Join / Sign In
Join the snow squad! it’s free!

We know, another mailing list. But we really want you to have the best info available so you can have your best day/s on the snow ever! We promise to only send you things we think you’ll love, like:

  • Save your favourites

    Save your favourite resorts & webcams

  • Be in the know

    Tell us what you like - relevant emails only!

  • sync with mobile

    Download our app and sync your favourites

  • Deals & offers

    Working with our partners to make your winter a little bit sweeter

  • Forecast alerts

    Always know about the next powder day!

  • And - it’s free!
Join now
Sign up required*
×

Broken River
Resort Info

×
Vital stats
5
no. of lifts
N/A
longest run
175ha
skiable area
1,820m
Top Elevation
1,313m
Base
500m
Vertical
N/A
average snowfall
Season
  • Expected Opening: 07/11/2021
  • Expected Closing: 10/10/2021
Terrain
5% Beginner
50% Intermediate
45% Advanced

Founded in 1952 by 12 snow enthusiasts, Broken River is one of New Zealand’s premier boutique club fields.

 Maintained by club members, it provides an inviting and friendly atmosphere mixed with some amazing soft-snow conditions. The terrain is suitable for everyone with un-crowded powder basins and chutes. There is a dedicated learner’s area in front of Palmers lodge, with its own rope tow to get kids cutting edges in no time.

Broken River is the destination for adventurous skiers and riders with powder-filled bowls, natural drop-offs and lips to keep them challenged all day. It also offers some of the most highly rated backcountry skiing available in the Canterbury region. More experienced skiers should take advantage of the rolling terrain in the bowls of Broken River and Allan’s Basin for some incredible off-piste, patrolled backcountry skiing.

Only a short walk offers access to the back basins and Craigieburn Valley, these areas offer some incredible terrain suited to more advanced skiers and snowboarders and a BR lift pass allows you to have a few runs at Craigieburn. The combined Broken River & Craigieburn ski area covers over 900 hectares, which makes it New Zealand's largest. 300 hectares can be accessed from the 'BR' rope tows without unclipping your bindings.

The mountain offers an expansive day lodge for all to enjoy the kitchen and dining facilities, canteen selling snack food, ski and snowboard instruction from qualified instructors and qualified ski patroller's to handle any first aid requirements. Ski and Snowboard hire is not available at Broken River.

Broken River has on-field accommodation in centrally heated lodges with 3 standards of on-hill accommodation - fully serviced, club style & backpackers.

Ski - Sleep - Ski packages offer lifts, accommodation and lessons for any length of stay. Night skiing under lights when conditions permit.

Broken River Tips:

  1. It is worth heading up the Ridge Tow to access Allan’s Basin just for the view. Stand at the top and take in range-upon-range of snowy mountain peaks stretching out in front of you for a breath-taking experience
  2. Expert skiers should check out Nervous Knob and the peaks surrounding Allan’s basin for endless challenging skiing
  3. Children under the age of 11 can ski free, so make Broken River your first choice for a unique family snow adventure
SkiListing lifts & facilities
  • 5 x Rope Tows
  • Ski school
  • Restaurant/cafe
  • Ski in/out lodging
  • Bar
SkiListing lift pass prices
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Student (Adult pricing only )
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Youth/Child (Under 18)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Child (Under 11)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Senior (65-69 yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Super Senior (70+ yrs)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Student (Adult pricing only )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Youth/Child (Under 18)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Child (Under 11)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Senior (65-69 yrs)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Super Senior (70+ yrs)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Getting to
Christchurch International Airport , 109 km
Closest major airport
Springfield , 47 km
Closest town
Walking Access Only , 6 km
Access road
Chain hire
Mountain shuttle

From Christchurch, drive west on State Highway 73 over Porters Pass and beyond Castle Hill Village. Our sign-posted access road (Broken River Road) is 7.5 km beyond Castle Hill Village. The 6 km unsealed, sheltered access road gently climbs through native beech forest to the main car park (Hanomag car park). Two-wheel drive cars can easily reach the car park with chains fitted. From here, the Tyndall Tram will transport you via a spectacular 4-minute ride to the ticket office. The Tram runs 8:30-11:30am and 3:30-5:30pm daily in winter.