US Women's Ski Team Training in Portillo

I'm sad to say the Austrian Men's Alpine Team is only a memory to us now here in Portillo (oh how I miss the muscular men in those tight speed suits). Luckily, we've been graced by the presence of the US Women's Team this past week. Although I don't appreciate the girls in the tight suits quite as much, I have to say, watching the ladies race is a whole different--and very educational--experience.
While pro racers are all incredibly talented and incredibly strong, most people would probably say that there is a definite difference between the way men and women look in a race course (generally). Although the mental approach isn't all that much different, the physical appearance can vary drastically. It has been really cool getting to spend some serious time over the past few weeks watching both the men and the women and seeing the differences between the groups.


This past Tuesday at our weekly ski school clinic we got to watch the girls train downhill. I never thought I would get to stand 20 meters from Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso (among others) as they barreled down a mountain but I was able to do that that this week. The grace and the power these girls exhibit is amazing. The Austrians are power houses, I will definitely give them that, but the smoothness in the US women was definitely impressive. Of course being ski instructors, we had to talk about edge changes and transitions and a whole bunch of technical stuff, but I have to say, I was blown away by how easy they make it all look.
Not only is having the teams here a cool experience for the more advanced skier who knows a bit about the whole thing, but watching the kids in the group classes stand by the edge of the giant slalom course and see these world class skiers train is really awesome. Not to sound cliche but I feel a little bit like this place is inspiring. It promotes skiing in a whole new generation of youth... and of course it helped me push myself a little bit harder in this week's Sol de Portillo race.

Pool Jumping in Portillo...

So it has been quite the interesting week here in Portillo. As I already mentioned, we've recently seen numerous "superstars" of skiing roaming the halls (and the slopes) and believe me, they wasted no time during their stay. They've taken advantage of everything the hotel has to offer, including the swimming pool.

For some reason, the pool at the hotel has always fascinated people a bit more than your average resort pool. Maybe because it looks out over the Laguna del Inca or because the deck actually gets warm enough sometimes to sunbathe, but people seem to flock there, and it isn't all that uncommon to see some seriously interesting behavior.

Before I ever stepped foot here I had seen YouTube videos of the Norwegian ski team doing flips into the pool. Last week the Spyder crew used one of the Austrian ski team's snowmobiles to tow them over a jump into the pool. Then... to top it all off, pro-skier Colby West actually jumped out of a helicopter, in full ski gear, into the pool. Apparently you will eventually be able to see this in the upcoming Warren Miller film. Luckily, I got to sit about 30 yards away and see the whole thing first hand. Pretty darn cool...

The helicopter actually landed in the area where ski school meets, which is no more than 30 yards from the hotel. The athletes climbed in (a door had to be removed for easier exit) and they were off. After a quick circle around the area, the helicopter began to hover over the pool. Colby climbed out and actually worked his way around until he was hanging from one of the legs of the chopper. A little alignment was done, and then drop! Of course he popped out of the pool with all his gear totally unscathed. And then apparently the first time they were a little low so he actually had to repeat this incredibly stunt from a higher position. I guess that's why he's the pro...

(Due to some technical difficulties I'm currently unable to upload the video of this jump but if you check out the Ski Portillo Facebook page, you should be able to watch it there!)

Superstars in Portillo

The stars are out in Portillo this month, and I don’t just mean those tiny specks of light floating overhead. The hotel is full of incredible athletes at the moment, creating this sort of surreal experience, allowing your average skier to rub elbows with Olympic medalists and big-mountain superstars.

Last week, Chris Davenport and Ski Portillo teamed up to present a week long camp aptly titled “Ski with the Superstars 2010.” The camp is designed to give advanced/expert skiers a dream vacation while challenging them on some of the most amazing terrain in the Andes. The coaching staff was basically a “who’s who” of big mountain/free skiing greats. The camp featured Chris Anthony, Ingrid Backstrom, Chris Davenport, Mike Douglas and Wendy Fisher. If you don’t know who these people are, Google them. They’re awesome.

I’m not sure what was cooler… getting to ski a few runs with some of these guys or dancing on tables and taking shot skis with some of my idols. I got to hang out with some of the best skiers in the world! Only in Portillo…

This week is just as exciting. The Austrian ski team is here training, Spyder is here doing a photo shoot and the Warren Miller crew is filming. Keep in mind the hotel only holds about 450 guests. That means that we actually get to see these amazing groups. I chatted with Daron Rhalves and Tommy Moe at the weekly welcome reception and sat near Julia Mancuso in the living room! These guys are not only Olympians and world champions, but also super cool people.

I know I sound like a star-struck teenager, but these past 10 days have possibly been some of the coolest in my life. There is nothing quite like meeting the people you have watched on TV and in movies and realizing they are actually amazing people. Not only are they world class athletes but they are genuinely nice individuals.

Ice Fest 2010

This past weekend Portillo hosted Ice Fest 2010. Groups of climbers descended upon the resort to camp (yes, camp...as in sleeping outside in tents), climb and compete with other climbers from around the area. The three day event consisted of both indoor and outdoor climbing events as well as social gatherings. Definitely an exciting event and super cool to watch for the guests of the resort.

The Lake is Open!

Good news people! The lake is officially frozen enough to ski on (well at least parts of it). Now we can ski all the way down to the Laguna del Inca from Lake Run!

If you take a look at the resort's trail map (http://www.skiportillo.com/ingles/slopes_mountain_restaurants), it looks as though Lake Run basically shoots you out into the lake... which it does. Although there is a new traverse cut through the rocks this year which allowed us to access the Lake Run before the lake froze, the path across the lake now lets us ski the entirety of the Lake Run.

Hopefully with more snow predicted for early next week we'll be making fresh tracks all the way down Lake Run and potentially even Primavera. My camera is temporarily missing in action but once I figure out that situation I'll try to get up some photos!

Almavia Winemaker's Dinner

I had the amazing opportunity last week to attend the annual Almaviva Winemaker's Dinner here at the Hotel Portillo. It was by far one of the most enjoyable evenings I've experienced during my stay here in Chile. Great food, good company and of course amazing wine made the evening a night to remember.

Hosted at Tio Bob's, which sits at the top of the Plateau lift, guests were treated to a moonlit ride up the chair while the torchlight parade proceeded underneath their feet. This in and of itself is a pretty special experience. Guests then made their way down a torch lit path to the restaurant. Although Tio Bob's is always quite charming, the restaurant was transformed from the usually quaint and rustic cafe to a luxurious gourmet restaurant.

We were greeted with a glass of champagne and a wide array of hors d'oeuvres. The intimate atmosphere allowed the guests to mingle and enjoy each other's company before being ushered into the dining room to begin dinner.


The vineyard's representatives gave a brief presentation about the history of the vineyard and the different types of wines they produce, focusing on the wines we would be drinking that evening. Soon glasses were filled and plates were served. A four-course meal appeared, with each course perfectly paired with an amazing Almaviva wine.

The whole evening was phenomenal--I've never had the privilege to attend anything quite like it. The food was amazing and the wine was definitely some of the best I've ever had. And of course, sharing it with good friends only made it more special. Just one more reason the Hotel Portillo experience is so extraordinary...

It's Snowing!

It's snowing, it's snowing, it's snowing!!! Everyone says the best snow comes in August and today is definitely giving us all hope. According to the Hotel's Web site, we've already gotten seven inches in the past 24 hours and should be getting more throughout the day. I'll keep you posted but it's looking like it's going to be a great August!