Chile Guide

Portillo

Set just off the international road from Los Andes, 7km short of the border with Argentina, Portillo is a classy place, with no condominiums and just one hotel – the restored 1940's Hotel Portillo ( 2630606, www.skiportillo.com ; Price: CH$35000–150000), perched by the shores of the Laguna del Inca. This all-inclusive resort offers the most relaxing, hip ski scene in South America. Sun, snow and sex seem to be the themes at this southern winter home to the US, Austrian and Spanish national ski teams. Being farther from Santiago (149km), the hotel is designed for weekend or weeklong bookings, with an extensive range of package deals. While most rooms are expensive, there are a wide variety of options, including bunks. The rate includes four meals a day and use of the outdoor heated pool and disco. Expect an eclectic crowd of Brazilians, Argentines and famous actors and business leaders. The ski runs at Portillo are world-class, and off-piste options are endless. Elevation ranges from 2510m to 3350m. There are twelve lifts, as well as extensive snow-making equipment. Portillo is avidly kid friendly and its ski school is routinely ranked one of the world's best.