Patagonia Skiing/Snowboarding and Eating

Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, Argentina (Patagonia)

  • Duration

    9 days, 8 nights
    August 20-28, 2024

  • Location

    Cerro Cathedral– Bariloche, Argentina (Patagonia)
    Chapelco–San Martin De Los Andes, Argentina (Patagonia)

  • Maximum participants

    10

  • Price

    $ 500 (reservation deposit)
    $ 3150 (second payment)

Join Saveur the Journey for a Strong Intermediate/Advanced level Southern Hemisphere Skiing and Boarding trip to Patagonia in August 2023. Escape the hot summer stateside and travel across the equator to chase an endless winter with this small-group South American ski trip to Cerro Catedral and Chapelco in the stunning Andes of Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Ski and board through old growth Lenga forests, tackle the couloirs and bowls of the backcountry, and cruise groomers at one of the largest, and most beautiful, ski resorts (Cerro Catedral and Chapelco) in the Southern Hemisphere. A local Argentinian guide as well as an IFMGA certified ski guide will show you the best powder stashes and where to experience superb Argentinian wines, pampas beef, chocolate, and culture.

***Saveur the Journey takes the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. Please see our COVID-19 Policies for more information.***

$4,150.00

In stock

Pay a deposit of $500.00 per item
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Knowledgeable Guides

Guides who are passionate about Argentina and Skiing/Boarding.  Don’t speak the language?  We have you covered!

Experience the culture

Share an Asado with locals, enjoy craft brews, and learn about the famous and lesser known Argentinean wines.

Small Groups

Small groups allow tailored experiences and high level of service.

Located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is a small city with strong European Alpine influence about a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Bariloche is nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi with views of the stunning Andes. Twenty minutes from Bariloche is one of the largest ski areas in South America, Cerro Catedral, also known as Catedral Alta Patagonia. Named for the dramatic granite spires that evoke a gothic church, Cerro Catedral encompasses 3000 acres and over 3770 feet of vertical. However, it is the ample and exciting off-piste sidecountry and backcountry that attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the globe. With narrow chutes, couloirs, powder fields, perfectly spaced old-growth trees, as well as 75 miles of groomed slopes, Cerro Catedral has excellent terrain, especially for advanced and expert level skiers and boarders. The resort has even hosted several World Ski Mountaineering competitions. And, with millions of dollars recently invested in upgrading the lift infrastructure, Cerro Catedral is one of the most modern ski resorts in Argentina. We will spend 5 days exploring Cerro Catedral and Bariloche before driving a few hours north on the very scenic “Los 7 Lagos Ruta” to San Martin de los Andes for another three days of exploring Chapelco and the charming Swiss Alpine-style inspired town of San Martin de los Andes.

San Martin de los Andes is located in the Northern part of Patagonia, in the Lakes District of Argentina. San Martin de los Andes is modest sized (30,000 inhabitants) mountain town that has retained its charm and tranquility despite its popularity (it was featured in the movie “The Motorcycle Diaries”). It is more upscale and serene than Bariloche and also has a strong European influence, particularly Swiss architecture and chocolate making traditions! Twenty minutes from San Martin de los Andes is the picturesque ski resort of Chapelco. With spectacular views onto the Lanin Volcano and Lake Lácar, Chapelco has modern lift infrastructure, varied terrain, and lots of snow. While not a particularly large ski area (350 acres) it does feature skiing below treeline in the old growth Lenga forests as well as above treeline in the Alpine zone, with 2400 feet of vertical. Chapelco has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. There is also steep terrain with chutes and bowls just outside the ski area boundaries in the sidecountry.

August is a great time to ski in the Bariloche region. Corresponding to the Northern Hemisphere’s spring, August typically brings some nice storms but plenty of sunshine and clear days, coupled with a stable snowpack, perfect for chasing bigger lines. With an average annual snowfall of 6 meters (nearly 20 feet) Cerro Catedral can have variable snow conditions with dry powder up top and heavy, wet snow near the base. We recommend bringing an all-mountain board or skis between 100 mm – 115 mm underfoot to deal with the diversity in snow we might encounter. Touring bindings, skins, and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe) are highly recommended to best take advantage of the off-piste and backcountry playground that Cerro Catedral has to offer.

