Categories: Skiing

Porter Heights Ski Area

Ski Resort

Porter Heights Ski Area is the closest ski area to Christchurch – the first thing that will hit you is the steepness of the slopes, with the highest lifted point to 1980 metres. You get some stunning views of the Southern Alps with Lake Coleridge sparkling below.

There have been some fantastic mountain improvements in 2007 and 2008 including the new modern café and bar, the new ‘Ski-Mat’ carpet lift is also a popular addition that transports beginners up the slope with ease.

On field accommodation is provided at the Alpine Lodge, approx 2km below the ski area. It’s very friendly and offers bunk rooms, downstairs games room, table tennis, TV, lounge room, dining tables and elementary bar.

At Porter Heights you will find skiing and boarding for all abilities, and a superb ski school. Advanced skiers and boarders will love two well-known runs: 38-degree double black diamond Bluff Face and Big Mama, said to be the longest run in the area with 620 metres of vertical drop. An exciting new terrain park has even more features, rails and boxes with dedicated snowmaking provided for this area to ensure the park is open in time.

Terrain

Beginner 15%
Intermediate 35%
Advanced 50%

Highest Point: 1980 metres
Vertical Point: 620 metres
Skiable Area: 250 hectares

Number of Lifts

3 T-bars, 1 platter, 1 learners ski mat

Prices

Day Pass
Adults $75, Student $55, Child/Senior $40, Under 7 Free
Half day
Adults $60, Student $40, Child/ Senior $30, Under 7 Free
Season Pass
Adults $449, Student $249, Child $199, Under 7 $30

Hire Equipment

There are skis, boots, poles, snowboards, helmets and outerwear available for hire. In 2008 a lot of the hire equipment was replaced with brand new carving skis and snowboards. In addition they also invested in a new boot dryer, making sure that all the boots are completely dry at the start of the day.

Packages

Beginners (includes lifts, hire and lessons)
Adults $75 Student $75, Child (7-17yrs) $50, Under 7 $50
Intermediate (includes lifts, hire and lessons)
Adults $75 Student $75, Child (7-17yrs) $50, Under 7 $50