Portillo is the oldest and best known of the Chilean ski resorts, located high in the Andes just off one of the main routes from Chile into Argentina. It is unique because there is no town and only one hotel, the bright yellow Hotel Portillo, which has a stunning position overlooking Lake Inca which lies in a valley between jagged peaks. It is an awe-inspiring location, made more so by the fact that the highest mountain in the western hemisphere Anconcagua (just under 7,000m or 21,000ft) is just over the ridge.

The skiing is varied with a quirky arrangement of lifts and pistes including those that cross the highway - ever taken a ski lift above a truck on a hairpin bend before? Runs include steep pitches from between rocky outcrops and broad open swathes of rolling mountainside.

With skier numbers limited to 450 guests a day it is never crowded. If you are feeling brave a ride up the Roca Jack is a must. Known as a slingshot lift, up to 5 people cling on to a giant T-bar whilst being dragged up a sleep slope at great speed. After a rather undignified dismount, you are left with a steep pitch of off-piste terrain high above the lake. 

Dining at Portillo is nearly as important as the skiing.  Master chef Rafael Figueroa creates wonderful, hearty and healthy meals using Chile's excellent fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables and wines, as well as Argentina's exquisite beef and lamb. Vegetarian alternatives are excellent and always available. Of course all of this is always accompanied by an impressive wine list and another Pisco sour.

At Portillo they serve four meals a day, including high tea at 5:00pm. Dinner is served in two seatings: 8:30pm and 9:45pm.