With Recent Storms Delivering Heavy Snowfall, Ski Portillo, Chile Announces News for the 2013 Season
Portillo, Chile (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- With this weekend’s storm covering South American slopes with 35 inches of new snow Ski Portillo is preparing for an epic ski-in-summer season. Ski Portillo is set to open on June 29, and the fresh powder blanketing Ski Portillo’s fames ski runs (with more on the way!) is stirring anticipation and excitement amongst skiers and boarders across North America. An all-inclusive Ski Portillo vacation also provides the perfect summer getaway to escape summer heat waves.
For the 2013 season, Ski Portillo will continue to deliver the classic ski experience offering skiers a rare taste of a world long forgotten, rich in culture, community spirit and awe-inspiring beauty. But there is big news in Portillo to enhance the guest experience, including new offerings on and off the slopes, the start of a hotel renovation, snowshoeing, snow tubing, an interactive sound experience on the famed “Bajada del Tren” (Train Run), a new Gastronomic Week, as well as continued special weeks detailed below.
And for the week of June 29, Ski Portillo will offer diehard skiers and boarders increased flexibility on the length of their stay, as well as low early season prices. For reservations, call 1.800.829.5325 or email reservas(at)skiportillo(dot)com. More information on Ski Portillo is available at http://www.SkiPortillo.com.
Portillo 2013 News
Olympic Teams Train in Portillo
As the Olympic Teams train for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Souchi, Russia, many of the best skiers in the world will again be training in Portillo. National teams slated to be in Portillo include Austria, Canada and the U.S.A, as well as Axsel Svindal from Norway and Tina Maze from Slovenia. A close-up viewing of famed ski champions flying down the Roca Jack Downhill course is a must-do experience for any ski racing fan.
NEW! Ski Portillo Guest Room Renovation
Ski Portillo has initiated a four-year plan to renovate the guestrooms in the classic Hotel Portillo (as well as the guestrooms in the Octagon Lodge), following in the style of Ski Portillo’s award-winning sister hotels, Tierra Atacama and Tierra Patagonia. The concept behind the re-design is to continue with the idea of a guestroom as a cozy refuge and to maximize the space.
The redesign has been conceived by renowned architects Nicole Labbé and Carolina del Campo of DelCampoLabbe in Santiago, whose design concept is to incorporate the spirit of the original architecture and maximize the use of space in the guestrooms.
The designers are utilizing several design features in the rooms:
• Lenga wood (native to Chile) from certified sustainable forests, will be used for walls, ceilings and closets as well as furniture
• LED lights will be used for all lighting, including recessed ceiling lights as well as efficient, energy-saving lamps
• Artwork will include photographs from the north and south of Chile by photographer Joaquin Vio
• Additional detail will be lambs-wool rugs and wool blankets from Chilean artisans
• Decorative elements from the hotel will be kept in order to maintain the identity of the grand historic resort
NEW! Bajada del Tren (Train Run)
In order to pay homage to the nearly mythical Trans Andean railroad built in 1910 to cross the Andes, Ski Portillo has always maintained one of the railroad tunnels. New this season, the tunnel has a motion-activated speaker that allows skiers who choose the “Bajada del Tren” run to relive the experience of passing through the tunnel and hearing the sound of the train which will evoke an epoch. This new sensory experience will undoubtedly be popular for both children and adults.
NEW! Snowshoeing Portillo
For those looking to access the mountain in a different way, snowshoeing is now available at Ski Portillo and requires no previous experience for participants to access beautiful mountain landscapes. Ski Portillo will offer two different trails – Laguna del Inca (Lake Run) and Train Run – and both have history and stories that complement the snowshoe walk. Ski Portillo will provide snowshoes. Guided snowshoe tours will be available subject to snow conditions.
NEW WEEKLY RENTAL OPPORTUNITY! Ski Portillo Chalets
New this season, Portillo is offering intimate and cozy Mountain Chalets that house up to eight guests. The Chalets have previously been unavailable for short-term rentals, and the 2013 winter season marks the first time guests visiting Portillo for a week have had access to the private lodging. As with the all-inclusive program of Hotel Portillo, a stay in the Chalets will include four meals daily and access to all the Hotel Portillo services.
NEW! Gastronomic Week
From Aug. 10-17, Portillo will delight guests with culinary highlights from Executive Chef Rafael Figueroa’s 25-year career at Ski Portillo, which is detailed in his book “Cooking with History.” In addition, guest chefs will be invited to prepare dinners during the week.
NEW! Online Photo Service
Beginning in June, Ski Portillo guests will be able to view photos online and order photos with various filters in order to best remember their ski experience.
