2026 winter applications
We are still accepting applications for a few winter roles. Please see the available job descriptions below.
Thank you to everyone who has applied so far. Successful applicants can expect to receive an email in March/early April 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.
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.
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.
Location: Porters Lodge, Porters Alpine Resort
Position: Full-time seasonal fixed-term
Hours: 35-40 hours per week, 5 days rostered schedule
About the Role
Are you interested in a role that combines great food, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to hit the slopes? We are on the lookout for a skilled and passionate chef in our on-mountain café to join our team for the 2026 winter season!
As a Café Cook at Porters Alpine Resort, you’ll play a key role in providing tasty meals and ensuring a top-notch experience for everyone who stops by. We’re looking for individuals who can consistently deliver high-quality food while maintaining a positive and efficient environment. You’ll be part of a fun, communicative team that thrives on collaboration. The role also offers a fantastic opportunity for ride breaks when things run smoothly, making it perfect for those who seek the ideal work/ride balance. If you’re passionate about cooking and love the mountain lifestyle, this is the job for you!
The upcoming season kicks off in late June to early July 2026, with onboarding starting in mid-June. If you’re ready to have fun, work hard, and be part of an awesome team, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare all food items according to the café menu and counter offerings
- Cook food items for service with precision and care
- Follow food control plans and comply with health and safety regulations at all times
- Ensure excellent food hygiene practice is observed at all times
- Ensure all ingredients and final products maintain the highest freshness
- Follow recipes accurately, including measuring, weighing, and mixing ingredients
- Set up your workstation with all necessary ingredients and equipment
- Minimize food waste, manage stock control, and ensure proper stock rotation
- Maintain accurate food control records daily
- Assist with kitchen cleaning tasks and ensure maintenance schedules meet compliance standards
- Perform dishwashing duties
- Clean dishes and tables in seated areas for a tidy environment
- Support Front of House (FOH) staff with cashier sales, drinks, and café cleanliness as needed
- Comply with New Zealand’s Alcohol Licensing Act, the conditions of our alcohol license, and our host responsibility policy
- Assist with café setup, pack-down, and other mountain area duties as required
- Oversee completion of kitchen cleaning and maintenance rosters to meet compliance requirements
- Provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all customers, including Porters Alpine Resort staff
Additional Responsibilities
In addition to your normal duties, you may be required to assist with duties not directly linked to your job description but commensurate with your position and in accordance with the job purpose from time to time. Your cooperation will always be appreciated but not abused.
A Little About You
- Previous experience in a cooking role — baking experience preferred
- Strong commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards
- Exceptional guest service skills
- A team player with excellent communication skills
- Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
- Actively fosters a culture of safety in the workplace
- Fluent in both written and spoken English
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.
- Exclusive staff discounts on select retail items from Porters Alpine Resort partners.
- Staff discounts on various mountain purchases, including at the resort cafe.
- Discounted access to select ski resorts and club fields across New Zealand.
- Complimentary full season pass for Porters Alpine Resort (obviously!)
If you’re ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to a fantastic guest experience, we’d love to hear from you!
How to Apply
Please apply via the application form here.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Application Form
Please ensure that you have read the job description and additional details below carefully before applying.
Submit application here
If you are having trouble accessing the application form, please contact 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/early April 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.