Snowmobile tour vista in the Patagonian Andes
Snowmobile tours, Patagonia

Two snowmobile zones.
One sells out months ahead.

Snowmobile tours in Patagonia aren't just a winter novelty, in Cerro Catedral they're one of the most consistently sold-out experiences of the entire season. Malalcahuello, across the border in Chile, is the quieter alternative most travelers have never heard of. Here's how both work, and how to actually get a spot.

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Season
Jun → Sep
Tour length
1.5 to 4 hours
Group size
2 to 8 sleds
Format
Self-drive or passenger
What it is

Why these two zones, and not the rest.

Patagonia has snowmobile operators in a handful of places, but two stand out for very different reasons. Cerro Catedral, just outside Bariloche, runs the most polished and most in-demand program in Argentina, small fleet, professional guides, a real ride into the back of the resort. It books out in months, not weeks.

Malalcahuello, in Chile's Araucanía region, is everything Catedral isn't: quiet, forested, volcanic, and operated at a much smaller scale. You'll ride through ancient araucaria (monkey-puzzle) forests with the Lonquimay volcano in the background, often without crossing another tour the whole afternoon.

If you only do one snowmobile tour on a Patagonia trip, pick the one that matches the rest of your itinerary, Catedral if you're skiing Bariloche, Malalcahuello if you're heading into Chile's volcano belt.

Where it works

The two zones, side by side.

Cerro Catedral
Argentina

Cerro Catedral

Bariloche, Río Negro
Season
Jun → Sep
Elevation
1,000 to 2,000 m
Vibe
In-demand, polished, fully booked

The flagship snowmobile experience in Argentine Patagonia. Tours run from the Catedral base area into back lots and lenga-forest drainages the lifts don't reach. The operator runs a small modern fleet with self-drive and passenger options, full gear included, and bilingual guides. Demand is the catch: peak-season slots (mid-July through August) are routinely booked 2 to 4 months in advance, and last-minute availability is rare. If Bariloche is in your trip, lock this in early.

Malalcahuello
Chile

Malalcahuello

Araucanía
Season
Jul → Sep
Elevation
1,200 to 2,100 m
Vibe
Quiet, volcanic, monkey-puzzle forests

A 4-hour drive south of Temuco, Malalcahuello sits between the Lonquimay and Tolhuaca volcanoes inside one of Chile's most distinctive forest landscapes. Snowmobile tours here are smaller-scale and more flexible, half-day loops through the araucaria forest, longer rides up toward the Lonquimay cone, sunset tours with volcano views. Booking is typically possible 2 to 4 weeks ahead, even in high season. Pair it with a stay at the local thermal lodge for one of the most underrated weeks in Chilean winter.

When to go

When to go, and when to book.

Both zones run from June into September, but the booking calendar is what really matters. Catedral fills its peak weeks before the season even starts. Malalcahuello stays flexible most of the winter. The sweet spot for snow quality at both is late July through August.

  • June
    Catedral early season. Limited terrain but easier to book.
  • July
    Peak month at Catedral, book by April / May. Malalcahuello opens up.
  • August
    Best conditions both zones. Catedral fully booked; Malalcahuello manageable.
  • September
    Stable weather, longer days, easier last-minute booking at both.
Who it's for
  • →Travelers building a full Bariloche or Araucanía week who want one standout non-ski day.
  • →Couples and small groups (2 to 6) wanting a private, photo-heavy half day.
  • →Skiers and snowboarders looking for a rest-day adventure that isn't a town walk.
  • →Anyone happy to plan months ahead in exchange for one of Patagonia's most booked-out experiences.
Probably not for you if
  • ×Travelers booking inside 4 weeks of a July or August trip to Bariloche, Catedral will almost certainly be full.
  • ×People expecting unlimited self-drive freedom, all tours are guided convoys.
  • ×Anyone uncomfortable on a motorized vehicle in snow conditions.
Common questions

FAQ.

How early do I need to book the Cerro Catedral snowmobile tour?

For peak weeks in July and August, plan on 2 to 4 months in advance. Shoulder dates in June and late September are easier, sometimes available a few weeks out. We lock client snowmobile slots before booking the rest of the trip.

Can I drive my own snowmobile?

Yes at both zones. The standard format is lead-and-follow: the guide leads, you drive your own sled in convoy. A passenger seat is available if you'd rather ride along.

What's included?

Helmet, gloves, snow suit and boots are typically included. Bring base layers, goggles or sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack with water. Operators provide a safety briefing before the tour starts.

How does Malalcahuello compare to Catedral?

Catedral is more polished and convenient (right next to the resort), but in much higher demand. Malalcahuello is quieter, more remote, more visually distinctive (volcanoes + araucaria forests), and far easier to book.

Is this safe for first-timers?

Yes, both zones run tours specifically designed for first-time snowmobile riders. The guide handles route choice and pace, and the briefing covers everything you need.

Plan this trip

Want a snowmobile day in your trip?

Catedral's peak-season tours sell out before most people start planning. We hold slots for our planning clients early in the season, get in touch and we'll secure one as part of your full Patagonia itinerary.

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