Cerro Bayo, Argentina, Report: The Most Scenic Ski Resort in The World?

A view of Lago Nahuel Huapi from the peak of Cerro Bayo | Image: Brett Ploss

Report from Tuesday, September 17, 2024

We drove two hours from San Martin de Los Andes along the Ruta de Los Siete Lagos to get to the base of Cerro Bayo. The drive was filled with stunning miradors of the lakes along the route. It was necessary to drive slowly as cows decided our lane was the best place to stand.

The town beneath the mountain, Villa La Angostura, was full of buildings made from wood, reminding us of South Lake Tahoe. It was hard to believe this town was located in Argentina. Let alone the location on Lago Nahuel Huapi.

On arrival, the base was low on snow. Once we took Telecabina Jean Pierre to the upper mountain, our worries were settled. Snow filled the mountain, including some of the gnarliest in-bounds freeride terrain we had ever seen—impressive for such a boutique area.

A view of Cerro Bayo from the top of Silla Los Lagos | Image: Brett Ploss

We continued up Telecabina Cumbre, leaving from the same station as the top of Jean Pierre. It passed over in-bounds chutes and steep faces.

At the top, we agreed it was the most scenic resort of our lives (and this was resort #146). The views of the lake below were breathtaking. The Patagonian Andes formed a surreal 360° view.

We dropped in from the top and skied the chute directly beneath Cumbre. With the sun beating down, the snow skied like a great soft spring day. It was wide enough for some nice turns in great snow.

Skier Brett Ploss descends below Telecabina Cumbre, Cerro Bayo | Image: Max Bott

The rest of the day was filled with more in-bounds chutes skier’s left, and countless laps in the back bowl. Rated intermediate, with anything off-piste untouched, it provided great wide fast turns.

We continued to Silla Los Lagos with steeps overlooking the town and lake below. For any photographer searching for an incredible shot, this is your chairlift.

Bar and Argentinian meat grilling at the top of Telecabina Cumbre, Cerro Bayo | Image: Brett Ploss

To finish, the top of Cumbre had a scenic snow bar. The drinks and fresh Argentinian meat made for a great final stop to take in the epic view one last time.

Gracias Cerro Bayo, we can’t wait to return!

The Resort

Cerro Bayo Piste Map | Image: Cerro Bayo Website

Cerro Bayo is a charming ski resort located near the town of Villa La Angostura in Argentina’s Patagonia, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes and Nahuel Huapi Lake. Only an hour from Bariloche’s airport, this boutique ski area covers approximately 500 acres. With a peak elevation of 5,846 feet and a vertical drop of 2,300 feet, Cerro Bayo provides 25 kilometers of groomed runs, suitable for skiers of all levels. The resort’s 31 ski trails range from beginner slopes to more advanced runs, with the longest run stretching over 6 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests.

Cerro Bayo is known for its off-piste terrain, attracting freeriders looking for fresh powder and more challenging slopes. The resort also features a network of 16 lifts, including chairlifts and magic carpets, to serve guests efficiently. In addition to winter sports, Cerro Bayo is a year-round destination, offering mountain biking, hiking, and canopy tours during the warmer months.

With its cozy atmosphere, Cerro Bayo provides a peaceful and scenic alternative to the larger ski resorts in the area, making it a favorite among families and those seeking a quieter, nature-filled experience.