Hugging the west coast of South America, and with the majestic Andes Mountains as a dominant feature, Chile is a snow skier’s dream destination. The winter sport season in Chile starts in June and generally continues into October each year. Skiers and snowboarders will find the facilities offers by the ski resorts in Chile to be world-class, the hospitality warm and friendly, and the scenery simply breath-taking.

Resorts by Location:

• Argentina
• Chile

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Different people have different ways of doing things and a simple mistake can create an enemy instead of a friend. This is especially so when it comes to eating customs. While most people will take into account that offensive behavior may be attributed to different customs in other parts of the world, a genuine attempt to respect the culture of that land often results in real appreciation closer friendships. While we cannot claim to have all the answers, SnowSkiing.com has attempted to give you a few cultural eating tips for different parts of the world so that your new friendships can get off on the right leg. We hope that our users will find it most useful.

North America

Generally speaking, the eating customs of the various states in North America are very similar. A well mannered person would avoid certain things like putting their elbows on the table while eating or stretching over other people to obtain a dish out of their reach but this is generally not strictly upheld and is only really necessary in formal settings. Using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when requesting that an item of food is passed to you shows appreciation for co-operation. As is normal, a person should avoid talking about disgusting, unappetizing things at the table. Conversations generally center on skiing performance, place of work, profession, and country of origin. Most people are friendly and fairly relaxed. Some places – such as Canada – which have a stronger foreign influence will uphold a higher standard of decorum. The same standards are generally kept at both the dinner table and in restaurants.

Europe

Eating culture in Europe can be quite different from country to country. Therefore we have attempted to briefly list a number of fairly common differences from each country in order to help our users get more from their meals.

Germany/Austria/Switzerland

Generally speaking, these three cultures have a lot of similarities and the people are friendly and ready to help so you can ask if you feel stuck. The people also have a rich cultural heritage. They dislike it when you put your hand in your lap while eating so try to keep both hands above the table – but not your elbows. It is also wise to utter ‘das schmeckt’ (it tastes good) while eating and not to complain about what you are served – especially when at a person’s home. Look people in the eye while toasting with wine glasses and don’t regard general items such as bread baskets and water to be free items. The bread in this country is generally quite hard while the coffee is strong. If you are invited to a home, it is impolite to help yourself to items from the persons fridge. If you are at a restaurant, you should take note of whether or not the tip is included in the menu. A crossed knife and fork on your side plate indicates that you are pausing while placing them side by side indicates that you are finished. You may find it hard to get a ‘doggie bag’ at a restaurant but you may take your dog in with you to some restaurants and ask for a bowl of water or feed your dog under the table. Smoking is also forbidden in many public areas so be aware of the rules before attempting to light up.

France

Much of French life is centered around food and relaxation. Their meals are lengthly and time consuming and considered to be an enjoyable and relaxing occasion. A meal at a typical restaurant and even in some homes would begin with an aperitif (starter) before progressing to a main meal with meat and vegetables before being followed by cheese and dessert. Most meals are also accompanied by a good glass of wine and stimulating conversation.

Italy

The eating customs of Italians is quite different from that of other European countries. Instead of enjoying a leisurely breakfast, Italians tend to stand at a bar while having a cappuccino and cornetto (croissant) or some other type of pastry before beginning their working day. Lunches are much more elaborate affairs and may take a few hours to complete. They include starters, a main meal of pasta followed by a second course of meat or fish. This is often complimented by a side salad or vegetable side dish which is completed with fruit or a sweet and coffee. Italian custom includes a siesta or rest period after the midday meal and shops usually close for three to four hours to accommodate the event. Evening meals are traditionally simpler than lunches but the two are slowly starting to see a swap around due to the inconvenience of traveling home at midday.

Norway

If you are planning a trip to Norway you will likely find that the most peculiar eating custom they have is that of eating four meals a day instead of only three. Breakfast is usually enjoyed between 7 and 8 am, lunch is between 11 and Midday, while dinner is between 4 and 5 pm. And additional evening meal usually takes place between 8 and 9 pm. Should you be invited to a meal, you should do your utmost not to use your fingers and should feel free to eat until there is no food left or you are satisfied. It is also polite to inform your host of any specific dietary requirements upon accepting the invitation and not when you arrive for the meal. It is also common practice to offer to wash or dry the dishes after the meal. Norwegians tend to eat a lot of meatloaf and fish and drink a lot of milk. The bread is dark and high in fiber which might unsettle your stomach. If you plan to eat out or cook for yourself, you should remember that food in Norway is generally very expensive.

