First of all I am soooooo f... proud of my Leica Shots - I hope you like them too.
Skiing—the most fantastic sport ever, hands down. It’s why we crazy folks from around the globe converge on Chile. To dominate the slopes, keep the Booya mindset alive, and share the stoke of skiing. #FuckYeah, that’s how we roll.
Back at the legendary holiday camp in Portillo, Chile, Saturdays are a blur of action. As 400 guests check out of Hotel Ski Portillo, another 400 check—in, including our wild crew. The Aspen crew and Austria +1, coffee in hand, are locked and loaded for a week of sending it.
First things first: more coffee. Then, deep convos with Cader, Johnny, and the rest of the gang as we plot our assault on the slopes. Pro tip: never, ever eat yellow snow.
By 3 pm, we’re finally lacing up for a late warm-up run. Plateau and Condor are calling our names this afternoon. Ever the gearhead, Austin prepped his boots and waxed his skis like a pro. Chantal and Freja, meanwhile, are taking it easy after a refreshing heli-nap.
Cader, Johnny, and a squad of stoked skiers hit the slopes, and the verdict is in: conditions are mint.
After we shred, it’s gym, spa, and beers in the outdoor pool, all with a killer sunset as our backdrop. Portillo hasn’t changed since 1966—steeped in history and tradition, and we’re soaking it all in.
The bar’s more than just Pisco Sours (a must-have for the week); there’s a killer playlist, too. From laid-back jazz to full-throttle rock’n’roll, the Aspen crew is sending it, both on- and off-piste. Especially at La Posada, the disco, and all the nightly activities—Aspen + Austria1 know how to throw down.
#FuckYeahMode is in full effect—you’ll spot us rocking the #FuckYeah hat. Want one? Sorry, they’re for insiders only.
Dinners are a scene. Freja and Brinkley channel their inner princesses, Chantal stuns, and Anda is hyped for ski touring and race day—she’s gunning for that top spot. Zala, the next freeride queen, is ready to drop cliffs like a boss, patiently waiting for her jambon and queso sandwich at Tio Bob’s. Ryan dishes out pro ski tips to Zala while Seth grooves to the band's beat—dancing like it’s a rock’n’roll waltz on skis. Willie and his crew are jacked and ready to hunt for fresh powder. Wesley is looking sharp and primed for action. Johnny, the candy connoisseur, cracks us up with life’s absurdities.
Even Chino, the dishwasher, swings by to say hey, though Freja made sure he sticks to his lane. Brinkley, our resident party queen, keeps the vibes high with glitter, gold, and fancy threads. We’re beyond stoked to have the next TikTok star showing off her cloud-surfing moves.
Tara’s itching to spin some tracks as a DJ. I'm pretty sure DJ courses in Portillo are next on her list. She’s the heartbeat of the dance floor; without her, this place would be way too tame.
No session in Chile is complete without a stop at Tio Bob’s, perched above Portillo. Soak in the epic views, the rad crew, catch some rays and demolish a Rogan burger with a mountain of fries and a Corona beer.
Barb, the snowmagazine, the Portillo guru, is all smiles and can’t wait to get decked out for her next run. KK, the social butterfly, is the queen of Ti Bob’s, connecting with everyone and showing off Freja’s ski skills. Need advice? Talk to the locals like Willie, who’s sending it on 120 mm underfoot but also crushing race day—confirming his status as the world’s best ski instructor for kids, especially those rocking pink outfits. And don’t forget Johnny’s creative genius with the #FuckYeah gear.
Cader’s gearing up for another round of Pisco Sours, while Jesse, our almost-local guide, always finds the freshest snow on every heli drop. His vibrant evening attire matches his passion for Chilean music and Pisco Sours. We’re all feeling the Pisco love up here at 2800 meters.
Guess who found the best snow? You know it—Cader, Johnny, and the whole gang. Even if Johnny couldn’t track down any yellow snow, he sent it hard with Rage Against The Machine blasting in the background.
Cader, Johnny, Jesse, Jeff, Claudio, and I are amped to explore the backyard in Week 2. We got lucky with some calm days and some downright epic powder.
On the following pages, you’ll find moments I captured with my Leica—a camera I’m proud of. Dive into the beauty of nature and the artistry of two skis slicing through untouched powder.
Less Pisco Sour, more snow-dancing as we follow the rhythm of the mountain.
As this chapter comes to a close, this little piece is my way of saying thanks—if thanks could ever be enough. It is a keepsake from an unforgettable time in Portillo. This epic adventure will forever be etched in our memories, not just for me but for the whole crew.
Cader, thanks a million for making this all possible.
Puss, Puss (Swedish for “Lots of Kisses”),
Nina Gigele, the Austria +1
I am curious to get to know you, so come on and contact me right now.
I will write her