Heli-Skiing at Ski Portillo
Ski Portillo was the first South American ski resort to offer heli-skiing. Portillo continues to offer heli-skiing in the mountains around Portillo – with spectacular views of Aconcagua and the Andean Peaks. At lunch time, the pilot often drops skiers at Tio Bob’s. Heli-skiing is subject to availability at favorable prices – US$290 for the first run and US$195 for subsequent runs, with prices per person based on four skiers and one guide per helicopter.
Expanded Tubing
Portillo is doubling its tubing capacity this season, due to the popularity with children. The 21st century version of classic sledding, tubing will be offered every evening beginning at 5 p.m. in Portillo with a run that is more than 250 feet long.
Snow Dogs Return!
Portillo has two trained rescue dogs that are recognized internationally for their abilities. Wylee, the Border Collie (owned by snow safety expert Craig Noble), and Reginald, the Golden Retriever (owned by Mark Rwasthorne), are trained to assist in any snow emergency situation. They are so well trained that each dog is worth more than the equivalent of 20 human rescuers.
Located approximately two hours northeast of Santiago and accessible via direct flights from numerous North American cities, Ski Portillo is the dream South American ski destination. Its incomparable setting – on the shores of the Lake of the Incas and surrounded by 19,000-foot Andean peaks – delivers an unsurpassed experience with world-class skiing and snowboarding and excellent service thanks to a one-to-one guest-to-employee ratio.
Ski Portillo is an all-inclusive resort with ski weeks that include the following:
• seven nights of lodging
• four meals each day (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner)
• lift tickets
• access to all resort amenities (see below)
The resort accommodates a maximum of 450 guests a week, eliminating crowds and lift lines, and affording guests the sensation of skiing at their own, private Andean resort.
Ski week prices for the 2013 season begin at US$1,950 at the Hotel Portillo; US$1,300 at the Octagon Lodge, located steps from hotel; or US$890 at the hostel-style Inca Lodge. For reservations, call 1.800.829.5325 or email reservas(at)skiportillo(dot)com. More information on Ski Portillo is available at http://www.SkiPortillo.com.
Ski Portillo’s 14 lifts, including the famed Va et Vient lifts found only at Ski Portillo, access terrain catering to skiers of all abilities. Ski Portillo’s ski and snowboard school features the world’s most qualified instructors; nearly 100 percent instruct year-round, teaching at the finest resorts in the Northern Hemisphere when they are not in Portillo. While less-experienced guests will find wide-open and uncrowded beginner slopes, Portillo is famed for its steeps, and the area is surrounded by easily accessed backcountry terrain. Ski Portillo’s instructors also provide expert off-piste guiding for experienced skiers.
Ski Portillo’s all-inclusive, complimentary offerings include use of the pool and hot tubs – perched idyllically over the Lake of the Incas — the fitness center, gymnasium, aerobics and yoga classes, (and NEW! For 2013 Zumba Classes), cinema, game room, children’s activities, the daycare center (complimentary for children four to seven years old), the disco and piano bar, ski and boot check and timed race courses.
SPECIAL WEEKS
Ski Portillo has become renowned for its warm hospitality, guest programs and themed weeks with value-added activities offered at no additional cost to guests.
CHILEAN WINE WEEK: Aug. 3-10
In celebration of Chile’s world-renowned wines, this winter Portillo will host its 12th annual Top Wines of Chile Week. For no extra cost, guests will have the luxury of trying some of Chile’s wines from vineyards across the country. The winemakers will also hold information sessions in which guests may learn more about wine culture and the premium quality wines that Chile produces.
FRIENDS WEEK: Aug.17-24
Portillo invites friends, new and old, for a week of fun with good people and great skiing in the beautiful Andes Mountains. Organized activities include après-ski at Tio Bob’s, dance parties and pool parties so guests can enjoy, dance, relax, and meet new friends and create new memories. Most Friends Week activities are no additional cost.
WINE FESTIVAL WEEK: Aug. 24 – 31
Based upon the success of Portillo’s original Wine Week, Portillo now offers a second opportunity for guests to learn about the wonderful Chilean world of wine and enjoy some of the best wine that Chile has to offer. Each afternoon guests will be able to wind down while sampling and learning about the various types of Chilean wine in a discussion with the winemakers. Like Wine Week, Wine Festival week’s activities are at no additional cost.
2013 KIDS SKI FREE WEEKS
During the following weeks of this season, a parent who is a paying guest in the hotel may bring one of their children between 4 and 11 years old (inclusive) for a completely free Portillo ski week. Restrictions apply and are detailed on http://www.skiportillo.com: One Child: Aug. 31- Sept. 7, Sept. 7- 14, Sept. 21-28. Two Children: Sept. 28-Oct. 5.
