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Ski Resort Broken River in South Canterbury: Position on map

Broken River Ski Resort

Trail Map Broken River

The Ski Resort

A club skifield in South Island, New Zealand, Broken River is run by the Broken River Ski Club. Located about 110km west of Christchuch, the skifield claims to have the longest ski season in Oceania. Connected to the Craigieburn Valley, Broken River also claims to be home to the largest skiable area in NZ. Maintained by Broken River Ski Club members, the ski resort with a vertical drop of 500m and a skiable terrain of 175 hectares is open to the public, which means that you do not have to be a member in order to be allowed to ski here.

Lodges and Accommodation

Five rope tows serve two large bowls; two other tows are to be found on the slopes near Palmer Lodge - Palmer Lodge is known as the central hub of the ski resort; boasting delicious hot food, snacks, hot and cold beverages as well as ski gloves and other things, its kitchen and dining facilities, a giant sun deck and BBQ are there for everyone to enjoy. Another thing to enjoy is night skiing: Speeding down through dry powder under the night sky really is addictive. You are too tired to ski under the stars? Three cosy on-mountain lodges are nestled just a 10 min walk from the first rope tow. 

Best Suited for Experts

Referring to itself as a hidden gem, Broken River (or, as the locals call it, BR) boasts NZ's best off-piste skiing and snowboarding, making it an outstanding place for advanced and expert skiers and riders to enjoy themselves. Offering terrain for all levels of skiers and boarders, slope-side accommodation, uncrowded runs, basins, and chutes, BR 'is home' to a truly friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its powder snow, you may be able to carve up fresh tracks even three days after the last snow fall. 

Featuring two main open bowls with wide slopes that suit both intermediate and expert riders, BR is a great go-to for beginners who are into having the time of their lives - as long as they are on the adventurous side of skiers and riders, with the breakdown being 5%/50%/45% for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiing. The main ridge boasts a spectacular 360° view, which is quite unbeatable. Moreover, there are numerous hiking and ski-touring opportunities from BR, outside the patrolled area. 

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Interesting facts

  • The vertical drop from summit to base is 507 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in New Zealand is 471 m. The ski resort takes you to an elevation of 1,820 m.
  • The day pass at Broken River is NZD105 making it one of the 10 cheapest ski Resorts in New Zealand.
  • Snow coverage is usually best during August, offering an average snow depth of 46 cm at summit elevation and 142 cm at the base.
  • Broken River features 25 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in New Zealand is 22 sunny days. August is the sunniest month with an average of 11 sunny days.

Videos

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Broken River Ski Area
00:12
Broken River
04:21
Arriving at Broken River
07:07
Pekka's Pizza

Infrastructure & Rental

Skischools

Number of Skischools: 1
Number of Snowboard Schools: 1

Number of Ski Rental

Getting here

Only 90min and appr. 100km west of Christchurch, Broken River is located in the Craigieburn Range in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. The ski resort is accessible by car - but please keep in mind to carry chains for your vehicle. Traveling from Christchurch, drive west on Highway 73 to Castle Hill Village. The sign-posted access road, Broken River Road, is appr. 7.5km beyond Castle Hill Village, about 6km long, and takes you up the mountain to the main car park. 

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About the author
last update on 6 May 2024
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Contact

Broken River Ski Club Inc.
PO Box 2718
8140
Christchurch
E-Mail
Email%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%6f%6b%65%6e%72%69%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%2e%6e%7a
Phone+64 (03) 318-8713

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Mountain Stats

Elevation1,313 m - 1,820 m
Opening Day28 Jun 2024
Closing Day6 Oct 2024
Capacity 350 Persons/Hr.
Hours09:00 - 16:00

Lifts

7
6
1
Total 7

Skiable Terrain

175 ha
Easy
Green Circle
Moderate
Blue Squared
Advanced
Black Diamond
Extreme
Double Diamond
Overall Slope Area 175 ha

Weather (1,820 m)

Rates

NZD105
1 day adult NZD105
1 day youth NZD45
1 day child free
All rates & fees