Portillo: a guide to Chile's most traditional ski resort

Portillo is Chile's most traditional ski resort and the first in South America, opened in 1949. It sits about two hours from Santiago, on the international road heading to Mendoza, beside Laguna del Inca and above 2,800 metres. The yellow hotel and the all-inclusive week are its signature.

Why is Portillo Chile's most traditional resort?

Portillo's history is intertwined with the history of skiing in South America. The current hotel opened in 1949 under Chilean state management, making it the first ski resort on the continent. In 1966 it hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, still the only edition held on South American soil, and that heritage lives on every season. The iconic yellow hotel, set into the mountain above Laguna del Inca, became the symbol of the place and is recognisable from far down the road. Unlike bigger, busier resorts, Portillo keeps an intimate feel, with limited guest capacity and a mountain-club atmosphere that spans generations.

Where is Portillo and how do you get there from Santiago?

Portillo is set in the Andes, about 160 kilometres north of Santiago and less than six kilometres from the Paso Los Libertadores on the Argentine border. The drive takes two to two and a half hours. From the capital you take Ruta 5 north, turn onto Ruta 57 towards Los Andes and from there join the international road linking Chile with Mendoza. The final climb is a series of tight switchbacks high in the mountains. In winter, snow chains are usually mandatory because of the snow and altitude, so a transfer with a specialist operator is the safest and most comfortable option.

How do the season and the va et vient work?

The ski season at Portillo generally runs from late June to early October, overlapping with the Northern Hemisphere summer. In 2026 the resort confirmed opening on 20 June. It sits entirely above the tree line, which means wide, vast landscapes, with a base around 2,590 metres and a summit close to 3,310. One of its greatest technical symbols is the va et vient, a surface lift system that pulls up to five skiers side by side at once. It was created precisely to tackle very steep sections exposed to avalanches, where a conventional lift wouldn't survive, and it is therefore best suited to experienced skiers.

Who is Portillo best for?

Portillo especially suits skiers who already have some confidence and want wide, challenging terrain with few crowds on the runs. Even so, it has options for beginners and intermediates, with around twenty runs and several lifts spread across the valleys. Its most iconic format is the all-inclusive ski week, running Saturday to Saturday, where the package covers hotel accommodation, unlimited lift access, four daily meals served in the great dining room overlooking Laguna del Inca — including the traditional afternoon tea known as once — and use of the hotel's facilities. It's designed for living the mountain fully, without leaving the complex.

Is it worth adding Portillo to a trip to Chile?

For anyone dreaming of skiing in the Andes, Portillo offers something rare: tradition, a grand landscape and an all-inclusive proposition that solves everything in one place. The combination of history, the yellow hotel by the lake and high-mountain terrain justifies the trip, especially for those with some experience on the slopes or who want to learn in an exclusive setting. Since it sits on the international road to Mendoza, you can also build itineraries combining snow, mountains and city. Plan ahead, considering the season, your skiing level and the transfer from Santiago.