Asia

Japan

Perhaps the most well known eating custom in Japan is that of using chopsticks instead of knives and forks to consume your meal. While they may require some practice to use effectively, it is worth acquiring this skill before visiting the country as you may find knives, forks and spoons in short supply. When you eat your rice, it is best to lift the bowl to your mouth. Before and during a meal it is best to avoid unappetizing topics and it is also considered rude to burp or to blow your nose. You should always try and eat every last grain of rice and it is considered good style to lay out your dishes as they were when you started your meal – the chopsticks on top of the bowl. It is customary to serve beverages to others instead of pouring yourself a drink and if someone wishes to top up your glass it is thought best to empty it’s remaining contents and to offer them an empty glass. It is also considered impolite to get drunk and unruly – especially at restaurants.

Korea

Korea has a somewhat poor past and as a result, food is considered to be very important. If you are invited to a meal, you are expected to eat well and not to waste food. Table conversation is limited. Everyone east the same food from communal dishes and while making good use of chopsticks, a spoon is often employed for rice. Utensils should be placed next to the bowl when not in use and chopsticks should never be left standing up in a bowl of rice as it has bad connotations. Rice and soup bowls are not picked up off the table while in use. You may talk with your mouth full, slurp, burp and pick your teeth at the table but may not blow your nose. It is polite to wait for the eldest person at the table to eat first. Likewise you will also not leave the table until the oldest person has excused themselves. The oldest person also usually pays for the meal and the bill is not brought to the table. When accepting a drink, you accept it with one hand on the glass and the other on your sleeve. It is considered rude not to accept a drink, even if you do not really drink it. It is also considered polite to turn your head away from an older person when drinking.

South America

Argentina

Eating out is considered to be a pastime in Argentina and it is certainly a popular one. The average three-course dinner can last two or three hours with a lot of animated and enjoyable conversation. Cafés are very popular and offer a wide variety of foods. The waiters never rush their customers and meals are leisurely and enjoyable. It is common practice to employ both eating utensils and hands when eating, switching between knife and fork with the right hand quite frequently. One never gestures with a knife in the hand as it is considered to be threatening. It is a good idea to practice using your utensils in only one hand before embarking on your trip to Argentina.

Chile

While Chilean culture is very Latin American it also bears a strong European influence. Dining out is a popular Chilean activity and Chileans tend to eat large lunches. Lunch is usually served between midday and 3pm while dinner does not begin before 8pm. Restaurants are usually closed on Saturday afternoons and Sunday evenings or for the whole of Sunday but clubs and hotels remain open. Chileans are quite formal but the do not dress up for dinner. The atmosphere around the dinner table is pleasant and conversation is polite. Afternoon teas where sandwiches, cookies, cake and beverages are enjoyed are usually served between 5 and 6pm. Chileans eat with the fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Both are kept above the table throughout the meal and it is considered impolite to ask for or receive second helpings of food. Local wine is almost always enjoyed with the meal and is always poured with the right hand. Compliments for the chef or hostess are considered good manners. If you are invited to a home for a meal, it is polite to stay a while and chat after the meal. When you converse, you should avoid politics and focus instead on families, history and the arts.

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However, for the not so adventurous out there, the idea of eating a dish with unknown contents might make you feel quite uneasy. The SnowSkiing.com Food and Wine page is designed to help you better appreciate your food and to take a more cultured look at it. With a basic description of some of the dishes and beverages most common in certain parts of the world, you can put your mind at ease by knowing that even if the name for your food is in a foreign language, you shouldn’t experience any nasty surprises. If you’re planning a trip a little further from home than usual, why not scan our Food and Wine section and see what you can expect to feast on when you step off the plane…

North America

The majority of people in North America eat more or less the same foods. Fast foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and French fries are abundant, but you may also find more traditional foods are available. Corn on the cob is popular in places, while fried green tomatoes are popular in other parts of the continent. Meat loaf, corn bread, baked ham, apple pie, pumpkin pie and turkey are all popular foods that are served up regularly. A wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in most countries. Coffee and hot chocolate are winter favorites. Beer is common and since much of it is locally made, it may have quite a different flavor to what you are used to. A few brands of American whiskey have become world famous and are quite accessible. Alcohol and wine are also imported from various parts of the world so you will likely be able to enjoy your favorite without too much effort.

