Argentina Guide
Neuquén and the Lake District
Cerro Catedral
Website: www.catedralaltapatagonia.com
Some 20km south of Bariloche is Cerro Catedral, named after the Gothic spires of rock that make up its craggy summits (2405m). In summer, the village of Villa Catedral, at the foot of the bowl, is the starting-point for a couple of fantastic treks up and around Cerro Catedral, though you could just take a cable car and then a chairlift to reach Refugio Lynch near the summit (1870m; 10am–5.30pm). Views from here and from the ridge above are superb, and you just might catch a glimpse of condors. Experienced hikers can follow the ridge southwest; it later forks either to Refugio San Martín or to Refugio Frey. From here an easy descent leads back to Villa Catedral.
In winter, the village is the main ski resort ( 
www.catedralaltapatagonia.com ) that competes with Cerro Chapelco, near San Martín de los Andes. While Chapelco tends to attract more hard-core skiers, Cerro Catedral has comfortable lifts and excellent access to the après-ski in Bariloche. July is the busiest month. There are 67km of runs in all, some with descents of up to 4km in length. Buses (marked "Catedral") leave from Moreno 470 in Bariloche to Villa Catedral; alternatively, you could take a half-day organized trip to the village (4hr 30min).