Skiing the 7 Lakes Route: Bariloche to San MartĂn de los Andes
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos connects two of Patagonia's best ski towns through some of the most dramatic lake and mountain scenery in Argentina.
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos â the Seven Lakes Route â is one of the most spectacular drives in South America, and it happens to connect two of Patagonia's best ski resorts. Running 110 km between Bariloche and San MartĂn de los Andes, this road winds past glacier-fed lakes, ancient araucaria forests, and volcanic peaks that look like they belong in a different century. For visiting skiers, it's also the easiest way to ski both Cerro Catedral and Chapelco in a single trip.
What Is the 7 Lakes Route?
The Seven Lakes Route follows Ruta Nacional 40 (and a short section of Ruta 231) through the heart of the northern Patagonian Lake District. Despite the name, you'll actually pass more than seven lakes along the way â Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Falkner, Villarino, MachĂłnico, and LĂĄcar are the main ones, but several smaller lakes appear between the passes. The road is fully paved and in good condition year-round, though winter snow can occasionally require chains on a short stretch near the CĂłrdoba Pass. The drive takes about 3 hours without stops, but you'll want at least 4-5 hours to take it all in.
Can You Drive the Route in Winter?
Yes, and it's arguably more beautiful in winter than in summer. The lakes take on deep emerald and slate-blue tones, the surrounding peaks are blanketed in snow, and the tourist crowds thin out dramatically. The road stays open through the ski season (June through September), though you should check conditions after heavy snowfall. A standard rental car with good tires will handle the route in most conditions â you don't need a 4x4 unless there's been a major storm. We recommend leaving early in the morning to catch the best light on the lakes and arriving in San MartĂn by early afternoon.
How to Combine Catedral and Chapelco in One Trip
The ideal itinerary is to spend 3-4 days skiing Cerro Catedral near Bariloche, then drive the Seven Lakes Route to San MartĂn de los Andes and spend 2-3 days at Chapelco. Catedral is the bigger mountain with more varied terrain and a livelier base village. Chapelco is smaller and quieter, with excellent tree skiing and a more intimate, local feel. The contrast between the two is one of the best things about a Patagonian ski trip. If you're short on time, you can drive the route one-way and fly out of San MartĂn's Chapelco airport (small but with regular flights to Buenos Aires).
Best Stops Along the Route
Don't rush this drive â the stops are half the experience. Villa La Angostura sits at the north end of Nahuel Huapi lake, about 80 km from Bariloche. It's a charming alpine-style village with excellent restaurants and its own ski resort, Cerro Bayo, which is worth a day if you have time. Mirador Lago Correntoso offers one of the best photo opportunities on the entire route â a viewpoint overlooking the impossibly blue lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Lago Falkner is another stunner, framed by VolcĂĄn LanĂn in the distance on clear days. Pack a thermos of mate or coffee and stop at each lake overlook â there are well-signed pulloffs every few kilometers.
Where to Stay Along the Way
Most skiers base themselves at either end of the route: Bariloche or San MartĂn de los Andes. But Villa La Angostura makes an excellent mid-point base if you want to break the trip into two stages. In San MartĂn, Hotel Le Village and Loi Suites Chapelco are solid mid-range options at $120-200 USD per night. The town itself is smaller and more relaxed than Bariloche, with excellent craft breweries and wood-fired parrilla restaurants lining the main street. For a full breakdown of accommodation options near Catedral, see our lodge and hotel guide.
What About Guided Tours?
We run guided ski trips that include both resorts with the Seven Lakes Route drive built into the itinerary. It's one of our most popular group experiences because it combines world-class skiing with one of Argentina's great road trips. Our guides know every viewpoint, every back road, and every lakeside parrilla along the way. We handle the logistics â transfers, accommodation, lift tickets â so you just focus on the skiing and the scenery.
Making the Most of a Two-Resort Trip
A combined Catedral-Chapelco trip with the Seven Lakes Route drive is one of the most rewarding ski itineraries in South America. You get big-mountain skiing, intimate tree runs, dramatic scenery, and a genuine Patagonian road trip all in one week. Add in the food, wine, and craft beer scene in both towns, and you have a trip that non-skiing travel companions will love too. Ready to put it together? Start planning your trip and we'll build the perfect itinerary for your group.