Porters

Porters Ski Area

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Porters Ski Area commands impressive views across the Craigieburn Range, offering one of Canterbury's most accessible alpine experiences. Rising to 1,980 meters, this diverse mountain brings together expansive beginner areas, intermediate cruising runs, and challenging advanced terrain within an 800-hectare boundary. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes Porters an ideal destination for families and solo adventurers alike.

The modern lift network at Porters includes a quad chairlift, platter lift, and two T-bars, efficiently serving varied terrain across the mountain. This setup provides access to 675 meters of vertical drop, one of the largest in Canterbury. The Easy Rider quad chair serves both gentle learning slopes and access to more challenging terrain, making it simple for groups of mixed abilities to meet throughout the day.

Porters Lift System
Total Ski Lifts = 6
Quad Chair
1
Quad Chair
T-Bar
4
T-Bar
Surface Lift
1
Surface Lift

Porters Resort Elevation

6496ft1980mResort Summit2224ft678mVertical Drop4272ft1302mResort Base
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Trails

Total Runs

21

Total Area

704 ac

284.9 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner
15%
Intermediate
50%
Advanced
30%
Expert
5%
View Full Trail Map

Location

Located just 89 kilometers from Christchurch, Porters stands as one of the most convenient mountain destinations in the Canterbury region. The sealed road access makes day trips straightforward, while nearby Springfield offers essential services. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or an extended stay, the easy access and reliable conditions make Porters a cornerstone of Canterbury winter sports.

Porters

, south-island

Toggle layers using the controls in the top right. Ski runs and lifts are shown in the overlay.

Season Info

Porters typically operates from late June through early October, with consistent conditions through the peak winter months. The mountain's southeastern facing slopes and high elevation contribute to excellent snow preservation. Strategic snowmaking capabilities complement natural snowfall on key runs, ensuring reliable coverage throughout the season. The unique geography often shields the slopes from strong winds, maximizing skiable days during the winter.

Current Season

2025

Opening Day

6/29/2025

Closing Day

9/29/2025

Days Open

93

Arctic Eco Sno Sidebar

Annual Snowfall

Metric

2.5m

250cm

Imperial

8.2ft

98in

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