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Skiing was introduced to Chile in 1910 with the construction of the Trans-Andean railway. Built by Norwegian and British engineers, the railway ran from Valparaíso - the port city near Santiago, Chile - to Buenos Aires in Argentina. Skiing was the only achievable way for the workers to reach the Uspallata Pass, which is near Chile's present-day Portillo resort.

Now able to ski in Chile, the English workers also took advantage of the opportunity to explore the Andes. Soon recreational skiers joined the workers by using the train as a ski lift.

The first skis were wooden, short, and wide. Lamination was used in the 1930's. It wasn't until the 1950's when modern plastic surfaces replaced all other existing models.

Skiers began to envision hotels and slope developments in hopes to translate their recreation into a business. The devotees established a company, Hoteles de Cordillera S.A in the 1930's to create the modern day Portillo ski area.

The company planned the hotel location alongside the legendary Lake of the Incas. The peaceful surroundings are disturbed by sorrowful cries that are said to come from the grieving Inca Illi Yunqui. He lost his Princess Kora-Lle to a tragic fall during the nascu, or "Royal Hunt." Upon lowering her body into blue lake, the water cast off an emerald hue which can still be seen today.

World War II slowed the ski boom in Chile, but by 1946, the first chair lift on the continent was erected on Portillo. After the inauguration of the resort in 1949, skiing became the rave and ski clubs became wildly popular. The sport grew rapidly throughout the country and ski resorts began cropping up on the western Andes all throughout the 50's and 60's.

The World Alpine Ski Championship was held in the Portillo area in 1966 and sparked a national interest in the sport. Additionally, the 125-mile speed barrier was broken on its slopes as well as the training site for three Olympic gold metalists. The completion of the road between Chile and Argentina in 1968 flooded the slopes with more South American business.

But with less tourism than Europe and the States, skiing in Chile remained quiet until the 1980's. Improvements such as new ski lifts, capacity additions to hotels, saunas and swimming pools have propelled Chile's ski reputation to a world-class level.

Make Your Ski Reservations Today

The Chile Information Project will arrange a fully customized ski and snowboard vacation package for you and your travel companions. Email Us to make your ski reservations today.