Chile, a country located between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean along the western coast of the Southern Cone of South America, has a unique geographical position. With a length of approximately 4,300 km and an average width of just 180 km, Chile stands out as one of the longest and narrowest countries in the world. Its diverse climate encompasses almost all types found on the planet, excluding the tropical one.
Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, plays a dual role in the country. With a population of around 18 million people, Chile is a vibrant and diverse nation. Spanish is the official language, and the Chilean peso serves as its main currency. Throughout different regions of the country, one can still experience the rich traditions and cultural practices of indigenous communities.
With its captivating geography, cultural diversity, and religious plurality, Chile offers a perfect place for locals and travelers to enjoy.
When it comes to skiing, Chile, along with Argentina, take the lead as the main countries in South America for this winter sport. They offer numerous ski resorts and thousands of square kilometers of the Andes mountain range for ski touring. Chile’s winter season typically runs from June to September, and its main ski resorts include Valle Nevado, El Colorado/Farellones, Nevados de Chillán, La Parva, and Portillo. The country has a total of 18 ski resorts, with El Colorado/Farellones being the largest and Valle Nevado the highest.
Skiing in Chile and Argentina traces its roots back to the construction of the Transandine Railway in the Andes, where European workers utilized skis to traverse the snowy valleys of the central Andes. In the path of this railway lies the legendary Ski Portillo, a world-class hotel and ski resort. Its exceptional facilities, high-quality snow, uncrowded slopes, and spectacular location make it the perfect place to indulge in Andean skiing. As South America’s first ski resort, Ski Portillo holds a significant place in the global history of winter sports.
Operated by its owners themselves, Portillo believes in providing the ultimate ski experience: a moment of relaxation and fun among friends and family, enjoying the snow in the midst of a privileged landscape and a profound connection with the mountains. With slopes catering to skiers of all levels and stunning views of the beautiful Inca Lagoon, Portillo offers a unique experience to its guests. Apart from excellent snow conditions, Ski Portillo is known for providing warm and personalized service to generations of skiers and their families.
History of Ski Portillo
In 1887, the construction of the railroad crossing the Andes through the Uspallata Pass began, connecting Chile with Mendoza, Argentina. Among the engineers were three Norwegians who conducted winter studies while working on their skis. Skiing was a common practice during the construction, serving as a means of transportation and, undoubtedly, entertainment. After the railway’s inauguration in 1910, recreational skiers used it as a ski lift between Caracoles and Juncal, traversing what is now the Ski Portillo resort. Hence, the Transandine Railway became Chile’s first ski lift.
By the late 1930s, skiers and adventurers started flocking to Portillo to enjoy the mountains. A small cabin known as “Hotel Portillo” provided accommodation, a name that remained with the construction of the present-day building. The hotel was inaugurated in 1949, offering 125 rooms. After facing some complications, the Chilean government decided to privatize the hotel in 1961, marking one of the country’s first state-owned enterprises sold to the private sector.
In 1961, Portillo was purchased by two Americans, Bob Purcell and Dick Aldrich, who were familiar with Latin America and had previously skied in Portillo. They were captivated by its beauty and excellent conditions for skiing in the Chilean Andes. Recognizing the immense potential, they decided to invest in modern facilities for Portillo. On July 15, 1961, a new administration took over the Ski Portillo resort. Distinguished guests, both American and Chilean, attended the grand opening of the hotel and its slopes.
During Portillo’s first year of operation under new ownership, the owners realized they needed a significant sporting event to put themselves on the world ski map. They applied to host the 1966 Alpine World Ski Championships. After many negotiations, the races were awarded to the Chilean Ski Federation and Portillo. With much preparation underway for the event, a pre-championship race was scheduled for August 1965.
The 1966 World Ski Championships marked a momentous occasion in Portillo’s skiing history and South America’s skiing history. This event elevated Chile’s status as an international skiing destination, attracting skiers from around the globe who visited Portillo for summer training during the Northern Hemisphere’s season.
In 1978, skier Steve McKinney shattered the speed skiing record by hurtling down the Kilómetro Lanzado outside La Travesía. His descent reached a remarkable speed of 200.22 km/h (124.137 mph), making him the first skier to surpass the 200 km/h threshold.
The Ski Resort
Reaching Portillo requires just a two-hour drive from the city of Santiago. Situated 164 kilometers away from Santiago and in close proximity to the Chile-Argentina border, the route offers an exceptionally picturesque journey. Majestic mountains grace the landscape at every turn, and lucky travelers may even spot condors soaring overhead. The skiing season in Chile varies from year to year, depending on snowfall, but typically extends from June to September.
Spanning 1,235 hectares, Portillo has an extensive skiable area. The hotel sits at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level, while the resort’s highest point reaches 3,300 meters above sea level. Portillo benefits from favorable weather conditions, with approximately 80% sunny days and exceptional snow quality, with an average snowfall of over 500 cm.
Portillo offers a variety of lodging options to cater to different preferences, whether traveling alone, as a couple, with family or accompanied by friends. Ski Portillo provides the Hotel, offering panoramic views and facilities for all tastes; the chalets, providing the comfort and independence of a mountain retreat; the Octagon Lodge, ideal for families or groups of friends; and the Inca Lodge, perfect for young individuals and backpackers.
Dining in Portillo is an experience in itself. Guests can start their day with breakfast in the main dining room of the hotel, enjoy a delicious burger while gazing at the Inca Lagoon at the mountain restaurant Tío Bob’s, and end their day with snacks and cocktails at the renowned hotel bar.
With convenient slope access and a range of daily activities on and off the snow, Portillo captivates skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. All lodging options provide ski-in and ski-out convenience, allowing guests to hit the slopes right from their doorstep each morning. Whether a novice or an expert skier, Ski Portillo guarantees an unforgettable experience.
The terrain in Portillo offers endless possibilities for advanced and expert skiers. Boasting some of the most exhilarating ski runs in the Andes, as well as chutes and bowls that accumulate powder snow during storms, advanced skiers will be enthralled by the diverse options and exceptional terrain quality. Portillo’s terrain is as vast as one’s imagination. Skiers and snowboarders, when conditions permit, can explore renowned off-piste areas such as Primavera, Kilómetro Lanzado and Super C couloir.
Over the years, pro skiers from renowned international teams such as the USA, Canada, Austria, Norway, and others have frequented Portillo for summer training during the Northern Hemisphere’s offseason, making it a meeting point for skiers of all profiles.
The yellow house, as described by its staff, is a worldwide skiing icon and can be enjoyed by both families and professional skiers. We invite you to experience Portillo at least once in your life. A must on any skier’s bucket list.
Useful links and sources:
https://skiportillo.com/en/home/
