Ski Portillo in Chile has extended its 2026 ski season through October 11 after receiving more than 25 feet of snow since mid-July.
The iconic Chilean ski resort had originally planned to close on September 29, but exceptional snow conditions have allowed Portillo to add nearly two more weeks of skiing and snowboarding.
According to the resort, this has been its biggest snowfall season in roughly 50 years.
More than 25 feet of snow has fallen since July 14, leaving the high-elevation resort deep in coverage as the Southern Hemisphere ski season moves toward spring.
Portillo Will Stay Open Through October 11
The extended season will run from September 29 through October 11, 2026, with Portillo offering discounted lodging and ski packages during the additional dates.
The resort is offering 20% off standard low-season rates on three- and four-night mini-weeks as well as its traditional seven-night ski weeks.
Seven-night packages during the extended season start at:
- Hotel Portillo Valley View Room: $3,250 per person, double occupancy
- Octagon Lodge: $2,250 per person, quad occupancy
- Inca Lodge: $1,650 per person for hostel-style accommodations
Packages include accommodations, lift tickets, resort amenities and four meals per day.
While October skiing isn’t unheard of in the high Andes, having enough snow to confidently extend a destination resort’s season this far into spring is notable.
One Of South America’s Most Famous Ski Areas
Located roughly two hours northeast of Santiago, Portillo sits high in the Chilean Andes near the Argentine border.
The resort overlooks the striking Laguna del Inca and is surrounded by mountains reaching roughly 15,000 feet.
Portillo is very different from a typical North American ski resort.
There is no sprawling base village or massive condo development. Instead, the destination revolves around the historic Hotel Portillo and a relatively small number of lodging properties.
The resort limits capacity to approximately 450 guests per week, which can make the slopes feel remarkably uncrowded compared with major destination ski areas elsewhere in the world.
Portillo has also long been a training destination for international ski racers and national teams, thanks to its elevation, terrain and reliable winter conditions.
A Huge Snow Year in the Andes
The extension comes during what has become an exceptional winter for Portillo.
The resort says more than 25 feet of snow has accumulated since July 14 alone.
That amount of snowfall has created enough coverage to carry the ski season beyond the resort’s previously scheduled September 29 closing date.
For North American skiers, Portillo’s extended season also creates an unusual opportunity: skiing powder and spring snow in Chile in late September or early October, just weeks before many resorts in Colorado, Utah and the Northeast even begin making snow.
Turn It Into A Longer Chile Trip
Portillo is also promoting the possibility of combining a ski trip with a visit to its sister property, Refugia Chiloé, which opens for its season on September 30.
The boutique hotel is located on Chiloé Island in southern Chile’s Lake District.
Portillo guests are being offered a 20% discount on Refugia Chiloé’s all-inclusive rates.
The property focuses more on outdoor adventure than skiing, with activities including hiking, horseback riding, cycling and kayaking.
That means travelers could theoretically ski the high Andes at Portillo in early October and then head south for a completely different experience along Chile’s rugged Pacific coastline.
Getting To Ski Portillo
Portillo is approximately two hours by road from Santiago, depending on traffic and mountain conditions.
For international visitors, Santiago is served by nonstop flights from several major North American cities.
The drive from Santiago climbs dramatically into the Andes along the road toward the Argentina border before reaching the resort.
Anyone considering an October trip should keep in mind that conditions can change quickly in the high mountains, especially after major snowstorms.
Still, after a winter that Portillo describes as its snowiest in half a century, the chance to ski Chile into the second week of October is a pretty compelling way to stretch the 2026 ski season.
Ski Portillo’s extended season runs through October 11, 2026.
More information and reservations are available through Ski Portillo.