Escape into the stunning scenery of Chile’s Lake District at Cerro Bayo, which promotes itself as a “boutique” skiing resort. Experience charming village life and explore serene Patagonian landscapes as you ski, snowboard or hike around this Andean mountain.
The ski area has 25 trails stretching over 690 acres (280 hectares). Its base elevation of 4,900 feet (1,500 metres) and the region’s consistent snowfalls assure quality skiing and good snow coverage. Follow the 3.7-mile (6-kilometre) trail from top to bottom. Slopes feature views of Lake Nahuel Huapi’s azure waters.
Take in the scenery as you descend gentle beginner trails or tackle powder-heavy alpine bowls for a satisfying challenge. A gondola provides access to an expansive backcountry area, which offers the best untouched slopes for advanced skiers. Flip, grind and spin your way around a world-class terrain park. Take a freestyle class to learn how to flip and spin like the experts.
See the Patagonian countryside on foot with a guided snowshoe tour. Hike gentle trails between viewpoints of the Lake District or take more challenging treks through scenic mountain passes. For an enchanting experience, try a night-time hike through the serene landscape followed by chocolate and liquor tastings with your guide.
Cerro Bayo hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year. Watch the weekly torchlight parade, where skiers bearing flaming torches descend the slopes in coordinated formations. Cheer for your favourite players at the Rugby X-treme competition, in which teams play on snow-covered fields, or enjoy matches of Cerro Bayo Horseback Polo, held on the snow at the base altitude of 4,900 feet (1,500 metres). See the best of freestyle skiing and snowboarding during Action Week in August each year.
After a day on the mountain, retreat to the enchanting old-world atmosphere of Villa La Angostura, the main village below Cerro Bayo. Visit quaint shops, chocolatiers and restaurants before warming up in log cabin accommodation.
Get to Villa La Angostura by flying from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche, which is a 1.5- hour drive from the village. Shuttle services provide transportation between the village and Cerro Bayo.
