This weekend will see a wide range of different shows and ski sales, from specific weekend only venues to all the ski shops in the city! If you’re a skier or rider, and you need some new kit, this weekend is the time to snap it up at the best deal you’ll see this year.

Here’s the low down on the different sales on this weekend…

SNOW AND SURF SALE – CANTERBURY HORTICULTURAL CENTRE, HAGLEY PARK

With an earlier kick off on Friday May 4th, and running through Sat 5th and Sun 6th, our good friend Roland and his staff and volunteers will be running the annual Snow and Surf Snow Sale at the Canterbury Horticultural Centre, Hagley Park. With an extensive range of brand new ski and snowboard equipment from all the major brands at crazy prices, this sale is not to be missed.

CSA SNOW SHOW AND SALE

This year the Canterbury University Snow Sports Club are helping to put on the ski sale at The Stables, Addington Raceway. The sale includes second hand gear and commercial gear from businesses around Christchurch. It will be run over two days, 5th and 6th of May, and there will be a range of skis, boards, boots, and outerwear. The sale is a great opportunity to find all the gear you need for the coming winter.

If you have any gear that you want to sell, you can bring it in on Saturday and we will price it up for you. The sale takes place on Sunday. CSA are also in search of volunteers over the three days, and would appreciate the help of anyone who can get involved. You can register at www.skisale.co.nz, and for every 8 hours worked you get a work ticket that you can trade in for a free ski pass or a free nights accommodation at Temple Basin. As a volunteer, you will also get the opportunity to have first pick of the gear at a pre-sale, which will happen before the general public arrives.

As usual, we’ll be there at the show, call in for a chat with Uli and Guy, and discuss your prediction of the season ahead.

R & R SPORT SNOW SALE

R & R Sport’s Christchurch and Dunedin branches are having their massive annual ski sales this weekend! The Dunedin branch is almost ready to roll so get in and have a look tomorrow (friday) if you want to beat the crazy weekend rush. As always, the deals will be massive, and the crew know all there is to know, about snow.

SNOWRIDE SPORTS MASSIVE SALE

Richard and the team at Snowride Sports are on sale too – Ex demo Ski sell out, huge range of 2011- 2012 skis, all in excellent condition. Save hundreds on new skis plus all second-hand skis reduced. Sale on now to 6th may, 386 Lincoln Rd Christchurch 03 377 3188.

VICTORIA SKI SPORT

As usual, Mike and the team at Vic Ski Sport will have all the deals too, check out all the latest gear, delivered now – Lange, Dalbello, Salomon plus left over old stock Head, Tecnica, Salomon and Lange – huge range, great deals, and spoilt for choice!

The $500 million proposal to expand Porters Ski Area into Crystal Valley and build a year-round alpine village at the foot of the ski area has been given the necessary resource consents and plan change approvals to proceed.

Commissioners appointed by Environment Canterbury and Selwyn District Council to consider the applications by Porters Ski Area Ltd released their joint decision today after a nine day hearing over July and August last year.

The resource consents decision is subject to a 15-working day appeal period and the Plan Change is subject to a 40-working day appeal period once it is adopted and notified by the Selwyn District Council.

Porters Expansion involves the building of a new family-friendly ski area in Crystal Valley adjacent to the existing ski area at a cost of about $60 million.

Scheduled for opening in winter 2015, the new ski area would comprise an extensive snowmaking system on all main trials, three chairlifts and New Zealand’s first ski area gondola lift, along with a large day lodge and crèche.

Also operating in 2015 would be the expanded ski area’s base facilities on the site of the proposed village. These would include the gondola’s bottom station, a small hot pools complex, sealed car parking and the first of the village apartments. This first stage of the village would cost about $115 million.

A key part of Porters Expansion proposal was two land exchanges involving the Department of Conservation.

In return for obtaining freehold for the village site (15ha) and in Crystal Valley, Porters agreed to buy and restore two high conservation value indigenous forestry sites at Lords Bush near Springfield and Steep Head Gully on Banks Peninsula.

Over the next 15 years, accommodation in the year-round village would grow to about 3,400 beds across a range of budgets and prices from “flashpackers” to a hotel, various kinds of apartments and private chalets.

The 2015 opening would also feature the start of a wide range of both family and expert-orientated mountain bike trails, and easy walks accessible from the proposed village.

