At Porters, we employ around 80 team members during the winter season, which runs from late June to late September. We also have part-time positions for the July school holidays and weekends.
Our guests are at the centre of everything we do. They expect the very best when it comes to safety, snow conditions and customer service. You will be part of a small, hardworking team. Although the work can be challenging on occasions, you will have plenty of time to learn or improve your ski and/or snowboarding skills as well as joining us in some great social events.
2026 Winter Hiring
We will be posting all open jobs for winter 2026 on this webpage in mid-February 2026.
Please check back at this time to find a list of available positions and information on the application process.
Who are we looking for when we employ a team?
We are looking for a team that is dedicated to delivering a great guest experience. If you bring a great attitude, energy and positivity, are able to work under pressure, love the outdoors and its challenging environment, Porters will be a great fit! We will do our best to ensure your time with us leaves you with great memories and new skills.
Location: Porters Alpine Resort
Position: Full-time seasonal fixed term
Hours: Rostered weekly schedule, minimum 30 hours per week
About the Role
Are you looking for a role that combines great service, a vibrant atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy the slopes? We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Café Manager to lead our on-mountain café team at Porters Alpine Resort for the 2026 winter season!
Our guests and team need constant fuel stops, and the place for this is our busy on-mountain café. As manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering excellent food and service, creating a welcoming environment, and leading a team that thrives on collaboration. The role also offers the chance to enjoy ski breaks when the pace allows, making it a great fit for those seeking a work/ski balance. For those interested in a longer work commitment, there may be opportunities to extend the contract into the summer season to support the operations at Porters Lodge.
If you’re passionate about hospitality, leadership, and the mountain lifestyle, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
The upcoming season kicks off in late June 2026, with onboarding starting in mid-June.
If you’re ready to work hard, have fun, and be part of an awesome alpine team, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily cafe operations, including opening/closing procedures, inventory, and staff rostering
- Lead, train, and motivate a seasonal team of cafe staff
- Ensure high standards of food safety and cleanliness, being compliant with the relevant regulations in New Zealand
- Adhere to the On Licence requirements for alcohol sales onsite
- Manage stock levels, supplier orders, and deliveries
- Full management of the cafe menu
- Monitor sales and assist with budgeting and cost control, maintaining a zero-waste kitchen philosophy
- Handle customer enquiries and resolve issues professionally
- Direct management of all cafe staff
- Promote a positive team culture where staff are actively engaged with guests and deliver warm and welcoming service
- Collaborate with other departments on the mountain (e.g. ticket office, ski school) to ensure smooth operations
- Track performance metrics and prepare end-of-season reports
Requirements
- Proven experience in hospitality or cafe/restaurant management
- Experience in a leadership or supervisory role preferable
- Experience in stock ordering and inventory management
- Confident using POS systems
- Understanding of New Zealand food safety and alcohol licensing regulations
- Duty Manager Certificate, or ability to complete the certificate prior to the winter season if not already held
- A team player with excellent communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
- Passion for snow sports and delivering outstanding guest experiences
What We Offer
- A full-time, seasonal position with a fun and supportive team
- An exciting working environment on the mountain, surrounded by passionate snow sport enthusiasts
- Support with finding accommodation for those who are not based in the area
- Transport to and from work
- Exclusive staff discounts on select retail items from Porters Alpine Resort partners
- Staff discounts on various mountain purchases, including at the mountain cafe
- Discounted access to select ski resorts and club fields across New Zealand
- Complimentary full season pass for Porters Alpine Resort
To apply, please send you cover letter and CV to office@skiporters.co.nz
Further Employment Details
Visas
If you are not a New Zealand passport holder, you will need a valid New Zealand visa that allows you to live and work legally in New Zealand. Most of our overseas staff join us on a Working Holiday Visa, but you may be eligible for other visa categories depending on your nationality and circumstances.
The visas can be applied for through the New Zealand Embassy of your country.
Please note that the visa must be applied for in your home country – Working Holiday Visas are not issued once you are in New Zealand.
For further information on visas for New Zealand, please refer to the New Zealand Immigration website.
Pay Rates
Pay rates start from $23.95 per hour but this varies depending on position and experience. Hours of work and length of employment can vary with weather and snow conditions. We are looking for team members who can make a commitment for the entire season.
During the peak season, most full-time employees can expect to work 5 days per week and 35-40 hours.
Accommodation
Our staff accommodation quarters on the mountain are reserved predominantly for our mountain staff who are required for night shifts or early starts (e.g. Patrol, Snowmakers, Groomers).
For staff members of other departments, we highly recommend them to source their own accommodation. We may be able to assist with finding suitable accommodation for you in the local area as required, however we have found that it works best for staff when they are able to find their own accommodation and liaise directly with their own landlords.
Most of our off-mountain staff live in Springfield, Sheffield and its neighbouring areas. The furthest that our staff tend to live is usually around Darfield, Coalgate, or Oxford.
We have found that the most effective way to source accommodation is through searching on local community Facebook groups.
We can offer more information and assistance with accommodation as we progress through your application process.
Transport
We have a staff shuttle bus that transports staff up to the mountain every day. The pick-up/drop-off spots are in Sheffield and Springfield. Staff who do not live within walking distance from these spots are generally expected to make their own way to the pick-up spot, although we may be able to make some adjustments to this schedule depending on circumstances.
Please note that you do not need a vehicle to work at Porters, however, our location is quite remote, and you may find it more convenient to own a car for personal use (such as grocery shopping).
Uniform and Other Equipment
We offer seasonal rentals for our staff who require skis or snowboards, however you will need to prepare your own clothing gear, including helmet, goggles, gloves, etc.
Uniform supplied will vary depending on your role on the mountain. For staff who will be working outside (like Lift Operators or Instructors) we will supply warm outerwear and gloves for you to use during your working hours. For other staff who will be based inside (like Cafe or Ticket Office) we will supply mid layers that you can wear during your shifts.
Your Application
Successful applicants can expect to receive an email in March to arrange a video interview.
We receive a large number of applications each season, and as such we are only able to reply to successful applicants for next steps.