This Hidden Andean Ski Resort Is Where Olympians Flock Every Summer: Here’s Why

In the middle of July, while much of the world swaps boots for flip-flops and sunscreen replaces ski wax, a remote valley high in the Chilean Andes hums with a different energy. Sharp edges slice through morning ice, the crisp air rings with the sound of poles hitting snow, and the bright yellow façade of the Hotel Portillo glows against a backdrop of pure white.This is Ski Portillo, Chile’s most storied mountain resort—and every summer, it becomes the unlikely gathering ground for the world’s best skiers. Olympians, World Cup champions, and national teams descend here to train while the Northern Hemisphere basks in summer heat.Etched In Snow And SilencePerched at nearly 2,900 metres above sea level and surrounded by jagged Andean peaks, Portillo feels more like a private alpine retreat than a bustling resort. There are no sprawling villages or rowdy après-ski scenes here—just one elegant hotel, a handful of lodges, and miles of powdery, sunlit slopes.Portillo’s legend began in 1949, but its true claim to fame came in 1966, when it hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships—the first and only time the event was held in the Southern Hemisphere. That moment put it on the global map, and its reputation as an elite training ground has only grown since.Today, athletes from the United States, Austria, Norway, and beyond fly south each year to carve lines down Portillo’s famed runs. Roca Jack, a steep slope accessed by a quirky slingshot lift, is one of the most exhilarating— a near-vertical training ground where racers hone their speed and precision. On any given morning, you might spot a familiar Olympic silhouette blasting past in a blur of colour and snowdust.But the magic of Portillo lies not just in its world-class slopes. It’s in the quiet rhythm of mountain life: the sense of isolation, the stillness of the surrounding peaks, and the camaraderie that builds when everyone, from professional athletes to weekend enthusiasts, shares the same dining hall, bar, and boot room.A Different Kind Of LuxuryA week at Portillo isn’t about designer stores or champagne après parties. It’s about connection—to snow, to sport, and to silence. The resort limits capacity to about 450 guests per week, ensuring lift lines are short and the mountain never feels crowded. Guests dine together in a grand hall overlooking Laguna del Inca, a mirror-blue lake fringed by snowfields and myths.Days begin early, when the snow is crisp and light, and end with hot chocolate or Chilean wine by the fire. By afternoon, the slopes soften under the Andean sun, perfect for leisurely carving or soaking in the outdoor pool that seems to spill right into the mountains. It’s a strange but perfect symmetry—skiing in winter light while the world beyond Portillo basks in summer.For many visitors, it’s this paradox that makes the experience unforgettable. You can arrive from a sweltering July in New York or Paris, and within 24 hours be gliding down an untouched white expanse at the edge of the world.Families, too, find their place here. Kids’ weeks, ski camps, and friendly instructor-led sessions fill the season. For couples or solo travellers, there’s the serenity of waking up to total stillness—no traffic, no nightlife, just the hush of snow and the wind off the peaks.Planning Your Trip To Ski PortilloGetting to Portillo is part of the adventure. The resort lies about two hours northeast of Santiago, the Chilean capital. A winding mountain road climbs steadily into the Andes, revealing hairpin turns, sheer drops, and views that seem to belong in another world. The drive alone feels like a rite of passage.The ski season runs from late June to late September, aligning perfectly with Northern Hemisphere summer breaks. Packages typically include lodging, four meals a day, and lift passes, with options ranging from the main Hotel Portillo—the classic yellow landmark—to the cosier Octagon Lodge or the budget-friendly Inca Lodge for younger skiers or solo travellers.Everything runs on a weekly rhythm: guests check in and out on Saturdays, creating a sense of community that builds through the week. Dinners are long and lively, breakfasts are communal, and by the time you leave, you’ve likely shared a table or a lift with an Olympian.How To Book:Visit the official website: www.skiportillo.com for rates, transfers, and ski school options.From Santiago, the resort can arrange private or shared transfers directly to the mountain.Early booking is essential, especially in August when professional teams train here.Sample Tariffs 7-night stay in the main hotel (“Valley View” room, double occupancy) from USD 3,050. (Approx INR 2,53,000)7-night stay in the main hotel (“Lake View” room, double occupancy) from USD 3,400. (Approx INR 2,82,200)Lower-cost option: 7-night stay in “Inca Lodge” (budget lodge) from USD 1,550 (Approx INR 1,28,650) Note: These are starting rates; actual cost can be higher depending on room type, season (low/mid/high), and occupancy. Rates include lodging, meals (four meals a day) and lift access in many cases. Currency fluctuations and taxes may affect the final INR value.FAQsWhen is the ski season at Ski Portillo in Chile?The season typically runs from late June to late September, aligning with the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Why do Olympians and World Cup racers go to Ski Portillo?The resort offers high-altitude terrain, snow reliability, minimal crowds and an elite training environment in the Andes. How difficult is the skiing at Ski Portillo for beginners?While Portillo has advanced terrain, it also offers beginner-friendly slopes and a well-regarded ski school for all levels. What makes Ski Portillo a unique ski resort experience?With a cap of about 450 guests, ski-in/ski-out lodging, shared meals & slopes, and its isolated high-Alpine setting, it offers a distinctive boutique ski holiday.How do I get to Ski Portillo from Santiago and what should I plan?It’s about a two-hour drive northeast of Santiago up into the Andes. Book early, especially for peak training periods, and plan for altitude, weather and full-board packages.Adventure Tourism Alert: Top 8 Skiing Spots In India To Visit This Winter