Featured Image: Courtesy of Ski Portillo
One of the most beloved ski resorts of the Southern Hemisphere, Ski Portillo, began the 2026 season last weekend. While conditions have been rough thus far, with the Andes Mountains receiving minimal snow over the last couple of weeks, Portillo has made the most of the lackluster early season.
The resort was able to offer three runs, Plateau, Las Lomas and Corralito, for skiers to enjoy during the opening weekend. Thanks to stellar grooming and continued snowmaking operations, they easily boast some of the best skiing around the area
But to make sure resort guests get the most out of the limited terrain, Ski Portillo is not selling day tickets to the general public and is instead allowing only hotel guests to ski as they wait for more snow to blanket the peaks.
Portillo took to social media to announce the semi-opening day, assuring season pass holders that they do not relish limiting terrain and are working around the clock to open more. "Given the current snow conditions, and with the safety of guests as our top priority, we are not yet able to welcome day skiers," Portillo stated.
"Our team has been working tirelessly making snow and preparing the mountain," the release continued. "We’re looking forward to welcoming the general public as soon as conditions permit. We’ll continue to share updates through our official channels as more terrain becomes available."
And it appears that the resort's prayers may be answered, as OpenSnow is forecasting a massive storm moving in over the next 15 days, with 51 inches possible between July 14 and 19. An El Niño cycle, which meteorologists predict will persist through winter 2027, tends to bring snow to the Andes, so there's no lack of hope for Portillo and its neighbors.
