Porters Ski Area
Porters Ski Area
4
About
The closest ski area to Christchurch City, Porters is a family focused business with a complete range of ski and snowboard terrain to suit all abilities. It’s so easy to do – the closest ski area to Christchurch, an easy access road, fantastic learner slopes and a mountain of terrain for experts. Significant investment in snowmaking, snow-fencing and grooming helps ensure fantastic snow conditions.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
41 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
SD2606
Christchurch, New Zealand2,452 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Porters is an average ski field by our opinion. It is wonderfully convenient and close to Christchurch which is why we go there and go there often.
However the slopes, amenities and facilities aren’t world class. They do the job but if we had international visitors we would make the effort to take them to Mount Hutt instead.
The road up is relatively maintained. A lot of pot hole and rivets.
There are signs indicating when chains are required. However last time we went up they said that you needed chains and there was no ice or snow on the muddy road. We were in a 4WD so it didn’t bother us.
The car park is small and can fill up quickly. There is parking available on the road leading up to the car park.
The toilets are small and basic. There is only one baby changing table and we find that the cubical is often used by other people who don’t require those services.
The café at the top is basic, don’t except much. There are some big bench tables outside.
There is a small toboggan area which could be longer, wider and designed a bit better.
The views are nice of the valley from the top.
Last trip we went to test out the café at the bottom, which said Ppen. However upon entering the lodge which said it was open and was a café; there was noone inside, noone working and no customers. The coffee machine was clean and hadn’t been used, there was no cabinet food on display and no signs of life. It was disappointing as it would have been a nice spot to have lunch.
We will return to Porters for the convenience but don’t rate it highly or recommend it over other ski fields in Canterbury.
However the slopes, amenities and facilities aren’t world class. They do the job but if we had international visitors we would make the effort to take them to Mount Hutt instead.
The road up is relatively maintained. A lot of pot hole and rivets.
There are signs indicating when chains are required. However last time we went up they said that you needed chains and there was no ice or snow on the muddy road. We were in a 4WD so it didn’t bother us.
The car park is small and can fill up quickly. There is parking available on the road leading up to the car park.
The toilets are small and basic. There is only one baby changing table and we find that the cubical is often used by other people who don’t require those services.
The café at the top is basic, don’t except much. There are some big bench tables outside.
There is a small toboggan area which could be longer, wider and designed a bit better.
The views are nice of the valley from the top.
Last trip we went to test out the café at the bottom, which said Ppen. However upon entering the lodge which said it was open and was a café; there was noone inside, noone working and no customers. The coffee machine was clean and hadn’t been used, there was no cabinet food on display and no signs of life. It was disappointing as it would have been a nice spot to have lunch.
We will return to Porters for the convenience but don’t rate it highly or recommend it over other ski fields in Canterbury.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lostintheether
Christchurch, New Zealand28 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
There's a reason we bought season passes for porters again this year - it's the most bang for your buck, consistently.
It's (usually) open more days of the season, it (usually) has fantastic snow, and (always) proper friendly lifties. The access road is awesome, and the carpark big enough.
The lifts are Tbars, and while this means you get less vertical in a day than you would with chairlifts, the vertical you get is, I think, more diverse and higher quality than what you might find at a neighbouring mountain. Plus, you'll rarely spend more than a few minutes in a lift line.
Bluff face is south facing and regularly stunning. Expect rifts of wind blown powder and massive turns on steep terrain. Big Mama is on the other side - much more of an adventure run, with mogels, tussock jumps, and sections of sweet turns on the steeps. Hit leaper for some drops and fresh tracks while everyone else is tracking out T3.
Just skiing blues? loads of options for you as well, alongside the three lifts, or around the back over in McNultys. Just learning? Loads of opportunity there too, with great progression from magic carpet to platter, and on to T1. We've taken up a bunch of newbies, and they've all enjoyed the terrain for learning.
There's free wifi too.
We're pretty excited to see the Crystal Valley development going ahead, which will mean loads more terrain, plus express lifts. Bring it.
It's (usually) open more days of the season, it (usually) has fantastic snow, and (always) proper friendly lifties. The access road is awesome, and the carpark big enough.
The lifts are Tbars, and while this means you get less vertical in a day than you would with chairlifts, the vertical you get is, I think, more diverse and higher quality than what you might find at a neighbouring mountain. Plus, you'll rarely spend more than a few minutes in a lift line.
Bluff face is south facing and regularly stunning. Expect rifts of wind blown powder and massive turns on steep terrain. Big Mama is on the other side - much more of an adventure run, with mogels, tussock jumps, and sections of sweet turns on the steeps. Hit leaper for some drops and fresh tracks while everyone else is tracking out T3.
Just skiing blues? loads of options for you as well, alongside the three lifts, or around the back over in McNultys. Just learning? Loads of opportunity there too, with great progression from magic carpet to platter, and on to T1. We've taken up a bunch of newbies, and they've all enjoyed the terrain for learning.
There's free wifi too.
We're pretty excited to see the Crystal Valley development going ahead, which will mean loads more terrain, plus express lifts. Bring it.
