Porters Ski Area Guide, Christchurch, New Zealand

PORTERS SKI AREA (South Island)

As Christchurch’s closest ski field, Porters has long been a popular choice for families, drawn by the child-friendly learner slopes and safe skiing.

If you are new to the snow then Porters is a great place to start. They have reasonable starter packs, including ski/board hire, lessons and easy beginner lift access. For the intermediate skier or boarder, Porters has a huge variety of runs accessed by three T-bars. For the more advanced skier and snowboarder, try Big Mama - it's one of the longest runs in the Southern Hemisphere (620m vertical). There are terrain park facilities for free style riders too.

Porters also offers easy backcountry access, but you must sign in with ski patrol before leaving the ski area boundaries.

Elevation	1980 metres
Vertical	620 metres
Skiable Area	700 hectares
Lifts	3 T Bars, 1 Poma, 1 Learners Ski Mat.
Terrain	Beginner 15%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 45%
Season	26th June to early October 2008
Facilities	Ski Hire – the latest hire equipment is available on the mousntain; Ski and Snowboard Instruction – professional instruction for groups and individual; New modern café and bar with seating for 120.
Snowmaking	Yes – on T-bar 1
Drive from town	89 km from Christchurch airport.
Ski Shuttles	Daily shuttles are available from Christchurch.
Operating Hours	9.00am - 4.00pm daily
Longest Run	Big Mama - 620 vertical metres
Website	www.skiporters.co.nz

	BEGINNER	INTERMEDIATE	ADVANCED
TERRAIN	15%	40%	45%

	ADULT	STUDENT	YOUTH
HALF DAY PASS	$60	$40	$30
DAY PASS	$75	$55	$40
SEASON PASS	Click here for prices
Children aged 6 years and under receive FREE day lift passes

	Porters Ski Area is in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand, close to Christchurch.