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Tierra Atacama Hotel

Frequently asked questions  |   Information for international guests  |   First time visitor  |   Tipping etiquette
 
FIRST TIME VISITOR?

INFORMATION FOR YOUR ARRIVAL DAY

Before your arrival:

Prior to your arrival at the Hotel, we suggest you fill in your pre check-in card. You can find this card in ‘Registration Card’. If you are traveling through a travel agent, you should request the Registration Card from them and submit it in advance, that way your checking-in process will be faster. Then, you will be ready to enjoy ski sports in Chile.

Arrival Day:

If you arrive on a Saturday, as you go through the Hotel lobby you will find young people wearing red Nordic sweaters, they are our “Guest Service” and they are at your disposal to guide you and answer all your questions.
Upon your arrival, you should go to the reception desk, where you’ll be attended to by one of our receptionists. If your room is ready/available, we will give you your keys and I.D tickets (ski passes) for your stay at our ski resort. The bell boys will help you with your luggage.

If your room is not yet available (may we remind you that the check in time is from 14:00), you will receive a provisional pass and will have to return later to get your room. The bell boys will take your luggage to the luggage storage area located in the basement of the hotel. You can go skiing meanwhile.

While you wait for your room you can do some of the following activities: rent ski or snowboard equipment, book your lessons (highly recommended if you have never skied before), relax in the hotel lounge (second floor) or on the terrace (situated on the same level), or perhaps you might like to have some refreshments in the bar (opens at 12:00). If you wish you can go skiing immediately. Skiing in Chile is the main attraction of Andes´ winter. You have at your disposal the heated pool and jacuzzi, as well as the sauna bathrooms, where you can get changed. Our ski resort is waiting for you.

Things to remember for your first day:

  • Get oriented in Portillo: every Saturday we offer a hotel tour for those guests that have come to Portillo for the first time. You can also hire a mountain guide to orient yourself to the terrain you will be skiing during the week. Skiing in Chile is a marvelous experience.

  • Drink plenty of water. At 9,450' base elevation, our climate is extremely dry, so it is easy to dehydrate. Staying hydrated will help avoid altitude sickness.

  • Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. Wearing polypropylene long underwear is an ideal base layer since it feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, wicks away perspiration and keeps you warm. Do not wear cotton as a base layer.

  • Wear gloves or mittens. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, since 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. And do not forget your sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles. The sun hits hard in the Andes.

  • If you're tired, stop skiing. This is especially important to remember since our guests coming from the North America and Europe arrive to Portillo after an over-night flight. Stop before you become fatigued. Injuries usually result from fatigue. Relax and take in Portillo’s majestic scenery. Portillo, has wonderful landscapes.

  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask: all of our staff is at your service. Feel free to approach any of us. Ski sports are very important to us, but more important are our visitors.

WHAT DO I BRING?

Skiing in Chile is a great experience if you take care of some important details. Here is our list of recommended items for you to bring to Portillo. These are essential to guarantee a fun first day of skiing or snowboarding. If you are in need of anything on this list when you get here, you can find it at Portillo’s store located on the lobby level. You can get everything that you need to make your stay in Portillo a comfortable one. Hat - if your head is warm the rest of you is likely to stay warm.

  • Water proof Gloves/Mittens.

  • Goggles/Sunglasses - you definitely need UV protection, the sun's 40% stronger up here. Goggles are strongly recommended on cold or snowy days for warmth and increased visibility.

  • Jacket/Parka (water resistant)

  • Snow/Water resistant pants.

  • Synthetic or wool base layers for top & bottom - it's better to be warm than cold, you can always shed layers. Synthetic materials help to wick moisture away from your skin. Again, NO COTTON.

  • If you want to practice ski sports, you need to wear comfortable clothes. Warm, dry socks - No cotton. Wear only one pair of socks.

  • Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher.

  • Lip Balm

  • Trail Map - available for free at the Reception & Ski School desks

  • Portillo ID card (given to you at check-in)

  • Ticket for private or group Ski School lessons (given to you when you made your reservation at the Ski School desk).

SKI TERRAIN FOR BEGINNERS

Portillo offers perfect ski and snowboard terrain for those who are new to these sports. With the help of our Ski School instructors you will find yourself gliding down the slopes in no time. Skiing in Chile is easy with our help. El Puma, El Corralito and La Princesa are excellent slopes for beginners that are learning to ski or snowboard or for those who have little experience.