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Reading the Portillo Backcountry terrain
Portillo, Chile offers incredible skiing, easily accessible from resort lifts. Depending on the snow levels and stability, zones that would be considered “backcountry” skiing become available. This turns the mountain into a giant playground that is as big as your imagination and ability to find the secret spots.
Extreme Skiers at Portillo
Extreme skiers and mountaineers have been visiting Portillo for years for its world class ski terrain. Famous skiers like Shane McConkey, Chris Davenport, Ingrid Backstrom, Sage Catabriga-Alosa, Ian MacIntosh, Cody Townsend and many more have been known to visit Portillo. You can often spot them on the mountain or during meal time.
Super C Couloir
Portillo has access to famous backcountry skiing including the Super C couloir which can be accessed by bootpacking 3,000 vertical feet. There is no marked route or bootpack in place and skiers must know how to navigate a variety of snow conditions and terrain. This is outside the Portillo ski area boundaries and should only be skied by expert skiers with backcountry experience and equipment. Those planning on accessing this terrain must meet with Snow safety director Frank Coffey or Operations Manager Michael Rogan prior to leaving.Unmissable adventures at Ski Portillo
Portillo’s Backcountry Legends
Shane McConkey, Chris Davenport, Eric Roner, Seth Morrison are only a few of the ski legends that have skied the Portillo backcountry, even filming segments for renowned ski movies and campaigns with brands. Stories of these legends can be heard from guests and employees alike and at given times, modern legends in the making can be seeing skiing and walking the halls of Portillo.
The Traverse
The traverse off the Roca Jack lift opens up the possibilities of areas to ski. A high traverse leads skiers to estadio and the exit of the Super C, those who keep going can find even more options on Ultima Quebrada, returning to the Juncalillo lift. Possibilities are endless on the terrain off the traverse.
The Secret Lines of Portillo
La Chimenea, Gargantita, Primavera, Toilet Bowl and a few others are special lines in Portillo that can only be skied when the conditions are just right and by those with advanced knowledge of terrain and snow conditions. Technical turns, possible cliffs and variable snow conditions are a few of the things skiers should expect and be able to maneuver.
Shane McConkey
Backcountry ski and ski base legend Shane McConkey lives on at Portillo. Shane visited Portillo a few times and fell in love with the terrain available. After his passing in a ski basing accident, his friends returned to Portillo and made a shrine in his honor. Unmarked, the shrine can be found under the Plateau lift in a secret spot. Those lucky to find it can toast Shane McConkey’s legacy with a shot of whisky.
Chris Davenport
Famous mountaineer, skier and guide Chris Davenport has been visiting Portillo for over 15 years. He returns year after year for several weeks to enjoy the terrain and skiing at Portillo with his family but also to host his annual camp “Ski with the Superstars”. Chris is also a Portillo ambasador and during Friend’s week, he hosts presentations and a ski day for Portillo guests.
The inside scoop on Ski Portillo terrain
Pistas de esquí para esquiadores experto
Cóndor, Roca Jack, Garganta, Las Vizcachas, El Cara Cara y Lake Run.
Esquiadores nivel experto y offpiste
Los esquiadores de nivel experto dominan las pistas de nivel negro y se sienten cómodos en todo tipo de terrenos, condiciones de nieve variable y en pendientes empinadas. Las condiciones de nieve pueden incluir paquetes duros, hielo o polvo, así como nieve preparada o no preparada.
Roca Jack
El sueño de un esquiador experto. Roca Jack es diferente a cualquier pista experta en el mundo. El andariel Va-et-vient lleva a los esquiadores a nuevas alturas, ofreciendo vistas incomparables de toda la cordillera circundante. Las condiciones naturales de nieve pueden variar desde polvo hasta polvo compacto o nieve primavera, y proporcionar un desafío gratificante para el esquiador más avanzado con un espíritu aventurero.
Ski para todos los Niveles
