Friendly, medium sized skifield that has a good Kiwi and international mix of staff. Best option for a beginner to get going as mum and dad can have a ski and still keep an eye on the kids on the platter lifts. Coffee is great. On a full snow clear day it is unbeatable for terrain. Local tip, head for first runs in the morning to the top of T3 and come down Sundance, 3 solid runs. Then coffee run, then a fast McBulty run, Big Mamma or Bluff, lunch, sleep and finish the afternoon with a cruisy Easy street.
Another reviewer couldn’t be further from the truth.
The manager at Porters goes out of his way to help clients and lifts are all not (did you mean to include 'not', ed?) closed when the weather conditions make it unsafe for them to operate - and this information is communicated on their website in advance.
If Mt Hutt is closed you can bet Porters will be open due to the different orientation of the slopes. No queues at Porters and extremely friendly staff.
Closest skifield to Christchurch, best value for money and in my opinion some of the best off-piste runs in the area.
Porters is the go to field for riders who want challenging terrain and excellent customer service. Mountain hosts are on the slopes most days and are more than happy to share their best runs and help first-time riders and skiers. The cafe has delicious home made hearty meals, the best baristas and don’t forget to try the steak sandwiches!! Yum!
Came here twice on my recent August trip. I was quite disappointed in the service to its guests. The first day I was here they only opened the chair lift and all T bars were closed. They didn't offer a discount or money back.
The second time I came here I'd forgotten the card they load your money on and they charged me $5 for another card. Just days before I saw with my own eyes the manager give another person a lift pass from his office because he knew the person. I asked nicely if they can waive the $5 and they declined. $5 is not the problem it's the principal. Service to individuals under different circumstances is not taken into account. I felt like they wanted to take your money at every opportunity.
If you are a keen skier go to Mount Hutt (yes, I have been given money back from Mount Hutt because they had to close lifts) or the other club flelds like Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn Valley or Olympus which are all close by and I can guarantee you they cater more for their guests. You'll instantly feel welcomed and much more relaxed.
Awesome ski field, nice cafe, great long runs; Big Mama is a beast.
Nice ski lodge in Springfield 25mins from Porters. Spa motel and outdoor spa at the lodge. Checkout Springfield Motel & Lodge.
Highly recommend Porters and the area. 5 club fields to checkout just past Porters, also!
One of the biggest vertical drops in NZ, I think. Awesome on powder days. Easily accessible backcountry, with easy traverses/short hikes out. I've had a season pass for the last several years, and am definately not sick of riding this field.