When the ski area opens in 2015, the existing ski area access road would be closed to the public with skier and visitor access to the expanded ski area being by gondola with a return trail into the proposed village. The existing ski area in the Porters Basin would be easily accessible from Crystal Valley.

Porters Ski Area is the closest ski area to Christchurch and is owned by a group of Australian and Russian investors following Overseas Investment Office approvals.

The partners in the project comprise the Harvey family of Sydney and Russian investors introduced by the Harveys.

“The Commissioners’ approvals are a significant milestone towards realising Porters Expansion after five years working on the proposal,” said Simon Harvey.

“Despite a global financial crisis and the Canterbury earthquakes both happening after we committed to Porters, we are backing the project because we believe Canterbury’s economy is fundamentally sound.

“Cantabrians are the kind of people who are resilient and resourceful and who we know will make sure Canterbury and Christchurch recovers and rebuilds for its future”, said Mr Harvey.

To date, the partners had invested a total of $10 million in the project, upgrading the existing Porters ski area and providing financial support for its operation while awaiting planning approvals.

At its opening in winter 2015 the ski area and village facilities would employ about 500 full time and seasonal staff.

Porters Ski Area Director of Development Mike Sleigh of Christchurch said Porters Expansion had received substantial support from Springfield, Selwyn District and Christchurch people.

“We received over 2250 submissions in support, including from Christchurch International Airport Ltd, Canterbury and Christchurch Tourism, mountain bikers, Castle Hill Village residents and others in New Zealand and Australia.”

At full development, Porters would create almost 1000 full-time equivalent jobs for Canterbury and attract about 300,000 skiers a year – 45% from Australia and 19% from outside of Canterbury.

For further information contact: Mike Sleigh, 021 388 910.

To download a PDF version of this release, please click the link below;

Porters Ski Area – Expansion Approved

Passes will be available exclusively from Porters online store from 15th March and remain on sale through to 30th April. For more information on this years rates and pass information – click here.

Greeted on Sunday 20th November by a warm and gusty Nor-wester, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and put in a huge effort in planting more than 500 native seedlings at the Lord’s Bush site.

Department of Conservation Field Manager, Brian Taylor, was excited to get a good start on the planting of propagated native seedlings. “It’s great to have members of the local community out here helping in regenerating this fantastic site. We have a lot of work to do here, and the help of locals is very important for Lord’s Bush.”

The team hope to plant more than 2000 seedlings over the summer, with additional Community Planting day’s scheduled over the next few months.

For more information of upcoming planting days and how you can get involved, please contact Guy Nurse of Porters Ski Area via guy@skiporters.co.nz.

We mentioned at the close of the winter season that, in association with the Department of Conservation (DOC), we were planning a community planting day at Lord’s Bush. For those who are unaware, the Lord’s Bush site is located near Springfield at Kowai Bush and is one of the few remaining examples of native podocarp forest on the Canterbury Plains. Porters are currently working with DOC in implementing an extensive restoration plan for Lord’s Bush.

To help with this process, we need your help! This Sunday 20th November, Porters and the Department of Conservation will host a Community Planting Day at Lord’s Bush starting at 10am, running through until approximately 2pm. We hope to plant approximately 2000 seedlings on the day, so if you’re available and keen to help in regenerating some beautiful native forest, we’d love you to help out. Planting will take place rain or shine, hence please check the weather and dress appropriately. Sturdy footwear and a rain jacket (if so required) would be a good start. Due to a limited supply of spades, it would be much appreciated if you’re able to bring one to use yourself.

If you have any queries, or would like more information about the day, please contact Guy Nurse of Porters via email on guy@skiporters.co.nz. We look forward to seeing you there.

2011 season passes rates are on ‘lock down’ for 2012, and will remain the same for the 2012 season.

As Canterbury’s leading family ski area, Porters continues to offer Canterbury and New Zealand families the best deal in the land on season long access. Now in it’s third season, Porters’ offers complimentary skiing for two youths aged under 18 when customers purchase the Porters ULTIMATE Family season pass.

At just $995, up to half the cost of some of it’s competitors, the ULTIMATE Family pass offers unlimited access for two adults and two youths for the duration of the winter season. With individual adult season passes priced at $499 each, the two youth passes included in the bundle are complimentary for families.

