Portillo, Chile—

Hotel Portillo is nestled high in the Andes next to the Lake of the Incas, amidst some of the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. The hotel is completely self-contained and offers a full array of modern resort services.

The skiing was awesome. The lifts were fairly new. Everyone got the thrill of riding the unique Va et Vient Slingshot Lifts. These “Come and Go” lifts offer an exhilarating ride and access some of Portillo’s best terrain. They are a four and five person pomas that travel about 25 mph on the snow.

Portillo is owned by American Henry Purcell and managed by his son Michael. Their influence is felt every where as they greet, mingle, and take their meals with the guests. We ate all our meals— breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner— in the magnificent Great Hall. The food, service and ambience were excellent.

Ski Portillo August 17-20, 2005