Andean ski packages with R/T airfare

Hit the slopes in Chile from $2189

By ShermansTravel Staff

July 23, 2008 04:56 pm EDT

Book By: August 14

Travel By: October 4

Dreaming of fresh powder? You don’t have to wait for six months to pull out the skis. The South American winter is in full swing and Andean resorts in Chile are enjoying perfectly snowy conditions. The late July/early August marks the height of the season, with prices to match. But travelers looking for values will want to set their sights on September and check out these inspiring late-season ski packages we found through LAN Vacations. Seven all-inclusive days on the slopes, with air, start at $2189.

Seven nights plus air to Portillo, from $2889
Nestled in the Andes, overlooking Lake Inca, the world-renowned Portillo offers premiere skiing, all-inclusive service, and stunning views. And, with only the 123-room Hotel Portillo (plus two lodges), the resort delivers relatively uncrowded runs to boot. Sound good? From September 6-26, roundtrip airfare to Santiago, transportation to the Portillo and seven nights’ accommodations, as well as daily meals and ski passes start at $2889 through LAN Vacations’ package. The offer is valid for Friday departures only. The ski-in ski-out hotel sports a pool, fitness center and childcare, among other amenities. But beware: no TVs in the guestrooms.

Stay at Portillo Lodges for $2189 and up
If you don’t mind hostel-like digs (think bunk beds and communal bathrooms), you can enjoy Portillo’s slopes for just $2189 from September 6 through October 4 (Friday departures only). The seven-day package at the backpacker-friendly Inca Lodge available through LAN Vacations includes roundtrip airfare to Santiago with transfer to the resort; full board in the lodge’s self-service cafeteria; and daily ski passes. A second option, with shared room and private bath accommodations at the Octagon Lodge, runs from $2799. Octagon’s guests dine in Hotel Portillo’s main dining room. All lodgers can take advantage of the hotel’s extras at no charge.

A week in Valle Nevado for $3069
With its expansive ski area, proximity to two neighboring resorts and location just 37 miles from Santiago’s international airport, Valle Nevado is not surprisingly a popular destination. You can get in on the action with LAN’s weeklong package. Roundtrip air to Santiago; transportation to the resort; lodging at Hotel Valle Nevado; breakfast and dinner daily; and a seven-day ski pass are included. One of three in the Valle Nevado resort, the hotel features a restaurant, bar, fitness and spa center, childcare and 53 guestrooms complete with terraces and WiFi. Aug 16- Sept 10 the price tag starts at a serious $4029. But wait until September 11, when the full package, valid on Thursday departures through October 4, can be had from $3069.

The quotes for the LAN Vacation packages are based on travel from Miami. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and include hotel taxes and service charges. You’ll have to spring for airport taxes and fees and ski equipment, as well as a one-time reciprocity fee of $131 valid until your passport expires.