FAMILY WEEKS: July 6-13; July 13-20; July 20-27; July 27-Aug. 3
Portillo has always been the perfect place for travelers with children, and during these four special weeks, Ski Portillo hosts activities designed exclusively for young children, teenagers, and adults, as well as activities where all members of the family can participate and have fun together.
SKI CAMPS & CLINICS
In addition to all of the special Portillo weeks, some of the finest ski professionals in the world visit Portillo in the summer to host special camps and clinics on Portillo’s slopes including the following:
10th Annual SKI WITH THE SUPERSTARS – Aug. 10 – 17
Professional skier, guide, and camp operator Chris Davenport hosts the 10th Annual Superstars Ski Camp at Ski Portillo, which will take place Aug. 10-17, 2013. Open to a maximum of 30 skiers. Professional coaches will again include Mike Douglas of Whistler, B.C., Ingrid Backstrom of Squaw Valley, Calif., Wendy Fisher of Crested Butte, Colo., and Chris Anthony of Vail, Colo. The camp features a professional photographer, who will document in stills and video the entire experience for the guests. The Superstars Camp is geared towards expert skiers looking to take their skiing to the next level with expert coaching on steep skiing, terrain recognition and management, proper mechanics, as well as good old powder skiing techniques.
Ski with Kim Reichhelm – August 3-10: All Ages-Family (intermediate – advanced/intermediate); Aug. 17-24: Adults only (expert); August 24-31: Adults Only (expert)
Former U.S. Ski Team members and other hand-picked guides and instructors with years of experience, including teaching, guiding, big mountain skiing, helicopter skiing, first aid, EMT and long-term relationships with the Portillo staff and family. Their goal is to create a ski experience unlike any other, laugh, have fun, and share their passion for skiing and their love of Portillo with the guests.
20th Annual NASTC/Adventure Ski Training Vacation – Aug. 16-25
Developed by Chris and Jenny Fellows in 1994, NASTC has helped improve the skiing and brought in more adventure into the lives of thousands of skiers over the last 20 years. NASTC specializes in full-immersion, comprehensive ski training programs for strong intermediate to expert skiers. Guests learn in small groups of six or fewer with the same Demo Team instructor all day, all week. This week-long course is suitable for skiers that have had little to no off-piste experience as well as for those whom have had more mileage in un-groomed conditions; terrain selection will be gauged according to the comfort level of each group. Backcountry tour options exist, as does group helicopter skiing. Levels 6-9 (intermediate – expert).
CLENDENIN SKI METHOD – Sept. 7-15, 2013
From beginners to experts, the Clendenin Ski Method goal is take skiers up a notch. The camp is hosted by champion freestyler John Clendenin and his team of instructors.
PORTILLO BIG MONTAIN TELEMARK CAMP – July 21 – 28, 2013
The Portillo Big Mountain Telemark Camp, developed in 2007 by Nick DeVore and Kayo Ogilby, is the first international advanced Telemark camp and is open to any age expert Telemarker (able to ski all blacks). Through on-piste and backcountry exploration, the camp focuses on technique, awareness, visualization, safety, discipline, determination, and having a great time ripping stunning lines. While perfecting the Telemark turn, clients will also learn about big mountain and backcountry travel, including precaution, line choice, route finding, equipment use, snow stability, and overall awareness while enjoying the majestic mountains.
For reservations call toll free 1.800.829.5325, or email reservas(at)SkiPortillo(dot)com. More information on Ski Portillo is available at http://www.SkiPortillo.com. Follow Ski Portillo on Twitter (@SkiPortillo) or Facebook (@skiportillochile)
Ski Portillo also owns and operates Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, and the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, which opened in December 2011 in Chilean Patagonia. Tierra Patagonia opens for the season Sept. 1, and Tierra Atacama is open year-round, so Ski Portillo guests may create the ultimate Chile experience by adding on a visit to one or both of these luxury adventure resorts – and guests receive a 20 percent discount when combining a week at Portillo and visiting one or more of the Tierra Hotels.
For video of Ski Portillo, visit http://bit.ly/15MFeWF; Contact one of the below for high resolution images.
Media Contact:
Maureen Poschman: maureen(at)promocommunications(dot)com
Damien Williamson damien(at)promocommunciations(dot)com
+1.970.925.8480
Sarah-Jane Johnson, Promo Communications, http://www.promocommunications.com, 9709019422, [email protected]
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