Porters Ski Area Marketing Manager, Guy Nurse, is excited to continue with the fantastic offer. “Porters has always been a family ski area, the terrain on offer and the atmosphere here have ensured that. We’ve focused in the past three seasons on providing affordable and enjoyable skiing and snowboarding for local families, and intend to continue to do so in the future.”

“Our customers have had a lot on their plate in recent times, and providing an affordable opportunity to allow them to enjoy skiing and snowboarding is important to us.”

Additional season passes for family members can be added to the ULTIMATE Family season pass for just $100 each for any additional youths (aged 7-17 inclusive) or grand-parents of the same immediate family. The ULTIMATE Family pass is only available until 30th April 2012.

In addition to the family passes, individual season passes are also available at 2011 rates. Adult passes are $499, with student and youth passes offered at $299 and $199 respectively. Children under 7 pay only an administration fee of $30 for a complimentary pass, and a special loyalty discount is available for any 2011 adult or student full season pass-holders.

All Porters season passes will be available online during traditional sales periods which are underway on 15th March 2012. Early prices (outlined above) are available through until 30th of April 2012, with shoulder and standard rates available from 1st May and 16th June respectively.

Conditions apply, and full season pass terms and conditions are applicable to all products.

For further information on 2012 products, individual pass rates, sales information and timing, and full terms and conditions for the Porters season passes in 2012, please visit www.skiporters.co.nz.

Looking back on the winter, we had a late start, but as the season got going, the turns began to flow. Considering that we had less that average snowfall throughout the winter, the skiing we experienced was great – we were able to ski some areas which in other more consistent snow years we have been unable to. As a result, overall, we have had a good year, and hope that you all have managed some good turns throughout the season.

Claudia enjoys some fresh earlier this winter…

We know that some of our fellow Cantabrians continue to struggle with issues and hardship brought about by the earthquakes earlier in 2011. Hopefully, many of you have been able to visit us during the winter to get out of the city and into the outdoors, and enjoy some time away. On behalf of the Porters crew, we wish you all the best over the next few months, and look forward to seeing you all again in 2012.

Retro Gear and Air Winner

On Sunday 2nd October, as a way to see the season out in style (debatable), we held our second Retro styled day this season, this one entitled ‘Retro Gear & Air’. Concept? The most retro styled person, including the attire and the maneuvers in the air, wins. On the day, as judged by Leigh Edwards, the most retro in looks combined with aerial maneuvers (triple daffy, pretty impressive) was Methven local, Jamie Adams. Congratulations Jamie, you’ve locked in a 2012 winter season pass at Porters – we hope we don’t have to see those tight pants every time you’re up next season!

Martina getting into the snow-blades… Nice.

2012 Products and Timing

Over the next few months, we’ll be wrapping up the season, and getting underway with our annual maintenance programme, in preparation for next year. We’ll be in touch with developments as they happen during the summer. 2012 rates, season pass prices, and sales information will be available in February 2012, and season pass sales will take place in late March and April as usual. Keep an eye on your email, we’ll let you know when things are happening, so you don’t miss out!

We’re also awaiting the outcome and written decision on the Resource Consent hearing for the proposed expansion into Crystal Valley. We’ll keep you informed with any information that becomes available.

Lord’s Bush Restoration

Year one of the Lord’s Bush Restoration near Springfield has gone very well, with a raft or work and achievements on the ground. Work continues, with a significant amount of planting currently underway at the site. A community planting day is planned for around the 2nd week of November, we will have more information, dates and times, and how you can get involved on our website closer to the time. Look forward to seeing some of you there then to help regenerate this unique native bush.

Ski Area Service Awards

Underway right now, the 12th Annual, Snow.co.nz NZ Ski Area Service awards. Judged by the people, here’s your chance to have your say on your favourite ski area! The voting form is easy to complete, with a range of multichoice questions, and will only take you 5 minutes to complete. Have your say, let them know how great Porters is today! Click here…

See you in 2012!

A massive thanks once again from all the team here at Porters. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us, managed to improve your skiing or snowboarding, spend time with your family and friends, and most of all, enjoyed your snowsports.

Look forward to seeing you once again for winter 2012!

Thanks,
THE PORTERS TEAM.