It is essential to have knowledgeable and experienced ski guides in order to safely venture into the backcountry in such dramatic terrain. We will be led by Victor McNeil and Juan Cruz Garcia Barros. Victor is a fully certified IFMGA guide known for his ability to find excellent snow and lines in all terrain while maintaining the highest level of safety. Juan is a native of Argentina who ski guides in Argentina, Japan, and the US. Juan will provide intimate knowledge of the area for the best powder stashes and hidden glades, and will also welcome us to family-style asados (Argentinian style barbecues), track down the best Patagonia trout, procure excellent wines, and provide us with insider knowledge to build the best possible experience.

A trip with Saveur the Journey always has a focus on great food. Argentinians have a passion for food, wine, and craft beer. The famous asado, where juicy cuts of lean grass-fed beef, chicken, pork, lamb, sausages, and goat are slowly cooked over a carefully tended fire, comes from the gaucho tradition and is both a gastronomic as well as cultural event. As the fire turns to coals and the meat sizzles, everyone snacks on cheese, charcuterie, and chips, while enjoying a drink together. You can expect the slightly smokey meat to be served with chimichurri or salsa criolla, salad, roasted vegetables, and plenty of craft beer, Argentinian wines, or a Fernet and cola. Argentina is renowned for its meats, especially the grass-fed pampa beef and Patagonian lamb as well as wild boar, deer, trout, and salmon. In addition, we will enjoy hearty and delicious chef-prepared meals at the beautiful chalet where we will be staying with a focus on local ingredients and preparations. One evening we’ll enjoy a wine tasting to learn about Argentina’s classic (Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay) and lesser known wines (Torrontes, Semillion, Douce Noir).

Our accommodations will be in a beautiful chalet with an easy drive to Cerro Catedral as well as Bariloche. Having our own house means we can come home after a long day of skiing to a warm and relaxing place to enjoy a glass of wine with a great view while we snack on appetizers and enjoy dinner paired with a wine tasting. The house has six bedrooms, some with queen size beds or two twin beds. It is ideal for those who want to share a room or bed with someone they know or to have a roommate.

To maximize untouched lines, consider joining us on an optional Cat Skiing day at Baguales Mountain Reserve. Reserved for advanced and expert skiers and riders only, you can expect 10-14 runs and 12,000 to 15,000 feet of vertical in a stunning area with tall spires, deep canyons, and open wilderness. You may even spot an Andean Condor. In addition to blasting down fresh lines all day, you will be treated to an outdoor lunch (weather permitting) or in a refuge as well as a charcuterie and cheese plate with a glass of wine when the day’s exploits come to an end.

We will have a rest day built into our itinerary so that we can explore Bariloche (though you are welcome to continue skiing on your own). After a leisurely morning and late breakfast, we will head to Criadero Truchas Colonia Suiza to learn about the trout hatchery, followed by a meal of fresh Argentinian trout prepared in several different styles. Then it will be off to Chocolaterie VanWysnberghe for a chocolate workshop to learn about the taste and history of chocolate-making in Bariloche. We will also have time to explore downtown Bariloche where we can visit a plethora of microbreweries. Bariloche has a 100-year-old tradition of brewing beer and hosts 25 breweries. We will enjoy the Patagonian beers and cuisine at local breweries or relax in one of the many tea houses that serve delicious pastries, hot chocolate, coffee, and, of course, tea!

