Portillo Ski Resort Live Cam

Nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains near the legendary Lake of the Inca, Portillo is a captivating ski resort that draws visitors from around the globe to experience skiing in an extraordinary high alpine environment. Renowned for attracting families who return year after year for generations, Portillo provides a distinctive ski-in, ski-out resort experience, unparalleled by any other ski destination in Chile or South America.

Ski Portillo

Portillo stands apart from any other ski resort in Chile or the world. With a capacity for only 450 guests, we create an intimate atmosphere where like-minded individuals come together to share their passion for skiing and the mountains. At Portillo, everyone connects, forming a close-knit community reminiscent of a small, vibrant ski town. It's a place rich in history, unchanged over time, where guests return year after year to find familiar faces. Here, meals are shared, families strengthen bonds, new friendships blossom, and lasting memories are made.

About Ski Portillo, Chile

Portillo, the first ski resort in South America, has significantly influenced world ski history. As the only South American resort to host the World Ski Championships (in 1966), Portillo remains a legendary icon in the skiing community. To delve deeper into Portillo's rich history, we invite you to explore the book "The Spirit of the Andes" by Henry Purcell, featuring classic images from Portillo's first six decades. This book is available for purchase at the hotel shop.

1887, It Began With The Railroads

In 1887, the Chilean government embarked on constructing a railway through the Andes to transport goods and passengers from Chile's Central Valley to Mendoza, Argentina, and eventually to Buenos Aires. Among the engineers were two Norwegians who conducted winter studies of the proposed route. These Norwegians spent the winters of 1887 and 1888 traversing the region on skis, likely becoming the first skiers to cross the slopes that would later become the Portillo ski area. When the railway was inaugurated in 1910, recreational skiers used it as uphill transportation, making the Trans-Andean railway effectively the first ski lift in Chile.

Ski Portillo’s beautifully groomed trails

With an annual snowfall of about thirty-five feet and a sun that makes one feel like one never left summer behind at all, Portillo offers a unique skiing experience in the Andes. Portillo is the oldest ski area in South America and its history is an important part of the history of skiing. A history of men and mountains, dreams and accomplishments in the wonderful world of skiing. Portillo is not just for skiing, socializing and relaxing; it's for renovating and restoring the mind and body in a natural environment that is nothing less than spectacular. Famous for its majestic scenery and tremendous snow, Portillo has been South America's premier destination ski resort for fifty years.

Portillo is an intimate resort. Our 450 employees take excellent care of our 500 guests. Portillo's friendly ambiance, skiing and service mean good health and great memories for all who come to enjoy a Portillo vacation.

Each Saturday a new set of guests arrives like a freshman class arriving for the first time to university. They begin to meet each other on the drive up from the airport and by the end of the week they leave as friends for life, having lived, skied and laughed together for the week in Portillo.

A Portillo vacation is a Saturday to Saturday ski week between mid-June and mid-October. The skiweek includes 7 days skiing (8 days skiing if you turn your room back to us before 11am on your final Saturday), 7 nights lodging and four meals per day. Also included for no extra charges are aerobics and yoga classes, weight room facilities, gymnasium, game room, kids afternoon activities, day care for children, boot and ski valet, ice skating (when weather permits the survival of our rink), heated outdoor pool and entrance to the disco. Guests should budget extra for ski/snowboard rentals, lessons or ski training sessions, massage, beauty salon treatments, computer time at our cyber cafe, ski-shop purchases and bar bills.

Portillo's guests arrive every Saturday like a freshman class and depart a week later as friends for life. Portillo has a fifty year tradition of terrific snow, meals, entertainment, comfort and friendliness. Portillo’s guests come from near and far, they speak a host of languages and they represent the full spectrum of skiing abilities from beginner-beginner to the most expert world champions. They enjoy Portillo for many different reasons…its beauty…its fantastic ski terrain…its spa and fitness services... the surprisingly warm hospitality…the new friends made... the fun. So many Portillo guests end up coming back. They simply love the Portillo way of life.

Portillo is 102 miles from Santiago or approximately a 2 1/2 hours drive. The drive from Santiago is very scenic. Ground transfers are not included in our rates. However, both airport and ground transfers are available upon request from Portillo Travel.

The history of the Portillo region in Chile is closely tied to its geographical location and the development of transportation routes across the Andes Mountains. Portillo is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class skiing opportunities. Here's an overview of the history of Portillo in Chile:

