Porter Heights riding guide - World Snowboard Guide

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Freeriding

Freeriders should go to the top of the No 3 T-bar, because from here the mountain is yours. The view of Lake Coleridge and surrounding mountain ranges is spectacular. Don't hang around sightseeing for too long though - the first tracks on Big Mama aren't available all day. It is a reasonably easy traverse (with a little climbing) along a ridge line to the top of Big Mama, but it's not until you're standing at the top of the slope that you realise just how long the run is. It is a huge 620 vertical metres from top to bottom - one of the largest vertical drops in a lift accessed area in NZ. If you're fit enough to enjoy long powder runs, Big Mama is heaven. If you prefer chutes, traverse to the left from the top of lift No 3 T-bar to Aorangi Chutes and the Leapers, where the terrain is steep and the chutes are narrow. Bluff Face is another cool place to ride reached via a traverse down to McNulty's cat-track and hike up to the summit of Allison Peak. The Powder Bowl and Crystal Valley runs are both outside the ski boundary. There is a great boarding to be had on both, but the hike can be a mission. For reasons of safety, inform the ski patrol if you intend to go into any of these areas.

Freestylers

Freestylers have a lot here to check out. There's an international size halfpipe in McNulty's Basin and heaps of good natural hits dotted around the whole area.

Pistes

Carvers will find the runs down either side of the No 1 T-bar have a reasonably consistent gradient and make excellent cruising runs for intermediate boarders

Beginners

Beginners will find the runs limited to a few short flats at the base area which are serviced by a couple of easy to use lifts.

Resort Statistics

Resort Type: Alpine
Winter: June to Oct
Summer: None

Lifts

Total Lifts: 5
Drag lifts: 3
Other lifts: 1 platter tow, 1 beginner tow
Max people per hour: 3,000
Board Leashes required: No

Mountain

Total pistes/trails: 17
Total ride area: 365 hectares
Longest run: 720m

Top lift: 1950m
Vertical drop: 610m
First lift: 1340m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 15%
Red runs: 35%
Black runs: 50%

Lift Passes

Lift Passes:
Morning/Afternoon $40
1 Day pass - $60
Season pass - $720 ($299 earlybird)
Lift times:9.00am to 4.30pm

Snowfall

Average annual snowfall: 2.9m
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 10%

Facilities

Snowboard Schools: Lesson (2hrs), lift and equipment & all day pass - $90
Group lessons 2hrs $25
Private lesson $70 per hour
Snowboard Hire: Board and boots - $43
Night Riding: : No