It's all down hill, really.

Portillo Ski Resort

Yesterday we hired a driver through the refinery and took a trip to the Andes Mountains to ski or snowboard.  The trip took about 3.5 hours each way and let's just say it was interesting.  We're not sure if the driver had ever driven in snow before because he was going a bit too fast for our comfort.... on the way UP the mountain - lots of curves and cliffs.  We slid a couple times but we made it safely to the ski resort.

Laguna del Inca -  lake is bottom left, just iced over

Laguna del Inca is the lake and mountains behind Portillo Ski Resort, South America's oldest ski area.  In my mind, I was comparing it to our visit to Lake Tahoe but was Laguna del Inca is a fraction of the size of Lake Tahoe, of course.  The lake was also frozen over so it didn't have the same effect but it was still beautiful.  When we first got there, it was sunny outside but it quickly became cloudy therefore ruining my chances of getting any other cool photos for the rest of the day.  

THE Laguna

Jason, along with Cliff, tried snowboarding for the first time and quickly switched to skiing.  Andres, Vito and Barbara stayed on the snowboards the rest of the afternoon.  I enjoyed the scenery, took pictures and read my book.  I didn't feel like skiing because they only had a few areas that were labeled green for beginners - not enough for me!

Barbara on her snowboard

They took my small camera on the slopes with them for half the day and got some pictures.  They all seemed to have fun and tell stories the whole ride home which just made me realize that I should have gone anyway.... even if I would have fallen down half the time. 
(Photo below courtesy of Vito)

Jason professionally skiing.   ha