Hello--My family consists of two intermediate adult skiers and our son who will be 6 this summer. We thought we might mix things up this year and do a family ski vacation in summer 2016. Any recommendations on the most family-centric places to ski in Chile or Argentina. Our primary criteria are not too complicated to get to (from the U.S.), decent ski village/town, and English speaking ski school.

We typically ski every year in Colorado or Utah. We like hotels that are like Hilton/Westin-ish level.

Much thanks!!!!

I can't really give good information about Argentina, other than Las Lenas being the center/mecca of skiing in Argentina. It includes the areas of Bariloche, Cerro Catedral, and Chapelco. Los Penitentes has the novelty of skiing at Aconcagua and more advanced type terrain.
Chile however, I have skiied: El Colorado, Valle Nevado, La Parva, and Portillo. I live in Colorado and ski 50 plus days a year. From your description, I would direct you to either Portillo or La Parva for a family ski destination. Portillo has scenery, good snow and a pool at the foot of the resort. Onsite ski/board rentals(albeit not the best eq) and english speaking instructors. The terrain has fun for everyone. For your Westin/Hilton needs, Portillo lodging is plush. Otherwise you have to lodge in Los Andes and catch a long bus to the resort.
La Parva is a more quiet resort with lodging. Not quite as plush as Portillo, but quaint. Didn't get a chance to check out the instructor interaction at La Parva for English speakers. I would choose and recommend this resort over Valle Nevado based on that appeal. I will point out that there are lots of surface/platter lifts no matter where you go. La Parva really has a good feel and nice people. For a comparison: Portillo - Vail, La Parva - Solitude. Hope that helps. If you'd like more comprehensive details on the other resorts I listed please reply.

Thank you very much TravellingT. What month to you typically go to Portillo? How do you travel from Santiago to Portillo--is it an easy journey? (I can remember some nail biters in the car from Denver to Breck in bad weather!) I think I also read that pricing for Portillo is typically a package---like food, lodging, lifts, etc all in one. Have you found this to be the case? Much thanks.

Hello, yes... I'd say end of July to August, with September for more spring type skiing. There are many ways to get there. It's about 100 miles from Santiago. The road from Los Andes to Portillo is pretty scary, being called, I believe, caracoles with it's numerous switchbacks. When I went I did it the hard way, bus and hitchhike back, a funny story in itself. I would not suggest driving if Denver to Breck was that intense. At the airport there will be services offering transportation to the resort. If you're going into Santiago you can find private vehicles and buses with a option for public buses(which I did). Chiles bus system is one of the best in S.A imo. You can rent a car(4X4 with chains recommended) or even a helicopter from Santiago or Los Andes at a high cost. It's about 2 hours from the airport in good conditions. To stay at the resort, a package deal is best. I think they just refurnished the hotel this year.
Turbus is the most popular public option, but make sure they will drop you off at the resort before buying this option. I don't know many private services, but I'm sure they will be easy to look up. Private services will come with English speakers(at request) and qualified drivers. Public van(collectivos) are a good option, but like airport shuttles will take time to drop off and pick up other passengers, you can find info online. Easy getting there, hard part is getting back publicly(hence the hitchhike). Spanish is essential for public travel imo. For ease,(which I think is best for you) shop for good package. Words of advice in general, learn greetings and ask and thank for patience. Sorry for being so verbose, I'm new to postings. Anything else I can try to elaborate on?