Unique New Zealand Off-Piste Skiing Adventure

Broken River caters for the adventurous person who is after something a little different and very special. It's no-frills off-piste skiing and snowboarding at its best.

On top of all that you'll also get to experience a unique part of Kiwi ski culture. It is more than just the skiing and great terrain - it's all about the friendly atmosphere and being part of a community of like-minded adventurous types sharing their passion for skiing/boarding, the mountains and the environment.

Broken River is one of NZ's boutique "Club" fields. It is run and maintained by 350 Club members who warmly encourage people to come and enjoy the place they call home and are passionate about.

There is a strong extended "family" feel that includes real families, friends and visitors. You are sure to see a big crowd of youngsters playing together in the snow. It is not uncommon to see three generations of one family skiing together.

The native Kea, the world's only alpine parrot, is an ever-present, integral part of this family and keeps everyone on their toes with its humourous, cheeky behaviour.

Described as "poor man's heli-skiing" Broken River features backcountry, off-piste terrain within the ski boundary. There are plenty of wide open slopes, rolling bowls, and steep chutes to explore with exhilarating runs to challenge beginners and experts.

The ski area has a sheltered, easterly position and collects more than its fair share of Mother Nature's white stuff. Powder is the name of the game in winter and smooth corn snow through the endlessly long springs.

The two main bowls have wide, open, rolling slopes suitable for beginner to expert and provide natural jumps for the enthusiasts. Some of the more gentle slopes are groomed. The surrounding peaks have many steep chutes and challenging slopes for the adventurous. A short hike onto these peaks opens up more off-piste terrain and great rewards.

Allan's Basin, adjacent to Broken River Basin, provides an unrivalled backcountry skiing & snowboarding experience. The tranquil atmosphere of this huge basin makes it a must visit. There are no facilities - just you, a cheeky alpine kea overhead poised to laugh when you fall, and a huge basin full of untracked power! This is real backcountry skiing but within the patrolled boundary. 

If you are after a more remote experience tour to one of the many bowls further afield. A popular 40 minute tour takes you to nearby Craigieburn Valley Ski Area - another Club field with good off-piste terrain.

Broken River has something for everyone - great snow, varied off-piste terrain, and plenty of untracked powder to discover. No wonder people keep returning year after year!

During the day Palmer Day Lodge is the social hub of Broken River. There is a laidback, welcoming atmosphere with the opportunity to meet everyone - this could be 50 to 150 people depending whether it is a quiet or busy day.

You can bask in the sun on the deck and admire your mornings handy work. There is a communal kitchen and a BBQ for preparing your own food. It is not uncommon to see wild venison or home caught paua (abalone) on the grill. The shop also sells lunch food, beverages and merchandise.

There is always plenty of time to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere - but keep a close eye on your lunch as the cheeky Kea may fly off with your sandwiches!

Staying in one of the 3 alpine lodges completes the Broken River experience. This also makes for an easy start in the mornings and keeps your carbon footprint to a minimum. The lodges are located 5 minutes walk from the lifts.

Broken River offers real mountain-style accommodation and provides backpackers, "club-style" with shared duties, and fully-catered options. The lodges have bunk-style sleeping quarters, communal living areas and bathroom facilities, and drying rooms.

All three lodges are nestled in the native beech forest at tree line and have incredible down-valley views over the Castle Hill Basin and Torlesse Range beyond. The morning sunrise is worth getting out of bed early for!

If you need a break from the snow curl up in the lodge with a good book. There are also a number of 1-2 hour forests walks down in the valley below. Alternatively, take a short drive and explore the Kura Tawhiti Limestone rocks in the Castle Hill Basin. These rocks are famous for their stunning shapes and good bouldering.

Save fuel and stay a while - there is no reason to move on when you are in paradise!

Broken River is small, intimate, friendly, and has no lift lines. Five electric rope tows service the two main basins. You need a tow belt which has a "nutcracker" attached to it. The belt is worn around your hips and the nutcracker holds the rope for you as you move up the towline. Don't worry if you've never used a rope tow before as there are plenty of people willing to help you. It only takes a run or two to get the hang of it all.

Broken River is famous for its long, reliable seasons. The numbers show this. In 2003 & 2004 Broken River was open longer than any other Australasian ski area (116 days each season) and has been open later (or last equal) than any other South Island ski area in 6 of the last 7 years. The spring skiing is excellent and is generally complimented by a convivial social scene around the BBQ at Palmer Lodge.

Broken River is a unique part of Kiwi ski culture. It brings you the best of Club skiing - uncrowded slopes, backcountry" but within the patrolled boundary, great atmosphere in the company of other outdoor fanatics, and excellent terrain. I invite you to come and experience this unique slice of kiwiana.

More detailed information on Broken River can be found here.

Broken River is located in the Craigieburn Forest Park 110 kms west of Christchurch, in the heart of the South Island's Southern Alps. From Christchurch drive west on Highway 73 through Darfield and over Porters Pass.

The turn off to Broken River is 5 km past Castle Hill village. The 6 km unsealed access road climbs gently through native beech forest. The car park is at the base of the funicular rail, the Tyndall Tramway, which in four minutes transports you and your gear to the accommodation lodges at treeline.

Alternatively, you can also put your gear on the Tram and enjoy a quiet 20-minute walk through the beautiful beech forest to the lodges.

The bottom of the Access Tow is 5 minutes walk from the lodges - and then your off-piste adventure really begins!