Melanja Šober is a full time Ski Instructor in the Chilean ski resort of Portillo. Originating from Slovenia, Melanja is an experienced ski racer in both Alpine and Telemark disciplines, with titles including Junior World Telemarking Champion and Slovenian Champion alongside some impressive World Cup results. Melanja gives her advice and reasons on why to go skiing in Portillo, Chile.
- What is the best thing about being a ski instructor in Portillo?
It is not only about teaching. There is more. Portillo is a unique place in the world that cannot be compared to any other place. What makes it different? People. Working in Portillo ski school means working with people coming from different cultures and different backgrounds. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing the knowledge and experience with each other. - What’s the best thing about skiing in Portillo?
Portillo has one of the best terrains in the world. I can always find a place where I can challenge myself. That can either be a steep shoot or a wide-open slope covered with a meter of fresh powder. In the end, it comes down to having the ability to go higher and steeper with no chance of disappointment. - What kinds of people come to Portillo to ski and have ski lessons? (e.g: Families, young people..)
Hotel guests are people that we work the most with. In June, we work a lot with families from Brazil. Most of them take private lessons using a few instructors, per family. Those weeks can be really fun – I enjoy introducing skiing to people who sometimes see the snow for the first time.
On the other hand, August turns completely different. Americans fill the hotel, which means a lot of work with advance skiers, young ski racers training gates and older people who want to learn carving or skiing powder.
In September, we get occupied with kids from Chile and Argentina but what it all comes down to is, we work with everybody and most importantly we all enjoy working with diversity.
- What is your favourite ski run and why?
My favourite ski run is called Super C. It is a Couloir starting at the top of the mountain and gives 4000 feet of vertical drop. It is usually filled with dry snow, but can often offer challenging skiing because of the altitude. Besides that, it takes approximately 2.5 hours of steep hiking straight up, which is likely to reduce the number of people at the top. - Is there anything else you can recommend people to see or do if they come to Portillo, apart from skiing?
Of course. Portillo offers much more than just skiing, it is also about socializing and relaxing, for renovating and restoring the body and mind. Resort is set in a beautiful environment with stunning scenery. There is no doubt that Portillo has been South America’s premier destination ski resort for more than 50 years, but people are able to enjoy it even when they don’t ski. - What’s the difference between South American skiing and European skiing?
There is not a whole lot of difference, lifts are as great as they can be Europe, slopes can be just as steep, and the weather can be even better. What the differences are is the culture and the people that come here. In South America, we work with many Brazilians, Argentines and Peruvians, who usually don’t ski in Europe. Consequently the atmosphere is different. Not only in the hotels but also on slopes. South American skiers are more comfortable skiing on slopes, which leaves more powder for powder addicts. - What makes Portillo different from other South American ski resorts?
Portillo is definitely a premium ski destination, in South America. The resort offers slopes for all ski levels and even the most demanding skiers find challenges for themselves. Besides that, skiing in Portillo means no lift lines, and no crowds on slopes. Hotel capacity is 450 guests, which also equals the number of possible skiers.
Another difference in Portillo, are huge storms that can shut down the mountain for days. I don’t remember a day in Europe when we would have to stay inside due to the snowstorm.
Some guests would get disappointed when they don’t get to ski due to the storm, but that is the start of a real experience. Guests get to spend time with each other and by the end of the week there is barely a person that you have not meet. As far as I can tell, being in Portillo is definitely an experience that no one forgets. - Is there a good atmosphere after skiing? What do people do to relax in Portillo?
Portillo offers several activities all day long. If you start a day with skiing, you can relax on a sunny afternoon in the swimming pool or a hot tub. There are also several sports activities that will make your time on the snow better such are stretching classes, yoga and dancing classes. Most guests also like to enjoy sauna and massages but some would prefer running in the gym, playing basketball or soccer, or using an indoor climbing wall.
When the day is almost over, the night in the bar starts and you can relax with a glass of good wine or a cocktail.
In the end, there is not a moment that guests would feel bored or had nothing to do. Everybody can find their own thing to do Portillo. - Can you summarise in 3 words what is special about Portillo?
Snow, People, Atmosphere