Tom Greenall reports on his first impressions of skiing at Porter Heights:

With over 2000 ft of vertical (just over 600m), about 2km long runs and at least that in width of terrain is possible to ride and still make it back to the lifts. The skiing is in and a round reasonably steep-sided valley, giving easier runs in the valley floor and steeper terrain elsewhere, with a few small but not terrifying cliffs. The lifts themselves are three T-bars positioned one above the other in a precession up the mountain.

Weather was windy to the point were individuals would be blown sideways of the lift line almost suspended by the T Bar they were riding. The wind had affected the snow somewhat. The piste was scoured and firm. Firm enough to be very fast but not to firm to get an edge in. The off piste was inches of windblown crust on a foot or so of powder.

The café looks like an extra from a cheep sci-fi movie, the innards are reminiscent of Scotland. Basic but warm ‘n’ welcoming on a windy day. The basic fare is of high quality and very reasonable price, especially considering the remoteness of its location.

There were huge crowds…nootttt!! We were the fifteenth car in the parking lot, and this number barely managed to double over the whole day. Surprising really for one of only two ski areas open in the Christchurch area this weekend and being only 95km from the edge of the town. Making it the closest by a country mile!

Being my closest skiing, all of an hour and thirty drive, and most of the riders being snowboarders (hence no competition for lines), I think this is going to be fun place this season.

I will back at Porter Heights as soon as I have time off work!

Words and Pictures from Tom Greenall - Natives Resort Reporter

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