 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I am contemplating a first Andean trip probably 7-10 days and considering Portillo. Anybody been? Or any other suggestions?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Bernard Condon, I suggest that the summer is hard enough for some of us to get through without knowing that some of our number are going off to do some southern hemisphere skiing. 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I have been in Portillo. The skiing & accomodations are very limited there. If going to Chile and staying around Santiago I would opt for Valle Nevado, El Colorado, Parva. IMHO Termus Chillan is the best. This is south of Santiago .YOu can get a cheao flight down to Chillan or Conception.
For a European style experience I would opt for San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina. Flight to Buenos Aires & connectinf flight to Bariloche. Las Lenas is also fantastic but again accomodations are limited and everthing is normally sold as a package. I bought my weeks package from a travel agent in downtown BA .
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Kramer,  Contemplation is the operational word at the moment,  but I'm getting very enthusiastic! Some fool told me that it snows there too!  Portillo in Chile has just had a 55cm snow day, followed by a measly 40cm and their season hasn't even started. 
stanton, Thanks for your post. Accommodation, I am not really bothered about it as long as there is some! but I would be interested to hear more about your comment on limited skiing in Portillo.  How limited is it? Runs, lifts variety of skiing, more piste than off-piste?
Valle Nevado, El Colorado & Parva - these are linked I believe - the Chilean Trois Vallees? What is skiing like here?
And sorry to be a pain, I have never come across Termus Chillan, I will try to get some info on it today, but what is it like?
I shall start on snowHeads archive and advance to the wider world if satisfaction can't be got there!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Bernard Condon,
Portillio . When I last went there it was my last port of call after Las Lenas,Bariloche,Chillan & Valle Nevado so comparing it with those it came out last. I think most europeans,north americans etc would be bored in 3-5 days (max). I covered the whole resort (on piste in half a day) The lifts verticals are short. THere is some good off piste from the Roca Jack & Condor lifts. WhenI say accomodation is limited I mean limited . Def boof up befor eyou go . I had to plea for a room in the Hotel Portillo (the yellow one in all the photos). Its very old, very expensive. You could stay down in the local shante town of Los Andes which will has much more of a chillian feel with the donkey's roped up along the side of the roads !!
Valle Nevado, El Colorado & Parva are linked but only one-way (when I was last there 2001). You had to hitch a ride back around the mountain. I believe more lifts have been installed since then. The accomodation the hill is expensive.
Most South American resorts do all inclusive package.
Termus Chillan is on an active volcano. It has the longest run in South America. PLenty of vertical & theres plenty of variety. Your find lots of Americans here as well as all the other resorts  Heliskiing is also available. Hotels are good.
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Follow-up
When I last went down there I booked my own "Open Jaw" flight from Amsterdam to Buenos Aires Returning from Santiago. I used local Argy tour operator http://www.badino.com.ar/ski-network/ for my visits to Las Lenas & Bariloche couldnt fault them.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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stanton, Ditto your 'Follow-Up'
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The American Forums are pretty active a good for info on SA skiing. Im looking at a trip myself !
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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If your interested I have started tp post some pics of South American skiing in the Snowzone http://www.frostybear.net/photopost/member.php/uid/80
I,ve started with Las Lenas from 2001 . I have to scan the photos in as this was pretty much pre-digital more will follow of other resorts.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I have been interested in a trip for 2006 or 2007. year after next seems more likely though. I am hoping to join a tour for 10 -12 days with instructor guides costs about £1200 plus meals all transport, lift passes, and accommodation 4 and 5 star include you just need flights on to of that. PM me for details.
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FAQ