Canada tends to have a few different specialties on the menu, such as maple syrup, rhubarb pudding and much much more. Most restaurants also offer a number of flavored coffees which are delicious. All the foods on offer are made from fairly ‘normal’ ingredients and should be agreeable with the average visitor.

Europe

European food is tasty and wholesome although some might consider places such as Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland to have quite different foods from their homelands. In actual fact the majority of foods cooked here are found throughout the world – the only difference is in the preparation. European chefs and cooks take pride in their work and the results are very tasty. You might enjoy a chicken schnitzels with mushrooms, beef gulyas or meringues. They will all look a bit different to what you are most likely used to, but you can be sure that you will enjoy the taste! You can also enjoy slightly more unusual treats such as a stuffed cucumber or cooked roots. You will also be able to enjoy a wide range of wines and other alcoholic beverages as well as true champagne instead of ‘sparkling wine’. Countries such as Germany have a large offering in the way of beer. Italian foods are frequently marketed around the world – the most popular usually being pizza and pasta. These foods agree with most stomachs but the more salty, fish-orientated foods common in Norway may not be so easily digested.

Asia

Japanese food is already known and sold in most parts of the world. The ever famous sushi is just one example. Rice and noodles are popular side dishes while meat may take the form of quail, turkey or chicken, fish, beef or pork. Some typical examples of Japanese food are Onigiri (rice balls in seaweed), Yakizakana (grilled fish), Ramen (noodle soup), Oden (fish cakes, boiled eggs and seaweed in soya sauce) and Yudofu (boiled tofu). There are many other kinds of Japanese food dishes available. Sake is the most commonly known Japanese alcoholic drink and is enjoyed with most meals.

Korean food is somewhat different from Japanese food but rice and noodles still forms a large part of the diet. Kimchi (cabbage or radish mixed with chille pepper, garlic and ginger and left to fermet in saltwater) is considered to be the country’s staple food. It keeps for quite a long time and so is especially popular in poorer areas. Kimbab (rice and vegetables in seaweed), bibimbab (rice, vegetables, chillie past and egg) and bukumbab (fried rice) are popular dishes that are quite common. Chigae (stew) is quite taste while Kalbi tang (beef soup) is delicious but fattening. Foreigners generally enjoy mandu (meat dumplings), omu raisu (omelette with rice) and doncasue (pork cutlets). These can be bought from vendors or found in restaurants. There are plenty of other Koreans foods that can be enjoyed, but be weary of ‘mild’ chilli dishes as Koreans can eat chilli’s the way another person might eat a carrot! Desserts are not very popular in the country and sweetened drinks are the preferred way to end a meal. Soju is a clear alcoholic drink but is an acquired taste. Even stronger is makkoli which is milky white in color and made from rice. If you’re looking for wine, you may be able to find Majuang Red or White at a restaurant or Jinro at a bottle store. Korea also has a few varieties of beer which are enjoyed across the country.

South America

You may find that the food in Argentina and Chile does not look like much, but it tastes delicious! Traditional dishes and ways of preparing food are commonly found in restaurants and homes and you may well find that they are a taste explosion! One of the most common restaurants in Argentina are parrillas where grilled meat is sold. Different cuts of beef are available here as are chicken, sausage and provoleta (grilled cheese). Meat dishes come with French fries and salad and some restaurants also offer homemade pasta. Vegetarians should exercise caution as the majority of the dishes contain meat. The bigger cities have a strong cafe and restaurant culture where you will be able to enjoy a wider selection of food – from open sandwiches to grilled ham and cheese clubs or salads and desserts. Espressos are popular and a visitor should try the local mate tea at least once while visiting. Soft drinks, fruit shakes and ice creams abound. The local wines are quite good and are often watered down to a spritzer by locals. Both Chilean and Argentinian foods are fairly international in flavor and are enjoyed by most.

