Patagonian Après: Beyond the Slopes
From wood-fired asados to craft breweries in Bariloche, the après-ski scene in Patagonia is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Beyond the Slopes
In most ski destinations, après means overpriced beer in a crowded base lodge. In Patagonia, it means something else entirely.
The Asado Tradition
The centrepiece of Patagonian culture is the asado â a slow-cooked barbecue that elevates grilled meat to an art form. After a day on the mountain, there's nothing better than gathering around an open fire while a local asador tends to racks of Patagonian lamb, beef ribs, and chorizo.
Many of the estancias we work with host private asados for our guests. The meat cooks for hours over lenga wood coals, and the meal unfolds slowly â wine, conversation, and course after course as the sun sets behind the Andes.
Craft Beer in Bariloche
Bariloche has quietly become Argentina's craft beer capital. With over 30 microbreweries in the city, the scene is vibrant and constantly evolving. Notable stops include:
- Berlina â The pioneer. Their Scottish ale and IPA are benchmarks for the region.
- Patagonia Brewery â Stunning lakeside location with a rotating tap list.
- Wesley â Small-batch, experimental brews in a cosy downtown tasting room.
After skiing Catedral, a brewery crawl through Bariloche is practically mandatory.
Chocolate and CafĂŠs
Bariloche's main street, Calle Mitre, is lined with chocolate shops â a legacy of the city's Swiss and German immigrants. Mamuschka and Rapa Nui are the most famous, but the smaller artisan shops often have the most interesting flavours.
For coffee, seek out CorazĂłn CafĂŠ or DĂas de Bosque â both serve specialty coffee with mountain views.
Hot Springs
After a hard day of skiing, soaking in natural hot springs is the ultimate recovery. Several thermal complexes sit within an hour's drive of the main resorts:
- Termas de Lahuen Co (near LanĂn volcano) â rustic, natural pools surrounded by forest.
- Termas de Epulafquen â more developed, with multiple temperature pools.
We include hot springs visits in many of our itineraries. There's nothing quite like sitting in 38°C water while snow falls around you.
Wine
Argentina's Malbec needs no introduction, but Patagonian wines are a different story. The RĂo Negro valley, just a few hours from the ski fields, produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Merlot at extreme-altitude vineyards. We arrange day trips to the wineries for guests who want to explore.