Winter Trek Cerro Bella Vista – Private Full‑Day in Bariloche

The trail begins in the area known as “Tambo Báez,” sharing its starting point with the path to Refugio Jakob. At first, the slope is gentle, ideal to warm up as frost-covered colihue canes flank the trail. Soon, we enter a tall coihue forest that provides shelter from the wind.

As we progress, the slope increases and our steps slow down due to the snow. After several turns, we reach a viewpoint over Lake Nahuel Huapi, where we pause to hydrate and enjoy the view, with the possibility of spotting condors soaring overhead.

This mountain is located near Colonia Suiza. Its summit, at 1,800 m (5,906 ft), combines sections of tall forest with granite rock formations.

We continue the ascent and start to see lengas, which in winter look enchanting. The forest becomes denser, and the snow covers the ground, creating a magical landscape.

Midway through the trek, we leave the forest, and the scenery transforms into high mountain terrain. We climb a steep zigzag section, using trekking poles and, if necessary, snowshoes to progress safely.

After this section, the trail disappears, and we walk along the mountain ridge among granite rock formations sculpted by erosion. The lengas become stunted, and vegetation is limited to species adapted to the high-Andean climate.

We reach the pre-summit, where stunning views of the lakes and snow-covered mountains unfold. It’s a good spot to rest and have a snack. To the left, Cerro Catedral (where Refugio Frey is located) can be seen, and further west, Cerro Goye.

From here, each step elevates us further, offering increasingly spectacular views of the lake. Due to the altitude, spotting condors is common year-round.

The summit is closer than it seems, although the ridge we must cross can have avalanche risk. If it’s not safe, the ascent will end at the pre-summit. Another safer option is to start from the trail at Arroyo Goye, which is longer but with gentler slopes. If the sky is clear, you can enjoy a 360º panorama spanning from the Cuyín Manzano Range to the imposing Cerro Tronador. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the National Park and its mountains.

Snow completely changes the behavior of wildlife in the mountains. While walking through the snow, do you know how Patagonian animals adapt to winter? If you spot animal tracks, you’ll find out.

The return follows the same path, although there’s an option for a longer route that passes through Cerro Goye and ends in Colonia Suiza.

What if this time you let the snow show you another side of Bariloche?