• Early Indigenous Inhabitants: Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the region around Portillo was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Picunche and the Inca. These groups established trade routes and paths through the mountains, taking advantage of the strategic location of the area.
• Spanish Colonization: In the 16th century, Spanish explorers and conquistadors arrived in Chile, including Pedro de Valdivia. The Spanish sought to control the valuable silver mines in the region, establishing the city of Santiago in 1541. The Portillo area became a vital passageway for transporting goods and minerals between Chile and Argentina.
• Development of the Trans-Andean Route: During the 19th century, the Trans-Andean Route, also known as the Old Route, was developed to connect Chile with Argentina. This route passed through the Portillo region and became crucial for trade and communication between the two countries. The journey was challenging and dangerous, particularly during winter, but the route remained an important link for many years.
• Construction of the Transandine Railway: In the early 20th century, both Chile and Argentina envisioned a railway system to improve connectivity between the two countries. The Transandine Railway, which aimed to traverse the Andes, was constructed between 1910 and 1912. The railway's highest point was located in Portillo, at an altitude of approximately 10,430 feet (3,180 meters). However, the railway faced numerous challenges due to the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, and it was eventually closed in 1984.
• Skiing and Tourism: Portillo's transformation into a renowned ski destination began in the mid-20th century. In 1949, an Austrian ski instructor named Othmar Schneider introduced skiing to the region, and the first ski resort was established. Over the years, Portillo gained international recognition for its exceptional skiing conditions and breathtaking scenery, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Portillo Today: Today, Portillo remains a popular skiing and tourist destination in Chile. The ski resort offers world-class facilities and accommodations, including the iconic Hotel Portillo, which has hosted numerous international ski teams and notable personalities. The region continues to be admired for its natural beauty, with pristine lakes, snow-covered peaks, and a serene atmosphere.

In summary, the history of Portillo in Chile is intertwined with the development of transportation routes across the Andes, from indigenous trade paths to the construction of railways. Today, Portillo is celebrated for its ski resort and scenic splendor, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

Have you ever dreamed of skiing in summer? Then come to the Chilean Andes

San Francisco world travelers should know that, between Mammoth Mountain, the Lake Tahoe resorts and Big Bear, California rivals Utah and Colorado for having the best ski resorts in North America.

You would think, at the end of the season, skiers and riders would trade in their skis and snowboards for surf boards, head to the beach and partake in that other outdoor activity for which California is famous. Many do just that. Others mourn the closing of the lifts, and fly south for the summer. South, meaning South America.

Take, for example Robin Barnes. World travelers should know that she has worked as a ski instructor and instructor trainer at California’s Heavenly Ski Resort since 1989. As a highly advanced skier, she is also a member of the PSIA-Western Regional Demo. Robin eats, drinks, breathes and dreams skiing throughout her California winters.

When the lifts close, she leaves Heavenly, and heads south to the resort that Snow Magazine calls "heaven on earth:" Portillo, Chile. Here, she works as the ski school director, a job that puts her in charge of some of the top ski and ride instructors from all parts of the globe. Robin is also an instructor for the California-based North American Ski Training Center, which just happens to offer a ski clinic in Portillo.

The Portillo experience: If songwriter Scott Mackenzie had visited Portillo, Chile, he would have told us to wear some flowers in our ski helmets. No wonder it appeals to San Franciscans. From the moment you arrive, the staff and other guests make you feel as if you are a beloved member of an international, multicultural skiing family. In fact, some regular guests arrange to visit on the same week each year: almost like a family reunion. Portillo also serves as summer training grounds for numerous Olympic ski teams, but there's no snobbery here. You might share a lift with an elite athlete, who will chat with you as if he was not as important as he is.

The big yellow hotel: It's the layout that encourages intimacy. Most of Portillo's guest stay in the main building, the iconic yellow hotel. Those looking for budget accommodations can choose between the Octagon Lodge, which has two sets of bunk beds in each room and a private bathroom, or the Inca Lodge, with two sets of bunk beds in a small room with a shared bathroom.

Everyone, however, eats in the same main dining room, which serves four elegant meals a day. So elegant, that a gracious maitre d’ will escort you to your table. The folks at Portillo take meals very seriously and want you to be comfortable. When you come in for lunch, take off your boots and hand your gear to the ski-check guy, who will give you your shoes. Don't worry about the cost. Everything, including lifts, lodging, meals and gear check, is included in the price. As if that was not enough, the resort has a fitness center, a pool that features water aerobics, a cinema, a disco and free Internet access. All for no extra charge. Portillo also schedules special theme weeks, which feature art talks, film, music, cooking and wine tasting. Cost is included

So what about the skiing? Portillo is a family-friendly resort with terrain for all levels. Novices will hone their skills on El Puma, El Corralito, and La Princesa, while advanced beginners and intermediate will have fun on El Conejo, Las Lomas, Canarios and Bajada del Tren. Juncalillo, Portillo's longest run, often serves as a training ground for the U.S. and Austrian ski teams. Along with David's Run, Descenso, Los Zorros, and El Estadio, it suits advanced intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Adventures in lift riding: The Va et Vient lifts, French for “Come and Go,” are Portillo's most unique feature. The Poma company built them for access to Portillo’s Roca Jack, Condor and Las Vizcachas runs. On these avalanche-prone runs, an avalanche will knock even a well-built lift flat to the ground. The Va et Vients have pulleys, which attach to a point at the top of the mountain. Five skiers at a time ride up the mountain, while “sitting” side-by-side on Poma discs suspended from an overhead bar. It feels a bit like water-skiing, only scarier.

If you're looking for a unique ski and ride experience, you will definitely find it at Portillo.