Overview

Portillo, world famous and the oldest ski area in South America, is also one of the most unique ski destinations with limited hotel capacity, no lift lines, uncrowded slopes and stunning views.

Portillo is unique for a numerous reasons. Firstly there is only one hotel, no town and much else, but don’t be fooled as this is a world class resort that you cannot miss. The imposing bright yellow building that nestles amongst the Andes sitting around 3,000m high. Portillo is on the border of Chile and Argentina, so close in fact you can see customs from your hotel window.

Portillo skiing and resort experience is unlike that of any other. Portillo operates as a weeklong, Saturday to Saturday, all-inclusive resort, with packages that include lodging, lift tickets, meals plus access to the array of hotel facilities including outdoor spas overlooking spectacular views. To top this off, with guest numbers limited to 450 skiers, Portillo feels like your own private ski club allowing you exclusive access to untracked powder all day.

Portillo sits above the tree line and a combination of well maintained groomed trails and main attraction, big mountain skiing. There are trails for all ability levels, but the resort caters more towards advanced riders with an abundance of steeps and access to endless backcountry areas.

An experience in the own right, Portillo hosts numerous slingshot lifts to combat the steep terrain. Unique to Portillo,  the “va et vient” lifts  which are like 4 to 5 person pulley system shoot you the hill at hefty speed. And the rewards…the unbelievable terrain waiting for you at the top.

Portillo is steeped in history. It was first introduced to the world stage in 1966 when it became the first South American resort to host the World Skiing Championships which was further boosted by hosting numerous world record speed records in the 1970s and 80s. Starting as an outpost for passage from Chile to Argentina, to Olympic ski teams, professional ski camps, Warren Miller films and a long list of celebrity visitors; but what really keeps people coming back to Portillo is the uncrowded, steep and deep terrain with top to bottom untracked powder.

Hotel Portillo

$1700 US

7 nights all inclusive

Octagon Lodge

$1100 US

7 nights all inclusive

Inca Lodge

$700 US

7 nights all inclusive