Industry News
The fantastic early season continues in South America with many resorts reporting record snowfall. Multiple storms have blanketed resorts in Chile and Argentina helping some areas open two to three weeks earlier than normal. Usually, the ski season in South America lasts from June to September, but because of the large amounts of snowfall, this season is expected to last until mid to late October.
Incredibly, one resort has already surpassed its yearly average for an entire season and it hasn’t even opened yet. That resort is Ski Portillo which has been blanketed with 224 inches of snowfall this season, far surpassing its seasonal average of 200 inches. For those counting that is 19 feet of snow that hasn’t even been touched except for maybe some lucky ski patrollers.
To be fair, Ski Portillo had plans to open on June 20 but has had to postpone the opening day not once, but twice. Over 100 inches of snow fell leading up to opening day, closing the access road and forcing it to postpone opening to June 26. However, another massive storm then pushed the planned opening to June 29. The extended period of heavy snow has come to an end for now, so the resort should be able to finally open. No doubt locals are anxious to get on the slopes.
Ski Portillo is located at 9,350 feet elevation, on the International Highway between Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. It is only a two-hour drive from Santiago and is known for powder, steeps, chutes, and groomed slopes. The resort’s 1,235 acres are 100% above tree line and therefore the skiing is bowl-like and wide open, with excellent opportunities for off-piste riding. It was the first ski resort in South America and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this season.
No doubt other resorts in Patagonia will soon be surpassing seasonal averages. Valle Nevado, also in Chile, has received over 209 inches of snow which equates to 87% of its 240-inch average.
If you have ever considered a South American ski trip, this might be the season to do it. The season could go into late October which would bring us right about to the start of the ski season in North America.
