Broken River Ski Area

Address: Southern Alps     1 1/2 hr west of Christchurch

Nestled in the Southern Alps, Broken River offers New Zealand club skiing at its best. The terrain is a series of rolling bowls with awesome runs to challenge all levels of snowboarders and skiers beginner to expert and everyone is welcome. The surrounding basins provide superb untracked 'back country' terrain for the more adventurous.

The terrain at broken river ski area consists of a large open basin serviced by 5 electrically driven, high capacity rope tows. The highest point is 1820 meters and the total vertical is 420 meters, grooming is carried out on the learner and intermediate slopes, while the more experienced have lots of off piste to choose from.

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.

Broken River is located within 1.5 hours drive of Christchurch. Transport to Broken River from Christchurch can also be provided. From the ski area car park, take a 4 minute ride on our NEW passenger carrier with all your gear up to the accommodation lodges. Accommodation is provided in 3 centrally heated lodges with 3 distinct styles. They are located 5 minutes walk from the lift facilities. A goods lift is available to transport your gear from the carpark to the accommodation lodges.

For those who would enjoy the walk up through the native beech forest, you can put your gear on the lift and take the 15-20 minute walk up pleasantly graded track to the lodges. The base of the lift facilities is located within a 5 minute walk of the lodges - this time with your ski/board gear and lunch. But don't worry the awesome day ahead of you is well worth the walk.

 Broken River offers extensive Kids and Youth Snow School programs that ensure kids of all ages and abilities gain the knowledge that will enable them to more thoroughly enjoy their skiing & riding experience. We offer several different and varied programs to cater to each kids tastes and skill levels. The following programs are offered on both Saturday and Sunday