Overview

For all those in love with nature, breathtaking landscapes and spectacular sights, this week is definitely for you! The goal of our trip to the northern Argentinean Patagonia is to discover one of the most beautiful places on earth, located in the heavenly ¨lake area¨, in Bariloche, Argentina. In fact, the reputation of this corner of the earth needs no further promotion!

We have planed out a week that will allow you to come closer to your dreams. A vacation perfect for everyone, no matter your age or gender and most important of all, for people with any kind ski and snowboarding experience. You'll spend a wonderful time in the mountains, in one of Argentina’s most famous hideaways. Once the ski season starts (the longest and most interesting in this continent!), the list of things to do never ends! A memorable week in one of the most beautiful and fun places in South America is waiting for you!

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Terrain

Bariloche:
Bathed by the clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, and the national park of the same name Bariloche is located on the West of the Province of Río Negro, 1,640 km from Buenos Aires City. 
Founded in 1902, San Carlos de Bariloche owes its name to Carlos Wiederhold, who set the first grocery in the area, and to the deformation of the term Vuriloche ("different people from behind or from the other side"), used to name the natives from the valleys located to the west of the Andes mountain range, before the arrival of the mapuche people.

Since then, Bariloche has turned into the main winter destination in Argentina, and has become the largest ski station in America.  
 
This small town offers everything you could possibly wish for: shopping, sports, all sorts of equipment and gear, luxury items, plus amazing culinary specialities, like Bariloche’s world famous chocolate and ice cream parlours. The nightlife is always steaming hot. You’ll see cafes, bars and restaurants around every corner. Anything you crave, you’ll find: Italian, French, Swiss, Mexican, Asian, fast-food and of course, local specialties, including all sorts of locally brewed beers. And if you still have the urge for some more nightlife, you’ll have plenty of clubs and alternative bars to choose from, all of which close just before sunrise.

Cerro Catedral:
These peaks resemble the towers of a Gothic style medieval temple. That is the reason for its name. El Cerro Catedral (cathedral), located 19 kilometers from the City of San Carlos de Bariloche, opens its doors to the inhabitants of the world who wish to experiment the adventure promised by winter sports. 

At 1030 meters over sea level, Catedral seems to try to join the ground and the sky. A pioneer among South American ski resorts, at present, it is the most complete and it continues updating its facilities in order to offer visitors the most advanced infrastructure. From this season on, the unification of its sectors will offer 600 hectares of skiable surface divided into 53 well-signalled runs of various difficulties, which reach 2.000 meters over sea level. 

All skiing disciplines, including off-piste, are available. Those who practice freestyle and snowboarding will also enjoy an area specially designed with jumps and rails to show their abilities. Catedral is also the stage for the most important international competitions. 

The updating program, applied to its 39 lifts, will allow the total lift capacity of the mountain to be increased by 70%. Likewise, access will be controlled by a system of hands-free passes, which works through radio frequency. Therefore, it will not be necessary to show the pass in order to get on the lifts, as it may be detected even if it is inside a pocket or a backpack. 

Furthermore, Catedral has a modern snow-making system, which creates real flakes that cover a skiable surface of about 10 hectares. More lifts are being incorporated this winter at Catedral 2005, so that everybody may enjoy a record season. The new “Amancay” gondola, which can seat 4 people and transport 2000 passengers per hour, has been inaugurated. On the slopes there are plenty restaurants and refuge with nice terrace, where you can stop for a lunch or just taking the sun with the nicest view ever!!!

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Accommodations

In order to allow you enjoy the wonders of the Patagonia and its natural environment, we have selected the perfect lodging: a hotel located right in between the city and the mountains. We’ll be staying at the shores of Lake Gutierrez, only 15 minutes away from the ski trails (instead of half an hour, if you stay in the city).

Every morning, private transport will drive you to the ski center and if you desire, we’ll be happy to arrange transportation to the city at night, after you’re done with the skiing. Our hotel opened its doors only recently (2005) and it offers all the comfort and facilities you might need. It exhales a friendly atmosphere and excellent service, ideal for relaxing in a magical place surrounded by a spectacular view. We offer double or triple rooms, all equipped with a private bathroom and single or double beds, upon request. We also offer you a scrumptious breakfast every morning (you’ll be needing lots of energy!) and as we arrive back from a long day up in the mountains, a delicious gourmet dinner will be waiting for you.

We can also organize a special ¨asado¨ night, an Argentinean speciality consisting of a giant BBQ with the best national meat, considered one of the best in the world. And of course, no asado is complete without a superb bottle of Argentinean wine.

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Agenda / Itinerary

Day 1:
After arriving at the Buenos Aires International Airport, you’ll board a domestic flight that will take you directly to San Carlos de Bariloche. Our team will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you from here to the hotel. You’ll have time to settle in, grab a quick bite to eat and enjoy the tranquillity of the hotel. After resting and adjusting to the new time, you’ll be ready to enjoy your first Argentinean meal...delicious! During the evening we will have time to explain the details of the itinerary and answer all the questions you might have.

Day 2:
Time to discover this little piece of heaven on earth!!! After a scrumptious breakfast, we will hit the ski trails and start our first ski/snowboard day. Depending on your experience and demands, we will provide you with one of our guides to help you discover the amazing extension of this ski station. It’s up to you to find your favourite playground among these high peaks! You’ll encounter dense green woods and tracks for skiers/riders of any level of experience, some overlooking the beautiful lakes scattered throughout this Patagonian area. If you love sunsets, you’ll be able to enjoy the view sitting in any of the restaurants or terraces that surround the ski area. 

Day 3 to day 7:
By now you know the place a bit better.... anything is possible! If the weather conditions allow it, you can explore really great freerides quite close to the trails, pretty steep, but also wide and easy to run, perfect for skiers/riders of all level of experience. If you wish, you can take ski or snowboard lessons in one of the ski schools or maybe even try out a new sport. At the end of the day, you’ll have time to relax at one of the many plazas Cerro Catedral has to offer or perhaps visit Bariloche to do some shopping or enjoy all the fun places this magical town has to offer. After dinner at the hotel (which is included, but in case you wish to choose a different restaurant, you a free to do so), it will be a pleasure to organize any ¨night outing¨ you might desire.

Day 8
After a heavenly week in one of the best ski centres in the world, we will accompany you to the airport in Bariloche in time to board your flight back home. The dream comes to an end...

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Argentina Ride/Ski Bariloche (8 days)

Dates: July to September

Prices: 1500 USD

Number of people:

max. 16 people / min. 4people

Registration deadline: 5 months before

Included:
- Transfers Airport/Hotel/Airport
- Transfer from the hotel to the ski centre
- 7 nights stay at Hostería Lago Gutierrez
- 6 days skipass
- All breakfasts and dinners

Not included:
- Airline ticket from your country of residence
- Other special activities or lessons
- Travel and personal accident insurance ( available on the website)

The schedule can be subject to modification, dependent of your flights and the weather forecast.
For more information: info@kosta5.ch