Portillo, Chile Stops Selling Day Tickets As From Tomorrow Due To Lack Of Snow
Portillo Ski Resort in Chile announced that is going to stop selling day tickets as from tomorrow, Saturday, due to lack of snow. In a statement posted last Wednesday on their website and social networks, they argued that the reasons for the decision were the current snow conditions. The text also highlighted that Portillo will resume selling day tickets once conditions get better.
According to Portillo’s general manager, Miguel Purcell, 85% of the ski area was opened for skiing on Tuesday. The hotel is full and people are skiing normally. However, the snow cover is thin, and won’t last for too long if it doesn’t snow soon.
Portillo’s official statement
“Dear Portillo Guest,
We want to let you know about snow conditions here in Portillo. Our situation is not at all what we would like to have for you when you arrive in Portillo. Of course things can change rather quickly here in the Andes Mountains but the forecasts for the next few weeks do not look promising.
I would like you to take some time to look at snow conditions on our web page www.skiportillo.com and decide for yourselves if you think you will enjoy your visit to Portillo given the existing situation.
As of today we have 85% of the ski area open. The hotel is full and people are skiing and enjoying it. The snow cover is thin, we are hitting bare ground in some places and a short stretch of warm weather could further complicate things. We expect that next week will be pretty similar to this week. We are doing everything possible to keep our groomed runs safe and well maintained given the thin cover. The off piste skiing is challenging but good. The Helicopter skiing is also good.
As of this Saturday we will no longer be selling day tickets to skiers who are not lodged in the Hotel so the slopes should remain uncrowded. This gives us the best possibility to preserve your skiing experience.
We understand that you may not want to take a chance on being disappointed and we will cooperate with you to make other arrangements. If you decide to change your reservation please let us know by contacting our reservations Department.
Miguel Purcell, General Manager”
Portillo’s forecast
Some snow is forecasted for next week. If the storm is big enough, it will probably allow the resort to revoke their determination of not selling day tickets. You can keep an eye on the storm by using our snow forecast or weather maps. Also, you can subscribe to Portillo’s snow alerts by clicking here.
Penitentes’ situation is even worst
Next to Portillo, but on the other side of the border, in Argentina, lays Penitentes, a small ski resort that offers some interesting off piste skiing. Curiously, Penitentes didn’t get enough snow this season, and hasn’t opened yet. Back in July, resort authorities were extremely optimistic. But days went by, and snow didn’t appear. Ironically, Penitentes last seasons had been excellent. Surely, this year they weren’t lucky.
