SAM Magazine-Portillo, Chile, Mar. 9, 2010-Ski Portillo, located approximately 100 miles from Santiago, Chile's capital city, escaped the recent earthquake with no injuries and only superficial damage. Tierra Atacama, located in San Pedro de Atacama, more than 1,000 miles north of the epicenter, is also undamaged. Hotels, infrastructure, lifts, and roads are all in good condition.

According to Henry Purcell, owner of Ski Portillo and Tierra Atacama, "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 Conception, 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 to Oct. 2, 2010," Purcell added. "For travelers to Tierra Atacama, which is open all year, there should be no problem once the 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) is similar to Habitat for Humanity, and will help those who lost their homes to rebuild. www.untechoparamipais.org/chile/

• Hogar de Cristo (Home of Christ) 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 $10 to Habitat for Humanity or World Vision.

• Red Cross: www.redcross.com

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