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In the southern hemisphere, find snowsports in "summer" and specials for kids at Portillo, Valle Nevado and Bariloche.

No matter how avid the skiers in your family, you might not plan on hitting the slopes in August if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Yet despite the summer heat above, winter skiers can find refuge on the flip side in the Southern Hemisphere, where it actually is winter. In fact, from June to October, the Andes Mountains in Chile are at the height of their snowsports season. Here's a look at some programs in two of the most popular southern hemisphere family ski resorts.

Portillo, Chile

Portillo is a resort town located on Lake Inca near Chile's border with Argentina, about 100 miles from the capital Santiago. The 123-room Hotel Portillo (800/829-5325) is the main resort, a contemporary, purpose-built hotel at the mountain's base with a large, outdoor heated pool, hot tub and fitness center. The hotel has a summer Kids Camp featuring ski classes for ages 4-6, and private lessons for 7 and older. The ski hill also boasts a nursery and daycare center that's free of charge for ages 0 to 3 years old, and ages 3 to 7 years, both open 9am-8pm daily. Parents will need to note that lunch is not included at daycare and it is their responsibility to pick-up their children and take care of meals before dropping them off again in the afternoon. Private babysitting services are also available for an additional charge.

Over the years, different weeks are promoted with Portillo's Kids Ski Free packages, when every father or mother may bring one child 4-12 years for free lodging, skiing, and meals. Throughout the season, big kids and teens can enjoy afternoon cinemas in both Spanish and English, snack bar, Internet room, climbing wall, ping-pong, pool tables, basketball and more. There is no organized kids club for kids over 7, so either leave your older children in charge or set some ground rules for independence at the game rooms before you arrive.

In general, 2009 regular season package rates for Portillo begin at US$1,700 per adult and US$990 per child 11 years and younger for 7N in a family apartment (they sleep up to six), 7D skiing, four meals per day, and access to fitness and entertainment facilities. (Most packages are organized for a Saturday-Saturday stay). There are also standard rooms and suites at the hotel for lesser rates.

Another budget option in Portillo is the Octagon Lodge, which has rooms with four bunks and a private bath. Families staying here would take their meals at the main hotel, and receive room, board and lift tickets for just US$1290 pp during regular season based on four in a room. Note that bunks beds are considered individual accommodations, so make sure your famiily will all bunk together and not have other guests staying with you at the same time. The Inca Lodge caters to backpackers; it's a small hostel with four-bedded rooms with shared baths and a communal cafeteria. Weeklong package rates start at US$650 pp during regular ski season.