Written May 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue S
Tauranga, New Zealand124 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
I’m not really a skier so booked for the 2 hour lesson while the rest of the family hit the slopes. Daniel, the instructor for the six of us was great. So patient and with lots of good tips. I mostly stayed on the nursery slopes as that was where I was happiest. It’s a smaller very family friendly ski field. Good cafe & seating outside in the sun. We picked a stunning day & couldn’t have asked for any more. What a beautiful place.
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pix377
Christchurch, New Zealand1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Couples
I went as a first time skier along with my partner who knew how to ski. Customer Service was appauling. We were left standing waiting at the front desk while the staff continued their conversations, clearly unimportant. Once we were finally noticed we were barely greeted and had no help as to what tickets we were to buy. We ended up spending more than double what we should have.
The beginners slope was tiny for the mass of people trying to ski, people were falling over each other as there was no space. Those that fell over by themselves were left struggling to get back up with staff skiing passed without a care. We gave up and left as there was no space to do anything. A big waste of money!
Staff seemed to be there to have a bit of fun and have a laugh with there work mates. Would give 0/5 if possible
The beginners slope was tiny for the mass of people trying to ski, people were falling over each other as there was no space. Those that fell over by themselves were left struggling to get back up with staff skiing passed without a care. We gave up and left as there was no space to do anything. A big waste of money!
Staff seemed to be there to have a bit of fun and have a laugh with there work mates. Would give 0/5 if possible
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicki J
Christchurch, New Zealand94 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
We were there at the end of the season and had lovely spring snow although it did get a little soft in the afternoon. Staff are always friendly and helpful. If you are there in July school holidays and on the 'learner slope with the magic carpet', wrap up one more layer than usual as it doesn't get mid winter sun. If you want a cheaper one-on-one ski lesson, go early and get the early bird lesson at 9am which is cheaper than lessons after 10am or get the 3pm lesson which is cheaper too.
Written April 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy20
Australia29 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Despite the fact that it hasn't snowed much, Porters had its snow machines on and the snow was soft and powdery. It is much cheaper than Mt Hutt, very homely with friendly staff, who are willing to help in every way. As a family who have varying levels there was something for everyone. It has a magic carpet for complete beginners, then a green run which was perfect for the next step. (This level is severely lacking at Mt Hutt!) the lifts were T bars and easy to get on and off. The blue run looked amazing (which I hope to try next time, but my husband and son loved it). Because not all the lifts were running, they offered even more of a discount. The food was great at the cafe too. If you are deciding between commercialised Mt Hutt or homely Porters ski resort which has better level options, then definitely Porters is the way to go!
Written July 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen P
Christchurch, New Zealand50 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We had a day here in the school holidays. I thought it would be crazy busy but it wasn’t. Our children enjoyed their time on the learners slopes, while we skied the intermediate trails. The ticket and rental staff were so helpful and friendly. The lift staff were ok but a couple of them didn’t really seem like they wanted to be there. Car parking was really close to the skifield. The cafe served great coffee. We will be back.
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GymJunkie66
Auckland Central, New Zealand136 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Mt Hutt was closed due to wind, so Porters was the go-to option.
Similar distance from Christchurch and was surprisingly not that busy, even with the Hutt overflow.
Field is better protected from the wind and lends itself to some nice windblown runs as a result.
Basic but serviceable facilities - all that you need if you're there to ski/board.
Similar distance from Christchurch and was surprisingly not that busy, even with the Hutt overflow.
Field is better protected from the wind and lends itself to some nice windblown runs as a result.
Basic but serviceable facilities - all that you need if you're there to ski/board.
Written August 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle D
Grafton, Australia17 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
We were first timers visiting a ski field and we each purchased beginners packages. You could choose whether you wanted to ski or snowboard and a lesson plus all equipment hire was included in the price. The lessons were enough to get you going without hurting yourself (or others on the ski field) then you were free to practice for the rest of the day. The staff were all great and very patient with our lack of skills and it was fantastic value for money. Highly recommend for those wanting to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time- we'll go back.
Written October 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottyquay
San Francisco, CA68 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
One chair lift and three t-bars makes this a pretty small ski field, but there is still a good selection of runs to keep you amused for the day.
The day I went the snow fall was pretty poor, but the snow making machines ensured there was decent powder on the lower section of the field.
Very basic facilities, but still has everything you could want.
We didn't use it but there is a regular shuttle from the base of the mountain in case you don't feel comfortable driving up.
The day I went the snow fall was pretty poor, but the snow making machines ensured there was decent powder on the lower section of the field.
Very basic facilities, but still has everything you could want.
We didn't use it but there is a regular shuttle from the base of the mountain in case you don't feel comfortable driving up.
Written August 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, a group of 9 people, from 50 to 75, travel in south island NZ.
I want to know, is it possible to go to the Porters Ski Area get into the cafe, and view around to take pictures only.I would pay for any entrance ticket.
Written November 23, 2016
you can do that for free. You only pay to use the lift.
Written November 29, 2016
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