Want more to do in Patagonia? Join us on our hut trip to Refugio Frey and Refugio Jakob for  a “hut to hut” ski touring traverse in some very wild and dramatic terrain. For this 7-day, 7-night small group extension, we will rely on our legs and guides to chase big lines in the backcountry. Using Refugio Frey as our base, we will have a cozy place to eat and sleep and a plethora of jaw dropping runs in the vast wilderness of the Andes right outside our door. Then we will complete a classic ski traverse to Refugio Jakob, to explore the terrain there. For this trip extension you can expect full days of skinning with amazing scenery and descents that you will talk about for a long time to come. To join this trip extension, you must have experience ski touring, using crampons and ice axe, and must be a very strong skier or splitboardr in virtually all conditions. Click Backcountry Hut Trip Refugio Frey for more information.

 

Sample Itinerary- subject to change

Day 0
This day is optional and is on your own.
Arrive at Bariloche Airport in Argentina.
Take airport shuttle to Carlos V Patagonia Hotel in Bariloche.
Check into hotel, rest and relax or explore Bariloche on your own.
Dinner on your own.
(Alternatively, please plan to arrive at the Carlos V Patagonia Hotel by 9 am on Friday, August 23th.)

Day 1 -Tuesday, August 20

Breakfast at Hotel
We will meet at the Carlos V Patagonia Hotel at 9am
Welcome introductions and orientation
Check out of Hotel
Visit Bariloche
Lunch at Street food fair
Check into chalet
Avalanche Safety training/exercise
Welcome Asado with Bariloche locals featuring grass-fed pampa beef, lamb, sausages
Covered (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 2

Breakfast at chalet
Leave 8am by van for Cerro Catedral
Hit the slopes or rentals
Lunch on your own at resort
More skiing/boarding
Van back to chalet
Guided wine tasting at chalet
Dinner at chalet (included)
Covered (breakfast, Cerro Catedral lift tickets, dinner)

Day 3

Breakfast at chalet
Pack Lunch (optional)
Travel by van to Cerro Catedral
Break into small groups for sidecountry/resort skiing
Lunch at restaurant (not included) on the slopes or packed lunch
Return to chalet to shower
Asado dinner with locals
Travel back to chalet
Covered (breakfast, Cerro Catedral lift tickets, Asado dinner)

Day 4

Breakfast at chalet
Pack lunch
Ski/board Cerro Catedral in small groups
Touring option/sidecountry/resort skiing
Slopeside lunch (not included) or packed lunch
Dinner at chalet (included)
Covered (breakfast, Cerro Catedral lift tickets, dinner)

Day 5

Early breakfast at chalet
Optional Catskiing day at Baguales 9am meetup
or Ski/board at Cerro Catedral (included)
Dinner out in Bariloche in small groups (not included)
Covered (breakfast, lunch for catskiing)

Day 6

Transfer Day/Rest Day
Late breakfast, late start
Pack up and check out of Chalet in Bariloche
Transportation by private van to San Martin de Los Andes (~3 hours)
Check into Chalet in San Martin de Los Andes
Dinner out in San Martin de Los Andes
Covered (breakfast, transportation, Dinner)

Day 7

Breakfast at chalet
Pack Lunch
Backcountry tour/sidecountry/resort skiing at Capelco (included)
Lunch slopeside or packed lunch
Dinner at Chalet in San Martin de los Andes (included)
Covered (breakfast, Capelco lift ticket, dinner)

Day 8

Breakfast at chalet
Pack lunch
Ski/board Chapelco/backcountry (included)
Farewell dinner out in San Martin de los Andes (included)
Covered (breakfast, Chapelco lift tickets, dinner)

Day 9

Breakfast at chalet
Pack up and check out
Transportation by van to Bariloche and Airport (~3 hours).
Start of Backcountry trip extension

TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • All accommodations (double occupancy)
  • 6 Days of Lift Tickets at Cerro Catedral/Chapelco
  • Optional backcountry/sidecountry touring with IFMGA certified ski guide
  • Most Meals (8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
  • All transportation by van during trip
  • English speaking guides

NOT INCLUDED

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FAQ Bariloche Ski Trip

You must be a STRONG Intermediate or Advanced skier/snowboarder. You must be in good physical shape. Must be very comfortable with intermediate (blue) slopes and able to ski advanced (black) slopes. Having off piste experience is recommended. You should have (or plan to rent) suitable all mountain (100-115+mm underfoot) skis. It is recommended that you have Alpine touring bindings and skins or a splitboard and skins to fully take advantage of the sidecountry and backcountry options at Cerro Catedral.