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There are literally thousands of resorts in places like North America, South America, Europe and Asia and most offer a unique and unforgettable skiing experience. And because we know how difficult it can be to choose between so many great resorts – especially when you’re on a budget – we’ve included a Reviews page too. Why not take a look now so that you can start planning your next snow-sport vacation.

Resorts by Location:

• North America
• Europe
• South America
• Australasia
• Asia
• Africa
• Middle East

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The Catedral Mountain gets its name from the resemblance of its peaks to the towers of a Gothic style temple. It is the largest ski vacation resort in South America with more than 5,000 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all levels of skill. All styles of skiing, including off-piste, are possible here. Advanced skiers will delight in the challenges offered by the cruisers, moguls and unmarked trails. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can enjoy an area specially designed with bumps and rails. Cerro Catedral continually updates its facilities so visitors can enjoy the most advanced skiing vacation. Plenty of accommodation is available at Catedral and Bariloche.

Las Lenas near the capital city of Mendoza is the highest vacation resort in the country. It offers matchless snow quality, downhill ski runs for all levels, Nordic skiing and unbeatable areas for off-piste skiing. A 1,200-meter vertical drop between the 3,430-meter-high summit and the 2,240-meter-high base creates a paradise for extreme skiing and heli-skiing. It has a slalom stadium, plenty of options for beginners and boasts of one of the longest runs for intermediate level skiers in the world. There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. The elegant Picis Hotel is the hub of all the activities in the charming resort town. One can rent an apartment; opt for time share or budget hotels as well.

La Hoya offers the longest skiing season from early June. The orientation of mountain and resort ensures fresh snow all year round. Excellent facilities for Alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding suitable for beginners, advanced, expert skiers and competition participants make it a popular vacation destination. It also offers a special area for randoneé skiing, a circuit for snowmobiles and spectacular off-piste areas with deep snow.

Argentina Resorts:

• Cerro Bayo
• Cerro Catedral
• Chapelco
• La Hoya
• Las Lenas

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Cerro Catedral combines the two magnificent mountains of Bariloche, Los Robles and Catedral to provide the pioneer among South American ski resorts. It provides fifty-three well groomed runs that are most suitable for intermediate level skiers, while offering opportunities for beginners and advanced to expert skiers as well. The ski lift system with forty chair lifts is modern and impressive and the resort continuously updates its facilities to remain in the forefront of all the ski resorts in the country.

600 hectares of skiing area has been divided into 53 well marked runs of varying difficulty. Skiers can get their fill of Nordic, alpine and off-piste here, while snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts have a designated area with bumps and rails to show their abilities. Cerro Catedral is the venue for numerous important international competitions. Non-skiing opportunities include sledding, paragliding, hiking, snow cat riding, mountain biking, quad bike riding, hiking and mountaineering.

The updated lifts have increased the total lift capacity of the mountain by 70%. The latest system of hands-free passes, which works through radio frequency does away with the need to show the pass in order to get on the lifts. It can be detected even if it is inside a pocket or a backpack. Twenty-five acres of the trails are covered by modern snow-making machines.

San Carlos de Bariloche, the nearest town to the slopes, is twelve miles away. There is plenty of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets in the Bariloche area, including the Llao Llao Hotel, one of Argentina’s most famous hotels. One can also stay near the slopes at Villa Catedral. Enjoy a snack or drink and superb views at the mountain bars and restaurants. A dozen restaurants at the mountain’s base offer a variety of cuisine.

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Portillo, Chile, located about 100 km north/northeast of Santiago, is South America’s premier snow ski resort. The spectacular Andes surround this exclusive little resort. Excellent skiing conditions, abundant snowfall and no queues for lifts makes Portillo one of the premier ski vacation resorts in South America. Portillo has been delighting skiers for over sixty years with its first chairlift built in 1946! Both skiing and snowboarding are popular here with 80% of the trails being groomed daily, while the more difficult terrain is left untouched as natural snow pack. Experts will delight in the challenges the steep terrain offers. The Roca Jack and Condor runs are so steep they require a special, one-of-its-kind lift. Night skiing is also a popular activity here.

