning and skiing is a lot of fun. So enjoy every moment!
If you are interested in booking tours, expeditions and lodging in Bariloche, don't hesitate to contact us!