Season's First Snow Arrives at Chile's Iconic Ski Portillo

Ski Portillo, over the years, has become a hotspot for travelers from North America. Each summer, they gravitate south to the ski resort, living the dream of a never-ending season.

The slopes they find look unlike most of the options back home. Ski Portillo is above treeline and surrounded by jagged peaks that make up an almost-lunar alpine landscape. 

Aside from the arresting terrain and novelty of May or June snow, Ski Portillo also stands out with an all-inclusive format. With lodging, skiers get lift access and four meals a day. The flagship option is the seven-day ski week, but shorter mini weeks are available. It’s a bit like a cruise ship, but with snow instead of water.

This year, Ski Portillo plans to open for skiing and snowboarding on June 20, 2026. However, that date’s flexible. In the past, the ski resort’s been forced to delay its opening because of too much snow. In 2024, more than 100 inches of snow had piled up before the official opening day. Talk about a good problem to have.

Other resorts on the continent also have opening-day plans solidified, conditions permitting, like Valle Nevado. That mountain is aiming for June 20 alongside Ski Portillo.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into South American skiing, Valle Nevado and its sister resort, La Parva, may be the best bet. Both mountains are available with the Power Pass, which, in the US, largely caters to Southwest skiers. Valle Nevado’s also accessible with the Ikon Pass.