Outings and excursions · San Carlos de Bariloche
Snow Dresses up to the Occasion
Text: Mónica Pons · Photos: Secretaría Turismo Municipal de Bariloche
Both locals and tourists take part in this amusing and thrilling celebration with the yearning to enjoy snow at the mountain until spring comes.
The festival at a glance
What happens at the festival
On Cerro Catedral, skiers and snowboarders ski down at night with fire torches and LED lights to Plaza Catalina Reynal. In 2026 it was organized by AADIDESS (ski and snowboard instructors) and around 600 people took part.
Candidates born in Bariloche or with at least three years of residence, aged 18 or over, compete for the crown; she is chosen on the last night of the festival.
A test of strength, precision and technique, in men's and women's categories, honoring the workers of the forests and the countryside.
A tray-balancing skill test through the downtown streets to the arches of the Centro Cívico: running is not allowed, since it is not a speed race.
A baking competition at Puerto San Carlos, with professional, amateur and junior amateur categories.
Local and regional knitters take part, with garments handmade from natural or industrial fibers.
A parade of boats on Lake Nahuel Huapi in front of the city, at Puerto San Carlos.
A traditional charity day of the festival.
Local and national artists every night on the main stage; in 2026 Turf and Los Auténticos Decadentes closed the festival.
The classic finale of the festival was fireworks; in 2026 there were drone shows in the Bariloche sky.
A bit of history
Bariloche's bond with snow goes back a long way: in the 1930s people skied on the slopes near the village and on Cerro Otto, in 1938 the first downhill race was held on Cerro Catedral, and in 1943, at the initiative of winter sports expert Hans Nobel, mountain activities began to take on a “festive” spirit. In 1954 the National Parks administration organized the first Snow Festival on Cerro Catedral, focused on sport, with triple world ski champion Stein Eriksen in attendance.
From 1964 the Municipal Tourism Office organized it together with National Parks, and in 1965 the float parade, the “retreta del desierto”, the snow sculpture contest and the fox hunt on skis were added for the first time. By 1970 the program already included ski competitions, folk festivals, the election of the snow queen, and regional knitting and axemen contests. In 1971 Decree 1580/71 named Bariloche host of the “1st National Snow Festival”, with María de las Nieves Alaniz as the first National Queen.
In 1978 the province created the Permanent Organizing Committee of the Snow Festival, and in 1979 Resolution 145/79 declared the festival an annual event with Bariloche as its permanent host. Over the years the torchlight descent, the axemen contest, the waiters' race, the sweater contest, the queen's election, the boat parade in front of the Centro Cívico and the fireworks became classics. The 55th edition was held in 2026, organized by the Municipality, and it is the event that marks the start of the winter season.
Chronicle: how we lived it
A few days before each snow season, Mount Catedral hosts celebrations in San Carlos de Bariloche. For several days, both residents and visitors renovate the sport spirit of ski. The most significant moments take place at the ski center and also in the streets of town, especially at the emblematic Civic Center. Our visit to this southern destination coincided with this festival and we spread our our best vibes to join the preparations.
As we walked down Mitre Street, one of the main in the city, we witnessed the waiters and waitresses race. They were hurrying down winding Rolando Street carrying bottles and glasses on their trays. In spite of there being winners, it is not considered a competition but a display of skills. "The way down was very hard, because of the wind", said one of the waiters as he reached the main square.
The following day, we went to the ski resort, which welcomed us with a snowfall. The attendants were all wearing ski suits, attractive hats and a good mood. The atmosphere was joyful and the scene was picturesque. The stands offered information about services, promotions and news about apparel and skis or snowboards. Every year, experts find out about new materials, safety and fashionable colors, designs and patterns.
At sunset, the downhill torch parade represented a wonderful show featuring coordination and seduction. The skiers were carrying lit torches and moving down the trails slowly towards the base, where they deposited the fire in a big bonfire that heated up the cold winter night.
Music shows were always present, both at the ski resort and the town. New artists and famed bands got on the stage. Tango, rock, folklore and dancing cheered up the different intermissions. The election of the queen took place on Saturday night at the Civic Center. The beautiful winner toured around town on a float filled with allegorical figures the following day.
The lumberjack contest was another attraction, long awaited by those who show off at cutting a thick log in two in a matter of minutes. Participants of all ages are already well-known by the locals and have their own fans that support them year after year. "Strength or skill?" was the question. "Skill, of course, and an axe in good condition", said one famous participant.
In spite of the typically changing Patagonian weather (sunshine, hesitating clouds and strong gusts of wind at times), everyone joined in the celebrations. There were fireworks and the Snow Festival program successfully became adapted to the weather conditions without any interruptions.
