NZsnowboard.com

3rd July 2008

With Porters Ski Area all set to go for the 2008 winter season, all that is holding it back is the current weather conditions. Strong winds on the mountain today have made it impossible to operate, but with some cooler temperatures and snow forecast, the current bad weather may bring some good conditions for the weekend and the start of the School holidays.



The mountain staff have been working hard over the past few weeks to get the ski area ready for opening, following a busy summer of development at Porters. After recent snowfalls and cooler temperatures for snowmaking, snow conditions on the mountain are ready for a great start to the winter. Ski Area General Manager, Uli Dinsenbacher is excited about the winter ahead.

Were all ready to go. It has been a busy summer, with many changes, and some hard work; now were all set to go for a great winter season.

This investment over the summer has paid off. With the increase in snowmaking capacity, operations staff have been able to accumulate man-made snow in crucial areas during cold weather, building a solid snow base, and allowing the groomers to shift the snow around as its needed.

This snow-making has also been instrumental in the development of the new Porters Community Park. The terrain park is now set over a larger area, with three new terraces, and has two of its own SMI snow-guns meaning that the park will be open from the start of the winter. A range of new exciting features will have everyone from park novices to seasoned pros pushing the boundaries.

The access road has also undergone some change over the summer, with widening at crucial sections following the goal of having the best and safest access road available. New snow-fencing on the ski area means certain areas will be able to hold more snow during high wind events, and more than a third of the mountains rental gear has been replaced.

In addition to all the new developments that have been taking place, Porters has a superb deal for those who are new to the snow. The only scheme of its kind, the Porters Passport novice programme offers incredible value to those who havent skied or snowboarded before. Over four days, beginners receive heavily discounted packages, which are designed to be enjoyable and progressive, and culminate in a free season pass valid until the end of the winter for those who complete the four days. Hands down, the best, most affordable and rewarding introduction to snow sports youll find.

This year, Porters also have the best deal to get you to the snow. Working in with Atomic shuttles, you can now get to the mountain for just $20 return from Christchurch. The shuttle departs from Christchurch city each morning, traveling to the ski area to tie in with the free Porters access road shuttle bus, and returning each day. For more on this crazy deal, get to www.skiporters.co.nz, or book direct at www.atomicshuttles.co.nz.

All that is needed now is a break in the weather, and the season will be underway. Full mountain information, photos, videos, webcams and much more is available at www.skiporters.co.nz.



For more information, please contact Guy Nurse, Marketing Manager, Porters Ski Area. Ph. +64 3 365 6530, E. guy@skiporters.co.nz, www.skiporters.co.nz.





LINKS:
www.skiporters.co.nz
www.atomicshuttles.co.nz