A Family's Guide to Skiing in Bariloche
Thinking about bringing the kids to ski in Argentina? Bariloche is the best base. Here is everything families need to know — from ski school to chocolate shops.
Bariloche is one of the best places in the world to take your family skiing — and most international families have never heard of it.
Why Bariloche works for families
The combination is hard to beat: a large, well-equipped resort (Cerro Catedral) just 20 minutes from town, English-speaking ski instructors, family-friendly lodges, and a city full of chocolate shops, lakefront walks, and restaurants that welcome children. The exchange rate means your money goes further than in European or North American resorts.
Ski school at Cerro Catedral
Catedral has several ski schools with English-speaking instructors for children aged four and up. Group lessons run half days covering beginner and lower-intermediate zones.
In our family trip packages, we pre-arrange ski school placement so everything is confirmed before you arrive.
Where to stay
Base lodges put you on the mountain — great for convenience, less great for evening options. Town gives you restaurants, shops, and the lakefront with a 20-minute transfer each morning.
For families, we usually recommend town. The evening routine is better for kids — dinner, gelato, a walk along the lake.
What else to do
The chocolate shops along Calle Mitre are the main attraction for kids. Rapanui and Mamuschka both offer factory tours and tastings. The Circuito Chico scenic drive loops around Lago Nahuel Huapi. Snowshoeing excursions are available for non-skiers.
Practical details
Getting there: Fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche — about two hours direct.
Gear for kids: Rent locally. Kids grow out of gear fast and Catedral has decent children's rentals.
Weather: Expect -5C to 5C on the mountain. Wind is a factor — bring proper layers and goggles for children.
Language: Spanish is primary but English is widely spoken in tourism and ski schools.
The bottom line
Bariloche delivers on every front for families: good snow, professional ski instruction, a beautiful town, and a relaxed pace. Tell us about your family and we will put together a trip that works for everyone.