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Portillo Ski Resort

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Sandy Goes
Sandy Goes
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
3
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Editor Pick

Portillo Ski Resort

  • April 6, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York
Portillo Ski Resort

A day trip approximately 2 1/2 hours outside of Santiago took us to the Chilean countryside on our way to the exclusive ski resort Portillo. On our way we stopped for authentic empanadas and Chilean beer. The empanadas were baked outside in a kiln type oven. This authentic South American treat was really delicious. The empanadas were filled with a beef and onion mixture, hard boiled eggs and olives (beware, the olives had pits)and was very inexpensive.

The road leading to the ski resort was full of switchbacks and a bit of a hairy ride with no railings or fences. As it was summer, the landscape was rather barren although there was snow on top of the mountain. What a great way to experience the Andes Mountains especially if you are a non-skier. We enjoyed a wonderful salmon lunch including a bottle of Chilean wine in the hotel dining room overlooking the beautiful Laguna del Inca. The hotel opens up during the off-season to host bus tour visitors.

The altitude was about 10,000'. Several people experienced dizziness at the high altitude. This classy all inclusive ski resort is home to US, Austrian, and Spanish National Ski Teams and has a world class ski school. It is located near the Argentine border. Ski season is mid-June to early October. www.skiportillo.com. 

Since we visited Portillo in the summertime, it was hard to imagine the stark landscape covered by snow but based on a film shown it appears to be worth a visit if you are a skier.

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