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Last modified: 29 Jul 2020 10:36am

Aerial view of a crowd of staff standing in front of a building with snow on the ground behind

As part of our Selwyn Open campaign we’re profiling some of the many excellent businesses local to you. You can find these businesses on the Selwyn Business Directory at selwyn.govt.nz/directory. This week we talk to Porters Alpine Resort general manager Darren Cavill.

Anticipation and excitement is in the cold chilly winter air as Selwyn locals and the wider Canterbury wait for Selwyn’s ski fields to open.

The team at Porters’ ski field have been busy, getting ready for the upcoming ski season, praying to the snow gods for the perfect weather conditions.

Porters Alpine Resort general manager Darren Cavill says he and his team are excited for the opening and knows customers will be feeling eager too.

“They can’t wait, I’m imagining them all with their skis packed on the top of the car and the warm clothes hanging up, just ready to go, ready for us to blow the whistle.”

The ski field has on average 25,000 visitors each winter and works with schools throughout Canterbury. They have recently included a 50% discount for first responder groups; St John, CDHB and the West Coast Health Board.

Only an hour and sixteen minute drive from Christchurch, Darren says people like Porters for its ‘learn to ski’ focus and family friendly approach.

“There is a huge loyalty at Porters and I think that is a big reason that people come. People have been coming to Porters for many years.”

The ski field supports local where it can, supplying food locally and working with local businesses and local people around Selwyn. Darren used to live in Selwyn, but has recently moved back to Christchurch describing Selwyn as his little escape.

“It’s always a pleasure to drive out of Christchurch and arrive in Selwyn, I’m extremely lucky that I get to do that every day.”

With the ski field recently joining with Porters Lodge and rebranding as a resort, Porters will eventually be the perfect getaway destination, a small village with hot pools, accommodation, restaurants and mountain biking.

Updates for the opening of Porters’ ski field will be posted on their Facebook Page. They hope to be open on Friday 3 July in time for school holidays.