Rich in
history, Portillo ski resort is a one of a kind ski destination.
It is hard to pinpoint what makes Portillo unique. Portillo holds
many different features attractive to the visitor. The setting
is beautiful, the hotel carries a reputation that creates its' ambiance,
the ski instructors are more than teachers, the terrain will give you
a jolt and when it snows, they connect to form a world class playground.
Portillo Resort. Great chute
skiing behind the resort.
Located three hours Northeast of Santiago,
Portillo sits in a glaciated valley at nine thousand feet above sea
level. Overlooking a crystal blue lake, the resort has a view
straight up the heart of the valley. As one stares into the surroundings,
words of wisdom develop.
Portillo, was first discovered by railway
workers constructing one of the first lines between the Chilean central
valley and Buenos Aires, in the early 1900s. Skiing was common
amongst the engineers in charge and the Transandean Railway became the
first ski lift in Chile. In 1949, after tumultuous events with
politics, war and mother nature, The Portillo hotel opened its doors
to the public. The ski area boasted 2 single chairlifts and a
surface lift. Slope grooming was done by the ski school, the guests,
and the high mountain school of the Chilean Army.
The Instructors at Potillo are so
helpful.
The first ski school director in Portillo
was the famous French champion Emile Allais. Many recognizable
superstar names soon followed. Mrs. John Randolph Hearst,
Willie Shaeffler, Jean Claude Killy, Fidel Castro were some that made
it memorable. Thousands of skiers came to Portillo to see what
it was all about. Generations of the U.S. Ski team worked out
on the downhill, errant Kennedy children were chased by the Chilean
border police and Argentine polo players tried their luck on skis.
Bombing through some great powder
The entire staff at Portillo upholds
the fine reputation set by their previous fifty one years in business.
The ski instructors are as worldly as the resort. Their friendly
and helpful approach is impressive and it is nice to be in a arrogant
free setting.
The lake at Portillo reflects the
majestic avalanche chutes in back.
Sunset over the lake in Portillo.
One of the fine instructors at Potillo
barreling through some good powder.
The terrain will help to moisten the
brow and drop a few calories. In some cases, it is best not to
eat before hitting the steep chutes that surround Portillo. The
color of vomit against white snow is disturbing, and clean up isn't
included in your lift ticket.
*Feature written and photographed by
Phillips, July 2000. Information supplied from Portillo resort.
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