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New Zealand Ski Fields: Porter Heights

Porter Heights Ski Area, Canterbury
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THE SKI FIELD
Elevation – 1980 metres
Vertical – 670 metres
Skiable Area – 230 hectares
Terrain – Beginner 20%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 40%
Number of Lifts – 5
Snowmaking – First T-Bar, Learners Area
Equipment Hire – Yes
Ski School – Yes
Season – July to October
Nearest Town – Springfield
Distance – 30km (12 km unsealed road), Christchurch 96km

High in the beautiful Craigieburn Range of New Zealand's Southern Alps is popular Porter Heights Ski Area.

With a top elevation of 2000 metres, Porter Heights is endowed with regular natural snow from both southerly and westerly weather patterns providing some of the best snow conditions for skiers and boarders.

The Closest Ski Area to Christchurch

Just 89 kilometres from Christchurch airport and approximately a one hour drive from the Garden City, Porter Heights is the closest ski area to Christchurch. State Highway 73 is a grade A road with a good surface and is easy driving at most times of the year.

Views Forever

Rising nearly 2000 metres Porter Heights offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps and magnificent Mount Cook. Lake Coleridge dazzles in the sunlight below. This is the perfect place to start your ski or board run down into the smooth groomed slopes.

Easy Scenic Drive

A scenic drive on the West Coast Highway (SH73) takes you through Darfield, Springfield, over Porter's Pass and Lake Lyndon to the ski area turnoff, where a short, easy road takes you to plenty of parking right by the slopes.

A Mountain for Fun for Everyone

Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Porter Heights offers something for everyone.
  • Wide, easy slopes for beginners and learners
  • Cruising runs and trails for intermediates
  • Legendary challenges for expert, backcountry and adventure skiers
  • Spectacular terrain for snowboarders

Learn & Improve

We'll help new skiers and boarders get moving with ease across our wonderful world of snow. We turn average skiers into better skiers, and good skiers into racers.
  • Fully qualified international ski and snowboard instructors
  • Junior Ski School programmes
  • Holiday Programmes and Sunday Specials for kids
  • Race Training
  • Powder clinics
  • Snowboard lessons

Boader Heights

Porter Heights has some great runs and jumps for boarders. The lower slopes are ideal for learning and our instructors will have you packing the powder in no time.

Everything for Winter Fun

Porter Heights' has everything on the mountain for a great day in the snow:
  • Ski & Snowboard Hire, over 400 pairs of the latest skis and 50 boards as well as carving skis and friendly staff to fit you for comfort.
  • Ski repair, Wax and Tune, to keep you on track
  • Cafeteria for hot and cold snacks and refreshments, sunscreen and ski wear.
  • Barbeques - bring your own for a carpark party.

Stay Close By

The Porter Heights Ski Club Lodge is warm, modern and right on the mountain. Enjoy the friendly après ski atmosphere. Dinner, bed and breakfast is available from June to October.