Mountain Safety

Our overall priority is to create a safe environment for you to enjoy, so please always respect signage, closures and the decisions we make on whether to open, close or put our lifts on hold.
Review our tips below, and if you have any questions or would like to speak to our patrol team you can find them here:

  • Base area: the patrol office is located above the main car park in the base area, where we can look after your first aid needs and help with anything that may come up during your day
  • Patrol dispatch: there is a patrol base on top of the mountain, which will always have a member of patrol stationed there

 

Snow Responsibility Code

Behaving in an appropriate manner while you’re out on the slopes ensures you can have fun while reducing your chances of hurting yourself or someone else.

Stay in control at all times
Know your ability, start easy, be able to stop and avoid other people. Losing control is the number one cause of falls

People below you have the right of way
The skier or boarder downhill from you has the right of way. Don’t forget to look above before entering a trail

Obey all ski area signage
Signs are there for your safety. Always stay out of closed areas

Look before you leap
Scope out jumps first. Ensure the area is clear of others and use a spotter on blind jumps

Stop where you can be seen
When stopping, try to move to the side of the trail and make sure you can be seen from above

Don’t lose what you use
Equipment must be secured while walking or stashing. This goes for rubbish too. Remember to take all your waste with you so it doesn’t become a hazard for others (or the environment)

Stay on the scene
If you are involved in, or witness, an accident, remain at the scene and identify yourself to the ski patrol

Respect gets respect
Right from the lift line, to the slopes and through the car park, treat others as you would want to be treated

More tips from patrol

  1. Wear a helmet: we strongly recommend the use of helmets and advise everyone to wear a helmet to help prevent serious injuries while skiing or snowboarding.  You can hire or buy a helmet from Guest Services when you arrive on the mountain.
  2. Safety gear and equipment: effective gear control is another huge safety consideration; you need to be in control of your equipment at all times. For skiers, this means ensuring that the breaks on your bindings are fully operational, and for snowboarders, a leash must always be worn (access will be denied to the lifts without a leash securely attached)
  3. Parental supervision: supervision of young children is expected at Porters. We ask that parents refrain from carrying young children on the lifts or ski with toddlers and babies in backpacks. Your safety and that of your children is paramount.
  4. Backcountry: if you’re heading backcountry, visit the NZ Avalanche Advisory website to check conditions before you go and if you intend to sign out, complete an outdoor intentions form (to give to a friend / family member). Always travel in parties and carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (and know how to use them). If you are planning on a late return to Porters car park, please park at the lower chain fitting bay so your vehicle doesn’t get locked in at the end of the day.
  5. Beacon park: we have a beacon search area located at the top of Sundance T, behind patrol dispatch. We encourage everyone that’s got a beacon to come and practice here and to chat to our patrol team for pointers.
  6. Signage and notices: we work hard to maintain correct signage across the entire mountain, and from time to time, certain terrain will be closed for safety. Please respect all signage on the mountain. Check the whiteboards at the base of every lift for up to date information on lifts, weather, snow conditions and messages for the skiing public.