Broken River Ski & Ride

A Slice of Paradise

Broken River provides some of the best off-piste backcountry-style terrain in New Zealand. 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 experts and provide natural jumps for the enthusiasts. The surrounding peaks have many steep chutes and challenging slopes for the adventurous. A short hike onto these peaks opens up more exciting terrain.

Allan's Basin, adjacent to Broken River Basin, provides an unrivalled backcountry experience. There are no facilities - just you, a cheeky kea overhead ready to laugh when you fall, and a huge basin full of untracked power! This is real backcountry skiing but within the patrolled boundary. 

There is also plenty of potential for backcountry touring to basins further afield. A popular 40 minute tour takes you to nearby Craigieburn Valley Ski Area.

Broken River has something for everyone - great snow , varied terrain and new routes to discover. No wonder people keep returning year after year!

Broken River is the ultimate playground for adventurous alpine and telemark skiers. The variety of terrain ensures that there is something for everyone.

Nervous Knob, the peaks in Allan's Basin, and Avalanche Gully provide endless challenges for the advanced/expert skier. Watch out for their homegrown talent - you'll see some of the junior Club skiers feeling quite at home in these challenging places.

The rolling terrain of the two main basins provide plenty of fun for the intermediate-advanced skiers. Make sure you pause at the ridge to take in the amazing scenery westwards - the endless view of range upon range of snowy mountains is a stunning sight.

The learners area is in front of Palmer Day Lodge, enabling parents to keep a watchful eye on the very young skiers. The kids have a very social, fun time playing together.

Broken River is a favourite destination for telemark skiers and they have a strong following within the Club. The Club holds a FreeHeel Fun weekend in early August each year which draws free heelers from far and wide.

Snowboarders love the varied off-piste terrain at Broken River and come from far afield when there is the smell of powder in the air!

Broken River is lucky enough to be home to some of NZ's best snowboarders and they take full use of the great terrain. The terrain suits boarders of all levels. There are plenty of drop-offs, natural lips and powder filled bowls to keep a smile on everyone's face. There is also have a range of rails in the terrain park which keep both participants and spectators entertained.

They do recommend that snowboarders have a few days riding under their belt before they learn to  use a rope tow.