A ski vacation in Valle Nevado in South America rivals one in the Alps! Just sixty kilometers form Santiago, this lovely resort in Chile is the largest ski area in South America at twenty-two thousand acres. It has over a 100 km of trails and forty-one ski lifts. The widely varying terrain is suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. The orientation of the resort ensures abundant snow and sunshine. Snowboarding is very popular with a half pipe run that has been the location of Snowboard World Cup competitions. There are facilities for heli-skiing and heli-boarding from an elevation of almost fifteen thousand feet! Night skiing is permitted here. There is wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

It is possible to take a ski vacation package of a fortnight and ski at several of Chile‘s ski resorts including Portillo, Valle Nevado, Termas de Chillan and Pucon-Villarrica. This presents a wonderful opportunity to see different cities in the country and to ski under different conditions. Delight in South American cuisine and culture while you have a ski vacation of a lifetime.

Chile Resorts:

• Chapa Verde
• Lagunillas
• Portillo
• Termas De Chillan
• Valle Navado

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This season an unbelievable amount of snow greets people on a ski vacation in South America. Both Chile and Argentina have received an unprecedented ten inches of snow a day in the past few weeks. Chilean resorts have been reporting excellent snow depths throughout the season, yet mainly at upper levels, as lower slopes are struggling in places. Riders from Termas de Chillan south to La Hoya in Esquel have seen epic amounts of snow fall this past week.

Vacation town Portillo in Chile is located near the border with Argentina, not far from Aconcagua and is listed among the top twenty ski resorts in the world by the Ski Cub of Great Britain. Ski Portillo opened for the ski vacation season on Saturday, June 17 with a solid 30-inch base. They were anticipating a good season, but the snow has surpassed all expectations. Ski Portillo received seven and a half feet of snow in the past week! The resort typically boasts of nearly 300 days of sunshine and an average of 25 feet of snowfall each season. It is not uncommon for visitors to ski and sunbathe on the same day as the temperature on an average rarely dips below 25 degrees F. Last year the snow reached a record 46 feet. This year the snowfall will certainly break that record. The resort is scheduled to close on October 7th but in all likelihood the season will be extended this year.

The Ski Portillo resort has newly introduced an additional lift, the local term for lift being Va et Vient (“Coming and Going”). This slingshot lift named Las Vizcachas was inaugurated this year and accesses the experts-only terrain in the Las Lomas ski area. The new slingshot lift is named after the local Vizcacha rabbit and is 470 meters long with a vertical drop of 220 meters. The lift is similar to Roca Jack and Condor and is located between the Las Lomas and Los Canarios lifts. With the addition of Las Vizcachas, Portillo now has thirteen ski lifts which service thirty five trails.

Valle Nevados and Termas de Chillan are reporting similar snowfall. Once again, it seems to be a phenomenal ski vacation season in South America.

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While some of you may have been enjoying the snow this past winter, the snow skiing staff have been busily working this past ski season expanding our editorial staff writers and getting this new site ready for relaunch. Instead of skiing, our editorial staff has been added hundreds of new pages of exciting, fresh and unique content and subjects about snow skiing and other fascinating and sometimes overlooked aspects of this wonderful sport.

Snowskiing.com is proud of its expanded editorial sections and features. From Switzerland to New Zealand, and from North America to South America, we provide a diverse and fascinating look at ski resorts, travel, and the latest ski gear. We have added other sections dedicated to snow skiing and other thrilling winter sports for all “snow” enthusiasts.

Recently, we were asked, “Why are you adding new content about snow skiing and winter sports when the ski season is almost over and the snow is melting away!” Well, that’s a fair question!

Here is the reason why: Somewhere in the world and in one or more countries, and every day of the week, somebody is either looking for snow or is trying to get to the slopes.

Whether you are living in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, we aim to deliver to skiers, of all skill levels, the best information about skiing regardless of their location. If our skiers happen to be located in North America during the month of June, then snowskiing.com will whet your appetite for next season by featuring articles on some activity to keep you in shape in this “off season”. If you’re lucky enough to be living in Chile or Peru during the month of June, then we hope you will find a reason to plan your next ski vacation to North America during your “off season”.

In the coming months, we will be adding more articles of interest as well as updated features that we know you’ll find exciting and provocative.

In the inteim, we encourage you to take a look around and familairize yourself with all of the new subjects and categories about skiing that we offer. If you cannot get snow skiing off of your mind then take a peak at our forums for ideas about your next ski holiday.

Thanks for your continued interest, loyalty and support. We have listended to your ideas and feedback!

Remember to always, “Think Snow”.

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