Itinerary
Day 1: Touchdown in Santiago
Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport (SCL), you’ll be greeted by your tour guide and the rest of the group. The adventure starts right away as we drive directly to the stunning ski resort of Portillo.
We’ll settle into the luxurious Portillo Hotel, where you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing about the exciting itinerary ahead. Your guide will go over all the details to ensure that everyone is fully prepared for what’s to come.
After freshening up, we’ll sit down to a delicious dinner with the group. Take the time to get to know each other over a hearty meal.
The Portillo Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long flight, so kick back and enjoy your comfortable accommodations.
Day 2: Warm up day at Portillo Ski Resort
We’ll be hitting the slopes of the ski resort for a day of thrilling Andean riding.
As you ski, we’ll be acclimatizing our bodies to the high altitude and getting into the rhythm of skiing in these incredible surroundings.
The ski resort is surrounded by towering cliffs and all its slopes drop directly down to the famous Laguna del Inca with its turquoise waters.
After a full day of skiing, we’ll head to the must-visit après ski destination in Portillo. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax and unwind with your team, reliving the day’s exciting experiences.
Before dinner, you’ll meet with your guides to review the plan for the next day’s activities.
Take a dip in the pool and jacuzzis to relax your muscles as you watch the spectacular sunset.
Day 3: Super C Line
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, as today is going to be a big day!
We’ll be heading out to tackle the legendary Super C backcountry line located on the backside of the resort. It is a popular advanced-level ski run offering an exhilarating and challenging experience for expert skiers with its steep, sustained pitch and challenging terrain features. The ascent is by boot pack from the top of the lifts. The descent boasts over 1,300 vertical meters (4,200 feet) with pitches of up to 50 degrees making it some of the best freeriding terrain you’ll ever experience on the planet. Combined with towering rock cliffs and incredible views this may be one of the best skiing or riding days ever.
After shredding the Super C, you’ll have a well-deserved break to refuel and recharge with a delicious lunch back at the hotel and maybe a few cocktails with a view of the Laguna del Inca.
After lunch, the rest of the day will be spent skiing at the resort, where we’ll have the opportunity to put into practise what you learned in the backcountry.
After another day of adventure, we’ll head to the après ski scene for a drink and to catch up with your guides.
Then it's another delicious sit down dinner at the hotel, and time to have a massage or dip in the pool or have a few drinks at the pub.
Day 4: The Cristo Redentor Tour
Today is the day of some serious touring.
We’ll be heading to the Argentina border and after passing through the border checkpoint, we’ll park the shuttle (without crossing to Argentina) to start our ascent.
Our destination is the famous Cristo Redentor (4.000m / 13.123 feet), a landmark that marks the border and the former “Uspallata” border crossing, used by the Army of the Andes in 1817 to liberate Chile from Spanish rule.
Upon arrival at the top, the views will be breathtaking: immense mountain ranges with the massive Cerro Aconcagua (6,951m/22,840ft) in the background. Here we’ll take a good break, have an energizing snack, and prepare for the descent. The line is generally in great shape, with moderate pitches that make it suitable for all levels. Just enjoy the ride.
After the adventure, we’ll head back to the shuttle and return to the hotel for après, dinner and evening activities of your choice.
Day 5: Ski Portillo
Today, we’re taking an “active rest day” – more active than resting!
We kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then hit up the resort to keep improving our skiing skills on the Andean snow.
Portillo never fails to amaze with its steep runs and surroundings. We spend the day shredding the slopes and getting ready for our big mission tomorrow.
Afterwards, we unwind at the après ski and check in with our guides to review the itinerary for the final day.
Time to hit the hay early and get ready for the last push.
Day 6: Cerro de la Iglesia
Today is the day of high-altitude touring.
We will attempt to summit the “Cerro de la Iglesia” (4,230m / 13,878 ft).
A total ascent of about 6 hours of touring that will challenge your fitness, and reaching the top will deliver you with an unparalleled reward.
The climb is about 6 hours of touring and is typically physically demanding which will challenge your fitness and endurance. Cold temperatures, strong winds, and snow or ice-covered terrain can make it difficult to find secure footing.
The views that can be achieved from this point have been enjoyed by very few. The Cerro Aconcagua can now be seen in full glory…. we rest and admire the surroundings, and then prepare for our descent.
Despite these challenges, a winter ascent of Cerro de la Iglesia can be a truly unforgettable experience. The stunning scenery, unique sense of adventure, and sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the summit make it a popular choice for experienced climbers.
The steep to moderate slopes on the southern face, which barely sees the sun, keep fresh light powder and challenge even expert skiers.
We return to the hotel to rest after the long journey.
DAY 7: Ski Portillo
Another day in this heavenly high mountain resort. Now that our bodies and minds are used to the environment and surroundings, we can enjoy a full day of skiing in the resort, taking advantage of all the meals and amenities at the hotel. It's an active yet relaxed day, to loosen up our legs and leave feeling satisfied to head back home.
Day 8: Last turns and time to say good-bye
We start the day with a filling breakfast at the hotel.
Then, it’s time to hit the slopes of Portillo Ski Resort for the last time. Depending on the time of your flight, we’ll enjoy some skiing before taking the shuttle directly to Santiago airport or hotel.
It’s a bittersweet moment, as we say goodbye to the stunning mountains, but we’ll cherish the memories we made on this adventure. Time to plan our next one.
Disclaimer
Although we do everything possible to stick to the planned schedule, the itinerary and departure in general are subject to change for numerous reasons, mainly to seek out better snow conditions. In the Andes you will always find fresh powder, let’s go for it!
