diff --git a/tests/conftest.py b/tests/conftest.py
index 6050ebb3..f08ca428 100644
--- a/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/conftest.py
@@ -26,10 +26,13 @@ def remove_data_folder():
     request.addfinalizer(remove_data_folder)
 
 
-@pytest.mark.requires_netcdf
 @pytest.fixture(scope="session")
-def samplecat():
+def samplecat(request):
     """Generate a sample catalog with the tutorial netCDFs."""
+    mark_skip = request.config.getoption("-m")
+    if "not requires_netcdf" == mark_skip:
+        pytest.skip("Skipping tests that require netCDF files")
+
     df = xs.parse_directory(
         directories=[SAMPLES_DIR],
         patterns=[