Traveling alone, with friends, or with the family, a summer ski vacation to Ski Portillo, Chile will be a unique experience. Located 100 miles from Santiago, Chile, with 30 ski trails, served by 14 lifts, the Portillo ski area is the oldest ski area in South America, celebrating 60 years in 2009.

When I say unique, I mean when is the last time you had a week of above treeline skiing on 1300 acres plus endless off-piste terrain and with lodging for only about 500 people? Before you think wild west and primitive skiing, be advised the limited accommodations are planned to be that way. The owners want to provide an affordable, big mountain, boutique ski area to be enjoyed by all travelers.

With the ski season at Ski Portillo running from June 21 - October 5, it's a good time to book now. Take a more in-depth look at this South America ski resort that is often described by visitors as "a cruise ship in the mountains" and pick a week from a season full of Special Event Weeks best suited to your travel time and a theme you would really enjoy.

Don't forget, if you are thinking about a summer ski vacation, to sure all passports are in order.

South American Skiing

• Ski Portillo, Chile - A Cruise Ship in the Mountains
• Ski Resorts in Chile
• Ski Resorts in Argentina

_{Skiing at Ski Portillo, Chile Photo Copyright Jonathon Selkowitz}