| When you think of skiing, you're likely to conjure up | | | | a class to regain your confidence and relearnthe |
| the white winters of the Swiss | | | | basics - it is a handy tool to have when traveling at |
| Alps, Mont Blanc in France, Vail in the US, or Mount | | | | the speed of light towardsthe window of a |
| Fuji in Japan. | | | | restaurant. |
| But Latin America has of course the Andes. And Chile | | | | If you really want to experience life on the edge, |
| is where we'll be skiing thissummer. The best news is | | | | heli-skiing is for you. It is not forme or for other |
| that, given the tricky economic situation lived in | | | | light-hearted folk. But world-class skiers visit especially |
| thecountry, skiers are greeted each year with | | | | to heli-skithe Andes. |
| excellent package deals. | | | | The third day is usually when the pain sinks in. Your |
| Despite being lesser known than those in Europe or | | | | tired muscles beg for a break,and on such a day, |
| North America, Chile hasalready hosted World | | | | your best option is to visit the wine region. Chile |
| Championships, and is also the chosen training ground | | | | produces someof the best wines in the world, and a |
| forsome national ski teams, such as the US. Do you | | | | visit to Los Vacos is the ideal escapade whereyou |
| wonder why? | | | | can taste some local Merlot or Cabernet. |
| Imagine living in a place where you are greeted each | | | | A restful stay is assured at The Portillo, not only |
| day by the amazing Andeanmountains. Of course, | | | | because there is a "no tv" house-rule but also cater |
| Chileans pay a price in exchange for having such a | | | | to a maximum of 500 guests at a time. Kids also |
| wondrousbackdrop - pollution. Pollution easily gathers | | | | have a myriadof activities to choose from and allow |
| above the cities of Chile and given thesheer height of | | | | parents a smooth, quiet stay. |
| the mountains covering the region, pollution simply | | | | For off-slope activities, local tour operators offer |
| stales abovewith no way of escaping. | | | | some very interesting activities,such as a visit and |
| But a 2-hour drive towards the mountains quickly | | | | lunch with the indigenous Mapuche community, or |
| leaves the grey air behind and wereach the Portillo | | | | trips toneighbouring resorts in Chile and in Argentina. |
| Hotel. Built in the 1940's on a site known to have | | | | The Vale Nevado is only 1.5 hours away from |
| been a burialground used by the Incan people, the | | | | Santiago and also offers deluxeaccommodation in its |
| luxurious Portillo resort is one of the top skiresorts in | | | | lively resort and some of the best snowboarding in |
| Latin America, and given the quality of the slopes, it | | | | the region. |
| has been attractingprofessional skiers and daredevils | | | | The Termas, or hostprings, de Chillan are 6 hours |
| to the Andes since the late 1800's. | | | | away from Santiago. But thereason why so many |
| The Andes, which peak at over 7,000m on Mount | | | | skiers will do this longer trip is the opportunity the ski |
| Aconcagua, are an idyllicdestination even for | | | | the |
| non-skiers. The scenery is breathtaking, the mountain | | | | Chillan volcano. The local hotel is also deluxe, offers |
| air isrefreshing and the people of Chile are hospitable | | | | guests a world-class spa andthe crowds are an |
| folk happy to help in whicheverway they can. | | | | international bunch. The off-slope activities are also |
| The crowds at the Portillo are a mixed bunch from | | | | variedenough to make it a good destination for |
| around the world. Many are noteven there for the | | | | families. |
| skiing. That's why the Portillo offers a wide array of | | | | Las Lenas ski resort is probably where you'll find the |
| recreation, atthe resort and outside. | | | | best deals, and the slopes aresome of the most |
| On a sunny day, you can take part in guided walks | | | | difficult, so you're likely to be rubbing shoulders with |
| along the trails, stop off for apicnic and return to the | | | | experiencedskiers and world champions out on some |
| resort, get yourself into one of the external heated | | | | training. |
| poolsand contemplate the stars. A full week of this | | | | Known at the Gran Catedral, Bariloche is located in |
| and you'll return home feelingrefreshed and ready to | | | | Argentina and given its unstableweather conditions |
| take on what comes along. | | | | has some great off-slope activities, such as hiking, |
| For skiers, however, adventure awaits you on the | | | | sightseeingand a fantastic atmosphere at night. |
| world-class Double Diamondchute known as "The | | | | All in all, and regardless of the resort you choose, the |
| throat". There are easier slopes for beginner skiers | | | | Andes are your best bet. |
| orsnowboarders and instructors are at hand to give | | | | Enjoy the high life at any its luxury resorts, |
| you the basics. If you've skiedbefore and feel a little | | | | experience some incredible skiing, meetpeople from |
| rusty, a lesson or two on your first day will get you | | | | around the world, sip some of the world's finest |
| back ontrack. It is also important to point out that | | | | wines, and wake upeach morning to the fresh |
| the Andes can be sneaky terrain and theslopes that | | | | Andean air and one the most exquisite vistas in |
| are seemingly easy at first sight will put you to the | | | | theworld. |
| test. So I alwaysrecommend even avid skiers to join | | | | |