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Porters Ski Area
Resort Info

×
Vital stats
6
no. of lifts
N/A
longest run
285ha
skiable area
1,980m
Top Elevation
1,300m
Base
678m
Vertical
N/A
average snowfall
Season
  • Expected Opening: 06/26/2021
  • Expected Closing: 10/10/2021
Terrain
15% Beginner
35% Intermediate
30% Advanced
20% Expert

Porters is an an easily accessible ski area closest to Christchurch, with a family friendly focus.

Porters is renown for two runs, Big Mama which towers above the true right of the base area, and Bluff Face which towers above the true left. At 620m, Big Mama boasts one of the largest vertical drops in one lift-accessed run in New Zealand. Easy backcountry riding is also available from the top of the T3 T-Bar, but it is advisable to sign in with the ski patrol before leaving the ski area boundary.

However, if you'd like to experience skiing or snowboarding for the first time, the Porters learner facilities are outstanding. The carpet-lift makes progression for beginners so easy, and the platter lift provides one of the best intermediate slopes for snowsports skill development in the country. A recently installed Quad chair then provides a perfect and safe progression further up the mountain. 

The Porters Snow Sport School has a wide range of international and local instructors ready to help you improve your skiing or boarding. Their holiday and improvement programmes for young skiers and snowboarders are the perfect way to progress skills and technique. Whether you are learning for the first time, are feeling rusty or have some new gear to master, Porters can show you the way. A less crowded ski area means makes the learning process swifter and more enjoyable.

A fantastic 120 seat cafe is a great place to enjoy a delicious coffee between runs, with superb views over the Torlese Range. Porters provides a relaxed and fun atmosphere to experience skiing or snowboarding how you want it. 

Porters Tips:

  1. Porters offers some fantastic family packages for a more affordable day of skiing. Make sure you enquire about these when purchasing your ski pass at the mountain
  2. Parking is usually pretty easy and it's less crowded than other areas, perfect for a BBQ in the carpark at lunch! 
  3. The on-mountain Alpine Ski Lodge can be booked by causal guests and offers a dinner, bed and breakfast deal for a unique snow experience
  4. For first time skiers or snowboarders with some of the cheapest packages to give snow a go. If you get the bug, take advantage of the ‘Porters Passport’. Run over 5 days, it includes lift pass, 2 hour lesson, your own passport voucher AND a complimentary seasons pass at the end of the course!
SkiListing lifts & facilities
  • 1 x Fixed Quads
  • 1 x Conveyor Lifts
  • 3 x T-bars
  • 1 x Platters
  • Snow Making
  • Ski school
  • Restaurant/cafe
  • Bar
  • Gear rental
  • Free wifi
SkiListing lift pass prices
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
$99
Lift & rental
$148
Lift, lesson & rental
$217
Student (Not Available)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
$69
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Youth/Child (11-17 yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
$69
Learner
$59
Beginner package
$79
Lift & rental
$118
Lift, lesson & rental
$187
Child (10 yrs and under)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Senior (65 - 74 yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Super Senior (75+ yrs)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
$79
Learner
$59
Beginner package
$99
Lift & rental
$148
Lift, lesson & rental
$217
Student (Not Available)
-
-
$69
-
-
-
-
Youth/Child (11-17 yrs)
-
-
$69
$59
$79
$118
$187
Child (10 yrs and under)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Senior (65 - 74 yrs)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Super Senior (75+ yrs)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Getting to
Christchurch International Airport , 91 km
Closest major airport
Springfield , 33 km
Closest town
Gravel Surface , 9 km
Access road
Chain hire
Mountain shuttle

Travelling west on Highway 73, follow the signposts to Arthurs Pass. The Porters turnoff is well labelled on the left, about 10km from the top of the Porters Pass. The access road is a short unsealed road which winds its way up to the car park.

A free shuttle bus rsun from the chain-fitting area on the mountain access road on days when chains are required.

Pick up time: 9.30am
Return time: 3.30pm

On weekends and during the July school holidays, when chains are required, the shuttle runs more frequently (until 11.30am)