Portillo Activities

The main attraction at the Portillo ski resort is the skiing and snowboarding, but the hotel has other things to do during après ski, or in the event of a storm that closes the lifts.

The hotel has a daily program of activities that are generally in the late afternoon and evening. Examples of Portillo activities include card games, aerobics and yoga classes, wine tasting, children’s games, torch light parades, and special events such as fashion shows. They also have a timetable of movies in the cinema. Get there early to score a comfie beanbag.

Portillo Heli Skiing

Portillo heli skiing or heli-boarding will definitely be the highlight of your trip. Depending upon conditions, the runs can vary from 700 metres to 1,200 metres of vertical powder bliss. Unlike expensive multi-day heliski operators in Chile, Portillo has the major advantage of providing the flexibility to ski or board as much as your wallet or thighs will allow. The flight alone in the Andes is worth the cost, but the investment includes the joy of riding down all the virgin snow.

Portillo heli skiing is popular and can be difficult to get into, so register your interest as soon as you arrive at Portillo (for some silly reason you can’t pre-book from home?). Like any heli skiing, no fly days may occur when the weather or snow conditions are not ideal.

Other Ski Activities

Cross country skiing is generally not possible at Portillo unless the lake is frozen.

The Ski Arpa snowcat skiing operation is not too far from Portillo (close to Los Andes). You’re not likely to score chest deep powder (as you sometimes do with Canada cat skiing), but it’s a very magical experience and lots of fun! You can add a cat skiing tour onto the end of your Portillo ski week. This Arpa cat skiing extension tour includes one night lodging, one day cat skiing, and ground transportation. 

Leisure Activities

During après ski time, many people hang out in the lounge area playing on their computers or playing card games. A leisurely alternative is snowshoeing. Snowshoes can be rented at the ski and snowboard rental shop.

Relaxation

The outdoor swimming pool is the hub of rest and relaxation (and apres ski partying) at Portillo. On sunny days some guests lounge beside the pool working on their impressive tans. Later in the afternoon the heated swimming pool and jacuzzis become a very social place to relax and soak the tired muscles.

The hotel also offers spa services such as massages.

Other Portillo Activities

In the basement there is a large gymnasium with a basketball court, indoor rock climbing wall, foosball, ping pong and billiard tables. The area is huge so there’s plenty of space to use up any excess energy if it’s not possible to go skiing.