Ski Portillo, Chile

The skiing resort at Portillo, Chile is renowned as one of the oldest and near legendary skiing locations in the world. Initially used by railroad engineers during the construction of the international railway from Chile to Buenos Aires at the beginning of the century, it quickly became a recreational spot of skiing enthusiasts.

At this time ski lifts were introduced and the Hotel Portillo was established. The further development of the area was halted due to the Second World War. After the war the construction was resumed and the Portillo Ski Area was born. The years after were quite hard as the due to inexperience of the administration in managing a ski resort. The resort was sold to two Americans who were greatly impressed by the magnificent skiing and the incredible beauty of Portillo.

The resort underwent a complete renovation with the introduction of modern facilities and an Olympic Gold medalist as Director of Skiing. The new facilities were inaugurated by flying in a group of Skiing dignitaries who spent their first day stuck on the railway while railroad workers cleared out the tracks an avalanche. The first and only World Skiing Championship was set up after long negotiations and politics in order to bring the world’s attention to the resort. Brand new facilities including new ski lifts, a new communication system and an improved transportation system, were set up and expansions initiated. However, extreme weather conditions and a powerful typhoon devastated the area. The owners were reasonably distressed but determined to rebuild and on August, 1966 the first major World Ski event of the equator was inaugurated. The event was a great success with the French winning all the Gold except the Slalom.

Portillo, Chile has since grown into a successful and sought after skiing destination. The resort has been host to many celebrities including the Kennedys, Argentine polo players, Scotsmen, supermodels, TV commercials, and much more. The experience of Portillo is akin to a cruise ship permanently docked in the Andes. The terrain is not extensive but challenging for even the most expert skiers. A unique slingshot style pull-lift transports 5 persons at a time to the top of the slope.

Nightlife at the Portillo is slow unless you have your own group of friends. The resort has a cozy bar which has live music some nights out of the week, a dance room with disco lights. An alternative option is the La Pasada, a bar across the road from the hotel, with friendly people and relatively cheaper menu.