Ski Portillo Access Road Finally Opens to All With Season Extended into October
20th August 2026
Last modified on August 22nd, 2026
The resort in Chile has seen huge amounts of snow, but also long closures. It has set a closing date of October 12th. Elsewhere in South America the conditions are the best of the season. It’s looking good in New Zealand & parts of Australia. UPDATED
The access road is now open in both directions giving full access for all skiers and snowboarders.
It had previously only been open to those with a confirmed hotel reservation.
“The road is open this Saturday and Sunday!” said the resort.
“Access to Ski Portillo and the border crossing will be open to all vehicles — hotel guests, skiers and day visitors alike.
“The snow is incredible.”
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Ski Portillo had been due to close on September 26th, but the season has been extended after its record-breaking winter.
The start of the season was delayed as there was not enough snow and then the storms rolled in.
In one 7-day period in mid-July it saw 5m of fresh snow.
In July and August a further 7m of snow fell.
Across the whole winter it has seen a record-breaking 8m of snow.
The access road was closed for long periods and the only way in or out was by helicopter.
The road partially re-opened to those with a confirmed hotel booking and was closed to everyone else.
The Chilean Association of Ski Resorts, ACEKI, urged the regional infrastructure authorities to improve road-clearing the rules around it help the ski tourist injury during major storms.
Ski Portillo is offering a 20% discount on week-long package bookings made between the extended opening period, September 30th and October 12th.
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Valle Nevado and Corralco in Chile also report good conditions
Elsewhere in South America there is the best snow of the winter in Argentina.
Las Lenas has 80% of its terrain open.
Cerro Catedral also has 80% of its slopes open after a poor start to the season.
Cerro Catedral, Argentina. Image © PlanetSKI
In Australia Mount Baw Baw in Victoria closes it ski slopes this weekend as high temperatures have taken their toll.
Some lifts will remain open but skiing and snowboarding has come to an end.
Elsewhere in Australia Perisher is 80% open.
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Neighbouring Thredbo also reports good conditions for the second half of the season.
Conditions are more consistent across the ski areas of New Zealand with most ski areas on the South Island fully open.
Cardrona and Mt Hutt are the standout areas.
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