No!  Speaking Spanish is definitely an asset but not at all required.  As is the case with many ski towns/resort you will find many people speak some English. It is a great idea to learn a little Spanish as your effort will be appreciated. Many Our Spanish speaking guides will provide translation, organize logistics, get us to the interesting spots, and help you enjoy your experience.

Argentina is famous for their cuisine and in addition to Asado (slowly grilled meats) there are many stews (like Carbonoda), empanadas, fresh trout, wild game, chorizo, and steaks served up with chimichurri to savor. Bariloche is also famous for its chocolate shops, craft beer, and tea. Argentina has a rich wine tradition and we will learn about and try wines from various regions, especially the famous wine producing area of Mendoza.

Bariloche can have variable weather in late August. Cerro Catedral has over 3700ft of vertical drop so you can encounter cold and windy up top and warm, spring skiing conditions at the bottom. As always it is best to dress with layers. Be prepared for temps in the high teens as well as warm sunny days where the air temperature is well above freezing.

The chalet is large and comfortable and located about a 20 minute drive to the ski resort with good access to the town of Bariloche for evenings out. It is located on top of a hill with great views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. There are 8 bedrooms with a variety of bed sizes. Most of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. There is a large kitchen and dining area for breakfasts and meals eaten at home.

Yes it is possible to share a room at the chalet, either with someone you already know (please let us know) or with someone else on the trip who is willing to share. For this chalet there may be the option to have your room for a single supplement charge. Please enquire for availability.

We recommend that you bring your own gear, providing that you have suitable all mountain snowboard or skis in the 100-115mm width underfoot. Having touring bindings (or splitboard) and skins is highly recommended. There are rentals available and they are reasonably priced. If you decide to rent gear we strongly recommend bringing your own boots. Avalanche safety equipment is required for backcountry/sidecountry riding and rentals are available as well.

Please contact us to let us know about your dietary restrictions to see if you can be accommodated.

If you need to cancel a trip that you have already booked and it is at least 90 days before the start of the trip your deposit is half refundable. If you need to cancel your trip for any reason because of COVID-19 your deposit can be applied to a future trip until 2025. Final payment for the trip is due 60 days before the start of the trip.  Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the of start of trip that cannot be filled are 50% refundable, if your spot is filled then it is 25% refundable. Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable (100% of booking cost).  For this reason, we highly recommend you consider purchasing travelers insurance, (try World Nomads) which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances.

Gratuities for guides are not included in the price of you trip and are much appreciated. Tipping is at your discretion. Normally average tips for excellent service are around 10%-20% of the trip cost. Tips are pooled together and shared equally among the guides.

Please see our COVID-19 policies

If you are coming from the US, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, Australia, South Korea, South Africa and Turkey you do NOT need a Visa to enter Argentina for stays shorter than 90 days. You do need a valid passport.

