Portillo, August 5-12/06

[koreshot]

Originally Posted by salida

Tried to add what we skied in this. M stands for mandatory air, varying from about 5 ft to 20 ft....

I can't even imagine how #5 is even skiable. Every time I was there the #5 chutes were virtually certain death because of bad coverage - I can't even imagine what the chutes would look like when they were filled in. Not sure i would have the balls to try it even when it was filled in cause that side looks very steep.

Regarding Shane McConkey, I have a bunch of videos with him doing crazy stuff, but seeing him pull some of his insane tricks live makes it a lot more exciting. I have a couple of them on video - maybe i'll play around with youtube later.

[salida]

The left hand route of 5 was insane, the only reason we got in there is because we saw a Ski Schooler drop it, and we figured why not, it was a long sick straight chute, to a 10 foot mandatory, to a choke and then out into the snow field. The right hand side of 5 was entered from a different point and traversed in below the mandatory, a little more tame, but a fall would have been more hazerdous.

[Skisalot]

My first post here -- I read ocassionally and just stumbled upon the Portillo report.

I was there too that week -- with our kids. I think I was on Roca Jack lift with you the afternoon of the big snowstorm with the fresh tracks going UP with one of my kids and my husband (I know there were two of the Bently college guys with us -- not sure if it was you). It was wild not being able to see our skis heading up. My son was waist deep in snow going up!! That was pretty cool. The snow that day was great.

We stayed another week after you left and had beautiful sunshine all week. It is always a trade off in Portillo (this was our third year there) -- the fresh snow was great the week you were there but there was more downtime (wind and avalanche holds) and flat light too. No new snow the second week but brilliant sunshine. We had the same thing last year with two weeks -- one sunny week and one stormy. Each was great in its own way. Portillo is a very special place.

[koreshot]

Originally Posted by Skisalot

My first post here -- I read ocassionally and just stumbled upon the Portillo report.

I was there too that week -- with our kids. I think I was on Roca Jack lift with you the afternoon of the big snowstorm with the fresh tracks going UP with one of my kids and my husband (I know there were two of the Bently college guys with us -- not sure if it was you). It was wild not being able to see our skis heading up. My son was waist deep in snow going up!! That was pretty cool. The snow that day was great.

We stayed another week after you left and had beautiful sunshine all week. It is always a trade off in Portillo (this was our third year there) -- the fresh snow was great the week you were there but there was more downtime (wind and avalanche holds) and flat light too. No new snow the second week but brilliant sunshine. We had the same thing last year with two weeks -- one sunny week and one stormy. Each was great in its own way. Portillo is a very special place.

Sure.... rub it in. I spent two weeks in Portillo in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and got a total of 6 inches of snow. Haven't gone back since, partly cause I am bitter and partly cause I have a ring on my finger now.

[salida]

Originally Posted by Skisalot

My first post here -- I read ocassionally and just stumbled upon the Portillo report.

I was there too that week -- with our kids. I think I was on Roca Jack lift with you the afternoon of the big snowstorm with the fresh tracks going UP with one of my kids and my husband (I know there were two of the Bently college guys with us -- not sure if it was you). It was wild not being able to see our skis heading up. My son was waist deep in snow going up!! That was pretty cool. The snow that day was great.

We stayed another week after you left and had beautiful sunshine all week. It is always a trade off in Portillo (this was our third year there) -- the fresh snow was great the week you were there but there was more downtime (wind and avalanche holds) and flat light too. No new snow the second week but brilliant sunshine. We had the same thing last year with two weeks -- one sunny week and one stormy. Each was great in its own way. Portillo is a very special place.

That was one of the highlights of the trip, the ride up Roca Jack! That and the ski down... sorry to take first dibs

[alpinemorg]

Could anyone give some details on where the best places are to look at planning a trip here? Have heard all sorts of people talk about S. American areas, but not sure where to begin looking/planning.

Thanks!

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by alpinemorg

Could anyone give some details on where the best places are to look at planning a trip here? Have heard all sorts of people talk about S. American areas, but not sure where to begin looking/planning.

Thanks!

If you are looking at Portillo, just go to their website (www.skiportillo.com), and everything you need to know is there. If you are going, you book and stay with them. I don't think there are any other options, it isn't as complicated as booking a trip at a US ski area where you have many places to stay. Food, lodging, and lifts are included in all packages. You can arrange for shuttles from the airport (Santiago) through them. You just need to add your plane ticket (for me, the most expensive part). They have a variety of levels of lodging.

As for other areas, I haven't been and didn't seriously look, so I can't give much advice.

[alpinemorg]

Originally Posted by kcyanks1

If you are looking at Portillo, just go to their website (www.skiportillo.com), and everything you need to know is there. If you are going, you book and stay with them. I don't think there are any other options, it isn't as complicated as booking a trip at a US ski area where you have many places to stay. Food, lodging, and lifts are included in all packages. You can arrange for shuttles from the airport (Santiago) through them. You just need to add your plane ticket (for me, the most expensive part). They have a variety of levels of lodging.

As for other areas, I haven't been and didn't seriously look, so I can't give much advice.

Excellent, thanks!

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by alpinemorg

Excellent, thanks!

No problem. Good luck! You'll have a great time if you go.

[snowkiter]

Thanks, I love looking at snow and ice pictures in the summer. It's cool.