Chile Ski Center
El Portillo
The most ancient and probably the most prestigious ski resort in South America. Only 40 kilometers separate it from the base of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Southern hemisphere.
About Portillo
In the very heart of the Andes Mountain Range, 2,850 meters over sea level, Portillo or “narrow path” was the main pass between Argentina and Chile, first crossed by mules and horses and then by the trans-Andean train, which made one of the most spectacular tours on railways. After the international route was inaugurated, the train journeys were discontinued during the 1970’s, thus losing this marvelous experience.
Main Information
- Vertical drop: 2,500 feet
- Longest run: 1,5 miles
- Altitude of Hotel: 9,450 feet
- Altitude at highest ski point : 10,860 feet
- Average annual snowfall : 260.16 inches (24,7 feet)
- Chance for beautiful weather : 80% sunny days
- Ski -in, Ski – out access from hotel to slopes
- Distance from Santiago: 102 miles (2 hours)
Open Season
June
Facilities
Equipment Rental
Service
Photo Session
Restaurants
Hotel & Mountain
Weather
Winter days above -5 °C
How to get there?
164 km from the capital of Chile, take Route 5 towards the North and after 30 km, after the toll post, take the detour along Route 57 heading for Los Andes. From that town, take the international route up to the Portillo resort.
From Argentina, it is accessed through the city of Mendoza, taking the international route and passing by the Chilean Customs Office, go along one kilometer more to get to Portillo. The routes and paths present good conditions. Nevertheless, given the height and the weather conditions during the winter, the use of tire chains is mandatory.
Ski Area
Here is a general breakdown of our terrain:
- Beginner -15%
- Intermediate – 30%
- Advanced – 30%
- Expert – 25%
The ski area features 1235 acres of ski-able terrain, 14 lifts and 35 runs. Beginner and intermediate runs are groomed nightly, off-piste runs are challenging and steep, and the powder is often deep.
The bowls and shoots perfectly collect the light, dry snow and the above-tree-line landscape turns into a white playground. Pair this with frequently sunny, blue skies and it is easy to understand why many guests, even professional skiers, say they’ve had some of their best ski days at Portillo.
Slopes
| Easiest Trails | Intermediate | Intermediate Advanced | Most Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Puma | El Gaucho | Plateau | Cóndor |
| Corralito | Las Lomas | Roca Jack | |
| La Princesa | Los Canarios | Garganta | |
| Bajada del Tren | Las Vizcachas | ||
| Juncalillo | El Caracara | ||
| Conejo | |||
| David’s Run | |||
| Descenso | |||
| Los Zorros | |||
