Essential Travel Ski Guides

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Travel to Porter Heights with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Of all the ski fields in the region, Porter Heights lies closest to the city of Christchurch, making it conveniently accessible for both day trips and overnight stays. The resort slopes rise to almost 6,561 feet above sea level, affording breathtaking views of Mount Cook and Lake Coleridge, and encompassing a varied selection of on and off-piste trails for beginner to advanced level skiers.

The atmosphere at Porter Heights is fun and friendly, and those who opt to spend more than a day here won’t be disappointed. The ski resort provides something for everyone and boarders have access to some great powder terrain as well as an assortment of exciting jumps and tabletops. Snow-making machines and groomers are regularly utilised at Porter Heights to ensure that the resort’s ski trails are in optimal condition for ultimate skiing and boarding pleasure.

Porter Heights offers ski routes for all levels of ability, but the resort is especially well suited to advanced skiers, with 50 per cent of the skiable area allocated for experienced and expert riders. Beginners have a minimal 15 per cent of the trails, while wide, cruising intermediate slopes make up roughly 35 per cent of the trails. Expert skiers have access to two of New Zealand’s steepest downhill trails, the powdery faces of Big Mama and Bluff Face. Five ski lifts, including three T-bars, one platter and one grip tow, provide transportation to the descents.

Mountain accommodation, comprising six bunk rooms located just a stone’s throw away from the slopes, is available at the Porter Heights Alpine Lodge. Should you wish to stay at more private or upscale lodging units, there is plenty of choice at the nearby town of Springfield, approximately 20 miles from the ski resort, or at Christchurch, just an hour’s drive from Porter Heights. On-site facilities at the resort include ski rental, a repairs shop, ski school, ski club and cosy cafeteria.

If you want a change of scenery, seven other ski resorts are located within a 2-hour drive of Christchurch, providing a myriad of alternative slopes to explore. The nearby town of Springfield presents a number of dining and après-ski options, while Christchurch is a goldmine of recreational and entertainment opportunities.

The ski season at Porter Heights Alpine Resort usually runs from June to October, with regular snowfall throughout and snow-making coverage to keep the slopes in good shape during dry spells. The resort is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus from Christchurch and Springfield.

Skiing in Porter Heights

Boasting New Zealand’s steepest downhill run and an array of slopes for all levels of skiing ability, Porter Heights is located just 56 miles from Christchurch and roughly 22 miles from the town of Springfield. The powdery, stupendously sheer slopes of Big Mama and Bluff Face are legendary among advanced and expert skiers, offering non-stop thrills at over more than 1,968 feet of vertical drops, while the groomed trails include gentle learner slopes and undulating intermediate trails.

Porter Heights is first and foremost an advanced skiing ground, with roughly 50 per cent of the trails here allocated to proficient and expert skiers. An additional 35 per cent of the skiable area is devoted to intermediate skiers, while beginners have the run of 15 per cent of the slopes. Snowboarders are well catered for with superb off-piste options and an array of jumps and table tops, which provide extra interest. A system of five ski lifts including a grip tow, platter and three T-bars provides transport to the slopes.

Non-skiing activities at Porter Heights are restricted to enjoying drinks and meals at the resort cafeteria, but the town of Springfield (located approximately 22 miles from the ski field) and the city of Christchurch (56 miles from the resort) present a diverse array of leisure options to keep visitors amused during off-slope hours.

Porter Heights has a limited range of on-site amenities including a ski club, cafeteria, ski school, rental shop and repair centre. Skiers wishing to stay overnight on the mountain can do so at Porter Heights Alpine Lodge, where slopeside accommodation is provided in six-bunk rooms. Alternatively, a variety of lodging is available at either Springfield or Christchurch.

Porter Heights is generally open for skiing between June and October, with frequent snowfall during this period from southerly and westerly depressions. The resort is most easily reached via hire car or shuttle bus from Springfield or Christchurch.

Transportation to Porter Heights

Porter Heights is the closest commercial ski resort to Christchurch, and is located just 56 miles from the city, making it one of New Zealand’s most easily accessible ski resorts. The quickest and most convenient form of transportation to Porter Heights is self-drive; alternatively, shuttle services provide daily transport to and from the ski field.

To reach Porter Heights by car from Christchurch, take the West Coast highway (state highway 73) past Darfield and over Porter’s Pass. Follow the road past Lake Lyndon until you come to the ski resort access road, then drive about four miles until you reach the car park. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach Porter Heights from Christchurch via car transportation and less than 30 minutes to reach the resort from Springfield.

If you are entering New Zealand from a foreign country, you are most likely to touch down at Christchurch International Airport, which receives regular flights from a range of Australasian, Asian and American destinations. Taxis and buses provide transportation from the airport into the city, from where you can either hire a car or arrange shuttle bus transportation to Porter Heights.

Various tour operators provide daily shuttle bus transportation to and from Porter Heights, with pick-up points in Christchurch, Greymouth and Kumara Junction.

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