Cerro Catedral

Climbing

By Caroline Bennett

About 19 km outside Bariloche and inside Nahuel National Park, Cerro Catedral is a striking image up through the clouds. The area has one of the biggest and most classic ski centers on the continent. Magnificent views over Nahuel Huapi lake can be see at any time of year Summer attracts hikers and rock climbers, many of whom make the ten-kilometer trek up to Refugio Frey near Torre Principal, Catedral’s highest point. (Beds and camping available at Frey, inquire in town at Club Andino, Tel: 02944-52796).

Hikes start at the foot of the mountain in the small ski village of Villa Catedral, though you can also take a chairlift to Refugio Lynch near the summit for easy views. During the winter, the village turns into a popular ski resort with a lively après-ski scene. Buses head for Villa Catedral from Moreno 470 in Bariloche every half hour or so, dropping you in the village center. Several agencies in town offer half-day tours of the village and local trails (4 hrs, $15-$20), though the area is easily explored on your own.