Activities & Tours
Portillo Activities
The main attraction at
Portillo 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 and the road.
The hotel has a daily program of activities that are generally in the late afternoon and evening. Examples of 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 DVDs in the cinema. Get there early to get a comfie beanbag otherwise you’ll be stuck in one of the uncomfortable chairs.
Portillo Heli Skiing
Heli skiing and heli-boarding can be the highlight of Portillo ski activities. 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 first heliski run costs $US290 and it’s $US160 for subsequent runs (2009 rates). The flight alone in the Andes is worth the cost, but the investment includes the joy of riding down all the virgin snow. Heli-skiing at Portillo is popular, so register your interest as soon as you arrive at Portillo.
Other Ski Activities
Cross country skiing is generally not possible at Portillo. If the lake is frozen, Nordic skiing is possible, but this is really the only decent flattish area to do it.
The
Arpa cat ski operation is not too far from Los Andes, although if you don't have a 4WD car, it can be a little difficult to organise a transfer.
Leisure Activities
During après 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 hire shop.
Relaxation
The outdoor swimming pool is the centre of rest and relaxation 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 jacuzzi become a very social place to relax and soak the tired muscles.
The hotel also offers hairdressing and spa services such as massages.
Other 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. Of historic note, this area used to be a tunnel from the train station where guests could enter the hotel without going outside.