For this trip you will need to arrive at Carlos V Patagonia Hotel by 9am on Friday, August 25. Most flights from the US arrive in Argentina in the evening, so you will likely need to arrive on Thursday, August 24, which probably means leaving the US on August 23. San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) is the airport you will want to fly in and out of. There is a shuttle available from the airport to the Carlos V Patagonia Hotel. If you do arrive on August 24 you are responsible for the cost of the hotel. You are also welcome to stay somewhere else in Bariloche and meet us at Carlos V Patagonia at 9am on August 25.  We will then do an orientation, introductions, and head to cerro catedral to Ski/Board before checking into the chalet.
One thing to note is that many flights from the US to Bariloche will require you to change airports in Buenos Aires. There are buses, taxis, and probably the best option, hired cars that you would book in advance. It will take about an hour to transfer between airports. If you have a 5 hour layover, that should be enough time to make it.
Alternatively you could look at flying into Santiago Chile (which may actually cost a bit less). Then you could book a flight that is from Santiago to BRC. It will probably also stop in Buenos Aires but it will go to AEP airport, so you wouldn’t have to change airports. The best would be to have it so that you could book that all on one ticket, rather than two separate flights. It may be just as difficult (you may have to spend a night there) to do the Santiago option, or it might be better.
For departing on September 2, please book flights no earlier than mid afternoon, with evening flights preferable. We will be able to drop you off at the Bariloche (BRC) airport (you don’t need to take a shuttle). Of course you are also welcome to arrive a few days early, or stay a few days after the trip to Bariloche or the surrounding areas. If you do need to take an early flight we can arrange a taxi (your expense) from the chalet to the airport.
If you are planning on doing the Trip Extension September 2-9 then you can book your return flights for September 9 or later.
Most airlines are still waiving change fees as long as you don’t book “basic economy fares.” I like Scott’s Cheap Flights to find good deals. They have a paid and free version and they send out deals that they find by scouring the internet. Another good option is using Google Flights to track the price of your flight itinerary. They will notify you when the price drops. Whenever possible, book directly with the airline, which will make any changes much easier.
More questions?

Contact us

Our team

Aaron Schorsch

Owner- Saveur the Journey

Aaron Schorsch is the owner of Saveur the Journey where he combines his passions of food, travel, outdoor adventures, and culture. He grew up in rural New Hampshire and has lived and traveled extensively in the US and abroad. Aaron learned to snowboard while teaching English in the French Alps but later took up Telemark Skiing. While he still likes to drop a knee on occasion you are more likely to find him with fixed heels shredding the backcountry or resort in a style he likes to call “joyful abandon.” Aaron is a student of food who has worked throughout the food system from growing seed and farming of vegetables, fruits, and livestock to cooking in high end restaurants and managing farmer’s markets. He loves to talk about, think about, dream about and especially, cook and eat food. He is a member of Slow Food international and has been a US delegate at Terra Madre in Turin, Italy.

Juan Barros

Local ski/culture guide

Juan Cruz Garcia Barros was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Juan started skiing when he was 16 years old, and from that moment he never stopped. Juan started his career as a ski instructor in Colorado (USA) while he was in university getting his Business degree. Then he started working in Las Leñas Ski Resort in Argentina, which led to him moving to Mendoza, Argentina‘s amazing wine province, and home to the biggest mountains in the country, the Central Andes. Furthermore, his ski instructor career took him to Japan, where Juan worked for the past 4 winters, and where he got into ski guiding and also working as a photographer. Currently he is finishing his masters degree in Sustainable Development in Japan and eagerly waiting for winter in both hemispheres!

Victor McNeil

IFMGA Certified Ski Guide

Victor McNeil is a native of the Pacific Northwest and currently lives in Northeast Oregon with his wife and two golden retrievers. You will find Victor working and recreating in the mountains year around, from guiding three week expeditions on Denali to ski guiding in his home mountain range the Wallowas. Victor has a passion for travel and exploration and has skied around the world. In 2016 he became the third certified Splitboard Mountaineering Guide through the American Mountain Guides Association in the country. Victor now “splits” his time between split boarding and skiing. When not ski guiding, he also runs a non-profit avalanche forecasting center in the Wallowas. Victor loves sliding on snow and can’t wait to share some turns with you.

Kelly McNeil

Ski tail guide

Kelly grew up in Eastern Wyoming where she started exploring the mountains at an early age. After receiving her PhD from Oregon State University in 2009 she began a career as a professor at Eastern Oregon University, where much of her work focuses on public health and research in outdoor physical activities including the study of behavior in outdoor environments. She has traveled around the world skiing, climbing, hiking and exploring, including to Peru, Mexico and Bhutan.

Since 2017 Kelly has helped organize and run operations at the Wallowa Avalanche Center, including teaching avalanche courses for both motorized and non-motorized users and serves as a Pro Avalanche Observer.