Multi-Resort Ski Itineraries in Patagonia: How to Ski 3 Mountains in One Trip
Why settle for one resort when Patagonia has half a dozen worth skiing? Here's how to build a multi-stop ski trip across the Argentine Andes.
One of the best things about skiing in Argentina is how many world-class resorts sit within striking distance of each other. Unlike the Alps -- where transferring between countries involves motorways and border crossings -- Patagonia's ski mountains are connected by some of the most scenic roads on earth. With a bit of planning, you can ski two, three, or even four resorts in a single trip and experience completely different terrain at each.
We build multi-resort itineraries every season. Here are the routes that work best.
Why Combine Resorts?
Every Patagonian ski resort has a different personality. Cerro Catedral is the biggest and most developed. Chapelco in San Martin de los Andes is quieter, more charming, and has better tree skiing. Cerro Bayo is a boutique mountain with lake views from every run. Caviahue has a volcano. Las Lenas has the steepest terrain in Argentina.
Skiing just one of them is like visiting Italy and only going to Rome. You'll have a great time, but you'll miss the full picture.
The Classic Lake District Loop (7-10 Days)
This is our most popular multi-resort itinerary and the one we recommend for first-time visitors to Patagonia.
Route: Bariloche (Cerro Catedral) -- Villa La Angostura (Cerro Bayo) -- San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco)
How it works: Fly into Bariloche and ski Catedral for 3-4 days. It's the biggest resort in South America with over 1,200 hectares of terrain, so there's plenty to explore. Then drive the stunning 7 Lakes Route north, stopping in Villa La Angostura for 1-2 days at Cerro Bayo. Continue north to San Martin de los Andes for 2-3 days at Chapelco. Fly home from Chapelco airport (SMA) or loop back to Bariloche.
Driving distances: Bariloche to Villa La Angostura is about 80 km (1.5 hours). Villa La Angostura to San Martin is 110 km (2 hours). The road follows lakes and forests the entire way -- it's one of the most beautiful drives in Argentina.
Who it's for: Families, couples, and groups who want variety without logistics headaches. All three towns have excellent restaurants, hotels, and apres-ski.
The Expert Circuit (10-14 Days)
Route: Buenos Aires -- Mendoza (Las Lenas) -- Bariloche (Catedral + off-piste) -- Chapelco
This itinerary is for strong skiers who want to push their limits. Start with 3-4 days at Las Lenas, which has the most challenging lift-accessed terrain in South America. The Marte chairlift opens up steep chutes and exposed ridgelines that rival anything in the Alps or Rockies.
From Mendoza, fly to Bariloche for 3-4 days mixing resort skiing at Catedral with off-piste days in the backcountry around Refugio Frey or Lopez. Finish at Chapelco for its excellent tree skiing -- the lenga forest runs there are some of the best in Patagonia.
Who it's for: Advanced to expert skiers, typically travelling without young children. This itinerary involves a domestic flight (Mendoza to Bariloche, about 2 hours) which we arrange as part of your trip.
The Volcano and Steppe Route (7-10 Days)
Route: Neuquen -- Caviahue -- Chapelco -- Bariloche
This is the itinerary for skiers who've already done the classics and want something different. Fly into Neuquen and drive to Caviahue for 2-3 days of volcanic skiing -- empty slopes, hot springs, and monkey puzzle forests. Then drive south through the steppe to Chapelco (about 5 hours through dramatically different landscape) for 2-3 days. End in Bariloche for a final day or two at Catedral and a proper farewell dinner.
Who it's for: Repeat visitors to Patagonia, photographers, and skiers who value unique experiences over convenience.
Logistics Tips for Multi-Resort Trips
Rental cars are the easiest way to move between resorts in the Lake District. Roads are paved and well-maintained, though winter tyres or chains are occasionally needed. We can arrange a vehicle as part of your trip, or book private transfers if you prefer not to drive.
Luggage: if you're bringing your own skis, a rental car or SUV handles everything easily. For those flying between Mendoza and Bariloche, domestic airlines accept ski bags (check current fees with Aerolineas Argentinas).
Rest days: build in at least one non-skiing day between resorts. Use it for the drive, a wine tasting, a chocolate shop crawl, or just sleeping in. Patagonia isn't a place to rush.
Accommodation: we book everything for you and know exactly which hotels and lodges are worth the money at each stop. Read about the best lodges near Catedral for the Bariloche leg.
How We Build Your Itinerary
Every multi-resort trip we plan is custom. We start with your dates, ability level, and what matters most to you -- terrain variety, culture, family-friendliness, or pushing your skiing to the next level. Then we design a day-by-day itinerary that handles flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes, guides, and restaurant recommendations.
You show up, we handle the rest. Tell us about your trip and we'll design the perfect route.