Snow Keeps Falling in Chile

It just keeps dumping in Chile, with two storms sweeping through the Andes this past week. Saturday brought an average of 25 to 50cm of snow in Portillo and the Three Valleys, then cleared up on Sunday for some powder skiing before it was back indoors today to write postcards, hit the bar or spa and wait while another storm pounds the mountains. Termas de Chillan and Pucon received new snow as well, between 20 to 30 centimeters. Chile is experiencing its coldest winter in 23 years, with daily average temperatures hovering around 0 degrees Celsius; residents and tourists in Pucon were surprised to see snow fall at such a low altitude that it snowed in town, which is an uncommon occurrence in this southern resort town. From August 11 to 18, Portillo will host the Telluride Mountainfilm festival, offering a combination of films, speakers, gallery exhibits, and slide presentations. The goal of Mountainfilm is to highlight wild spaces and celebrate adventure, mountains and mountain sports. Portillo is the only venue in Chile to host the Mountainfilm festival; the 4-day event is free of charge to guests. El Colorado, know for having the oldest lifts and a family-friendly ambiance, has stepped up its services with a brand-new website full of helpful information (www.elcolorado.cl). The resort has also remodelled guest services areas such as their ski rental and tuning center, a new La Bolsa de Ski sports shop, a heated dome lounge at their Los Zorros run, and a nod by Forbes magazine as one of the best places to ski in the southern hemisphere. You'll find more short-term and economical lodging here at El Colorado; see their website for more information.