SKI PORTILLO IS UNHURT BY THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE

SKI PORTILLO IS UNHURT BY THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE
Hotels, Infrastructure, Ski Lifts and Roads are in good condition

Portillo, Chile (March, 2, 2010) .- Ski Portillo, located approximately 100 miles from Santiago, Chile’s capital city, escaped the recent earthquake with no injuries, and only superficial repairs. Tierra Atacama, sister hotel, located in San Pedro de Atacama, more than 1,000 miles north of the epicenter, is also undamaged.

According to Henry Purcell, owner of Ski Portillo, “We have some superficial cracks and some painting to do, but the roads to Portillo and all of the lifts made it through the earthquake without incident. We are very fortunate to have escaped without any injuries or damages, but we grieve for the people of Concepcion, which is far from Portillo and near the epicenter of the quake and I encourage anyone who wants to help to send their humanitarian support.”

“There should be no impact for travelers to Ski Portillo for the season, which runs from June 19 – Oct. 2, 2010. And for travelers to Tierra Atacama, which is open all year, there should be no problem once the Santiago airport is back to normal probably next week.”

To send aid, Ski Portillo recommends donating to one of two of Chile’s leading charities, or to the international organizations Habitat for Humanity/World Vision or Red Cross:

- Un Techo Para Chile (A Roof for Chile) – Similar to Habitat for Humanity, and will help those who lost their homes to rebuild anew. http://www.untechoparamipais.org/chile/

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- Hogar de Cristo (Home of Christ) – Founded by a priest who recently was named as a saint. It focuses on the less fortunate, and will be helping victims of the earthquake. Hogar de Cristo also accepts and distributes clothing, toys and food. www.hogardecristo.cl

- Habitat for Humanity or World Vision. Send an SMS with the text “CHILE” to either # 20222 or #25383 to donate US$10 to Habitat for Humanity or World Vision.

- Red Cross: www.redcross.com

For more than 60 years, Ski Portillo has seamlessly united the spectacular beauty of the Chilean Andes, the pure joy of skiing and snowboarding, the camaraderie of friends and family, and the resort’s unique brand of hospitality and service, delivering unforgettable vacation experiences where guests create the memories of a lifetime.

The Aftermath of Chile's Earthquake. You Can Help!

Thank You!

The PowderQuest team has received hundreds of emails and Facebook messages offering prayers and assistance after Saturday's huge earthquake and tsunami in central Chile. All of our staff and families are safe and the beautiful town of Pucon, our local base, saw little to no damage. Most ski areas are also reporting minimal to no damage. (See below). Your messages have been amazingly uplifting!

Unfortunately areas around the epicenter of the quake, especially on the coast, approximately 170 km south of the capital city, Santiago, have been devastated. Thousands are homeless and need immediate assistance, you can help!

Your Help Is Needed

PowderQuest founder, David Owen says; "Chile has been my home for over a decade, the people, culture and geography are unmatched. My son was lucky to be born here and my wife and I have established our lives in Chile. It is very sad what has happened in the Maule and Bio Bio regions. PowderQuest will be making financial donations to one or more of the following charities and organizations, and encourage you to help out any way you can."

Please note assistance is needed immediately:

Red Cross: American Red Cross is now accepting donations specifically for response and recovery in Chile. This includes Chile-designated donations through www.redcross.org, through calls to 1-800-REDCROSS, and by texting “Chile” to 90999. People can also call 1-800-257-7575 to make a donation in Spanish.

Google Chile Earthquake Relieve: Your donation will help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities.

Save The Waves Foundation: All donations to Save The Waves for Chile earthquake relief will go directly to humanitarian aid in the most devastated region. No bureaucratic filters, no delays, just pure support for the coastal communities that are in dire need.

Un Techo Para Chile: Since 1997, this non-profit has done fantastic things for Chile. Poverty relief is their main mission. Website in Spanish.

Stay Tuned
Part 2 of this blog will focus on the future of tourism in Chile and damage reports from Chile's ski resorts.

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