Heavy Snowfall Delays Ski Portillo's Opening... Again

Ski Portillo has recorded 198 inches (503cm) of snow in 2024. That's 99% of their reported 200 inches of annual snowfall, before lifts have even opened for the season.

The resort was poised to kick off its 75th Anniversary season with a bang on Saturday June 22nd, but the seemingly endless snowfall has forced them to delay the opening of its ski slopes and iconic hotel for the second time.

Ski Portillo is now hoping its lone access road will be cleared for the new opening date on Saturday, June 29th, 2024.

OpenSnow is forecasting that an additional 16-26 inches of snow will fall at Ski Portillo through Friday, June 28th. Saturday's intended opening will surely be a powder day, and a deep one at that.

Miguel Purcell, General Manager for Ski Portillo, summarized the decision to postpone opening day, and added a bit of excitement for skiers itching to visit:

"Due to these weather conditions, we are forced to postpone the opening date to Saturday, June 29 when we hope the storm clears. We appreciate you understanding during this unprecedented situation.

These storms have created incredible conditions for the season and we look forward to welcoming guests soon."

The Andes experienced down years in terms of snowfall from 2019-2022. There were multiple resorts whose slopes literally laid bare of snow in the middle of winter. Thankfully, last season, and the start to this one, have been anything but "down".

Ski Portillo is off to one of their best starts to a season in recorded history, with all-time snow records within reach. The word 'unprecedented' has been thrown around quite a bit to describe the hot start to the season, and its usage feels appropriate.

Stay tuned in here at POWDER Magazine throughout the summer as we keep tabs on Ski Portillo and South America's unprecedented season. We've got you covered.

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