The National Snow Festival is Bariloche’s great winter celebration: for several days in August the city and Cerro Catedral fill with music, contests and traditions that open the snow season.
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.
Where it happens
Over 70 years of history
- 1954
National Parks hold the first Snow Festival at Cerro Catedral, with Stein Eriksen.
- 1965
The float parade, desert tattoo and snow sculptures are added.
- 1971
First National Snow Festival (Decree 1580/71) and first National Queen.
- 1979
Bariloche becomes the permanent host (Resolution 145/79).
- 2026
55th edition, 13–16 August. Queen: Tiziana Merino.
Sources
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