Welcome to Portillo!

Welcome to the 2010 season in Portillo, Chile! A little over a month into the season and I have to say we're off to a pretty amazing start. Over 110 inches of snow to date (approximately 280 cm) and all the lifts are open except one. The lake is beginning to freeze a bit more each day and it seems as though it won't be too long before we're able to catch all the amazing terrain that surrounds it.


This is my first season here in Chile and my first year living a life of endless winter (living in Lake Tahoe, California in the Northern Hemisphere's winter and here during the summer). Although switching from sundresses and flip flops to ski boots and thermals in July takes a little bit of getting used to, I'm so glad I came to Portillo. The experience is unlike anything else I've ever had before.

Even though I've only been here a month, I've been lucky enough to experience a few pretty awesome storms and even better skiing. Fresh tracks in knee deep powder on a bluebird day is quite a surreal experience. No matter how many times it happens--which isn't all that often--it never gets old. The rush you get from making the first few turns is unbeatable.

We ski all day, relax by the pool or in the living room in the evening then head to the hotel's bar, which is the most happening spot around. It is a pretty amazing lifestyle. And tomorrow they're calling for more snow! What could be better?