Ski Chile: Portillo Ski & Valle Nevado Ski

Ski Chile: Guided Skiing at its Finest

There is nothing better than getting out of the summer heat for a week of skiing down south. Whether you choose a Portillo ski trek or a Valle Nevado ski trek for your summer get-a-way you’ll experience Chilean hospitality and some of the finest skiing in the world. Kim’s been hosting summer trips to Ski Chile and South America since 2003 and loves sharing these majestic Andes with you. Each trip caters to a different group; families, experts and intermediate skiers. Although there is some instruction, the focus is on guided skiing with people of the same ability, great meals, beautiful scenery and good company. Each day starts with a breakfast and discussion about the plan for the day followed by heading out on the slopes. Some will traverse or hike to get to the best terrain, others will ski long perfect groomers, while a few may even go heli-skiing. The options are limitless and Kim will insure you experience what is right for you and your comfort level.

Guided Adventure Skiing for Families – Portillo, Chile

Date: July 28 – August 4, 2012.
Level: Intermediate and Advanced Skiers.

No matter what the ages of your children, Kim is the perfect guide for your family. This trip is open to one or two families with two guides for groups over 5. Ski all together, split it up to adults and kids or by ability and comfort level. The Portillo ski area has skiing for everyone and it’s easy to meet up after a few runs; some may want to ski steep slopes or fresh powder while others ski groomers. Portillo Ski Lift With Kim as your guide there are no long discussions as to which run to ski or where to meet. Kim is in charge — allowing you to enjoy the skiing and not worry about the others. With inside knowledge and contacts, Kim knows where to be when, getting you to the right aspect at the right time of day, standing at the top of a closed run when it first opens to fresh powder or moving across the slope for better light or fewer people. The Portillo family is Kim’s family and she shares her great relationships with you so you too feel at home in Portillo.

Background:

Over the past 60 years, Portillo has earned a reputation as a world class destination. The snow quality in Portillo is excellent and is often likened to that of the Rocky Mountains. Skiers of all skill-levels find what they are looking for on this mountain and come back year after year. The ski area features 35 runs, all of which are groomed nightly and there is also extensive skiing to be had on unpacked runs and off piste. There is nothing quite like a powder day in Portillo. The bowls and shoots perfectly collect the light, dry snow and the above-tree-line landscape turns into a white playground. With a very low weekly guest capacity, guests don’t have to worry about getting up at first light to get first tracks.

Located at 9,420 ft. Portillo has a vertical drop of 2,500 feet with runs as long as 1.5 miles. The average snowfall is 27 feet and boasts 80% sunny days. Portillo is like a private ski resort because there is only one hotel. With over 2,000 acres of diverse terrain and very little grooming, it’s a skier’s paradise. There is untracked powder for days after a storm, surface lifts that take you to steep technical slopes all above the timberline, and long intermediate groomers which go on forever. We have skied other resorts in South America and keep going back to Portillo because, in our opinion, it’s the best!

Lunch at Portillo Ski Resort

Accommodations:

The Portillo ski area is a place free of commercial expansion and distractions. There is no town, no shopping center and no Starbucks. There is one big yellow hotel, one beautiful ski mountain, 400 guests, and 450 energetic and smiling employees to ensure a care-free vacation. Rooms have two twin beds or one queen bed, a full bathroom and overlook the beautiful Laguna (lake) del Inca.

Getting There:

Portillo is 102 miles from Santiago, Chile. The two hour drive is very scenic, and even offers views of Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas. With your Ski with Kim reservation airport transfers are included. Extra nights in Santiago and tours of the wine country can be arranged upon request.

Portillo Ski Trip Includes:

Round trip airport transfers from/to Santiago Chile
7 nights lodging
8 days lift ticket
7 days guided skiing with 3 guides for the group
4 meals a day
Private welcome reception
Private “send off” dinner party
Optional helicopter skiing daily

2012 Portillo Chile Family Ski Adventure

Date: July 28 – August 4, 2012.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate and Advanced Skiers.
Details: Arrive on Friday, July 27th, ski 8 days, stay 7 nights, depart Sunday, August 5th.
Cost: $4,650 (Double with Kids). Make your Reservation before November 30th and receive a $200 discount.

Guided Adventure Skiing for Adults – Portillo, Chile

Date: August 4-11, 2012.
Level: Advanced and Expert Skiers.

Guided skiing all day means you get the most out of every run with skiers of the same ability. Our goal as guides is to make sure you are in the right place at the right time; to get you to the best snow conditions, best aspects, and best light for the time of day. Kim’s lead guide, Greg Harms, has been skiing Portillo for 21 years, is fluent in Spanish and knows the Portillo ski area better than anyone. Nick Hill joins Kim with 17 years of teaching and guiding experience, adds knowledge and an Australian sense of humor to your days. Three guides with 15 guests make for small groups to accommodate different levels. Each day is unique and we encourage you to enjoy your vacation the way you want to. We are there to ski, laugh, have fun, and share our passion for skiing with you. If you have not been on this trip before — don’t wait to sign up, with 85% return clientele space for newcomers is limited.