Porters
Commercial field
- From us
- ~25 min
- Lifts
- Chairlift & T-bars
- Nutcracker
- Not needed
- Best for
- First-timers, families, groomers
Our tipThe closest field to us. A good warm-up day before you try the club fields.
Field guide
Six fields. One road. One shop.
Canterbury's club fields are run by their members, served by rope tows and reached by gravel roads. Here's how they line up from our door, and what to expect at each one.
SH73, west from Springfield
The line map.
Christchurch
Springfield
Porters
Castle Hill
Mt Cheeseman
Craigieburn + Broken River
Temple Basin
Waimak Ski Co.
Ski field turn-off
Town / landmark
Mt Olympus is the other way: via Windwhistle and Lake Ida, about 1 hr.
At a glance
Which field is for you?
Drive times are from our shop in good conditions, to the bottom of each access road. Allow longer when the chains go on.
Mt Cheeseman
Club field
- From us
- ~40 min
- Lifts
- T-bars
- Nutcracker
- Not needed
- Best for
- Families stepping up to club skiing
Our tipA friendly, sheltered club field with no rope tows, so you can ease into the club vibe.
Broken River
Club field
- From us
- ~55 min
- Lifts
- Nutcracker rope tows
- Access
- Unsealed road, then walk in
- Best for
- Intermediate up, lodge weekends
Our tipPut your bags on the goods lift and walk the track. Chains are usually needed on the road in winter.
Craigieburn
Club field
- From us
- ~55 min
- Lifts
- Nutcracker rope tows
- Terrain
- Steep, ungroomed, advanced
- Best for
- Strong skiers and riders
Our tipNot one for beginners. If you're heading beyond the tows, take avalanche kit and a mate.
Mt Olympus
Club field
- From us
- ~1 hr
- Lifts
- Nutcracker rope tows
- Access
- Steep road, 4WD or chains
- Best for
- Powder days, staying the night
Our tipThe road's the crux. Check the field's road report before you go, and fit chains early.
Temple Basin
Club field · walk-in
- From us
- ~1 hr 10
- Lifts
- Nutcracker rope tows
- Access
- Uphill walk from the SH73 car park
- Best for
- Adventure, night skiing, touring
Our tipThe goods lift takes your gear, but you're walking up. Pack light and bring a head torch.
Field details change season to season. Always check each field's own website for opening, lift and road info.
Rope Tow 101
How to ride a nutcracker tow.
Nutcracker tows are fast, steep and a little bit terrifying the first time. They're also the most fun you'll have getting up a hill. Here's the whole thing.
- Harness on, lanyard shortThe harness sits round your hips, over your jacket. The nutcracker should hang at about knee height when you stand up.
- Grab the rope gentlyStand in the track facing uphill. Let the rope run through your downhill glove, then slowly close your hand to pick up speed.
- Flip it over and squeezeHook the nutcracker over the rope from behind, hinge on top, and squeeze the arms closed. It locks on and your harness takes the pull.
- Lean back, skis straightSit back into the harness, keep your skis in the track and your hands off the rope. Look up the hill, not at your feet.
- Release well before the wheelOpen the arms, lift the nutcracker off and step out of the track. Never ride into the bullwheel at the top.
On a snowboard?
Back foot out. Front hip in.
- Unstrap your back foot and put it on the stomp pad
- Wear the harness so the nutcracker sits on your front hip
- Keep the board pointing straight up the track. Don't edge.
- If you fall off, roll out of the track straight away
We've got a practice rope in the shop. Five minutes on it saves you an hour of falling off on the hill.
Picked your field?
Book your gear and add a nutcracker, chains or avalanche kit. We'll have it ready the night before.
Book your gear →