Broken River Ski Field

Located in the South Island in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the award-winning Broken River is a club ski field that claims to be the best. Administered by the Broken River Ski Club, it is this field that witnesses the longest ski season in Australasia. Not only this, but also by amalgamating with the Craigieburn Valley, it is allegedly the largest skiable area in New Zealand occupying 900 hectares.

Surrounding a large, open basin boasting five electrical ski tows of high capacity and a skiable range ranging from an altitude of 1420 to 1820 m, the terrain is an array of rolling bowls offering stunning runs for all levels of beginners to expert snowboarders and skiers. These rope tows make you access around 300 hectares without the need of unclipping your fixes, which make up for the total skiable area. In addition, the flanking basins boast some interesting ‘back country’ terrain for those who are more courageous. The difficulty allocation of the terrain is 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 50% advanced. So, one can expect all types of learner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. The vertical drop is 420 m and that the snow depth is 103 cm at an average.

A short amble takes you to the back basins and Craigieburn Valley where there are a few unbelievable terrains that are for advanced skiers and snowboarders. A BR lift pass lets you have a few runs at the valley. Also, there is no problem of less snow, as Broken River receives abundant snow and that the ski area is conserved from the prevailing winds. Therefore, there is no question of snowmaking unlike other ski fields. So, three basins, five tows, and no other distraction make the Broken River an attracting hill for experiencing many verticals.

Season

Late June to Early October

Activities/Highlights

• Skiing from morning 9 to evening 5

• Snowboarding

• Weekly night skiing, occasional with some night events
• A terrain park
• Grooming for beginner and intermediate

Note: More facilities on the ski area include a day lodge with the kitchen and dining facilities, canteen selling snack food, ski and snowboard instruction from the experts, and qualified ski patroller to deal with the first aid. You will not be able to hire ski and snowboard at Broken River.

Reaching Broken River

You need to drive for 1.5 hours to the west from Christchurch on State Highway 73, the landmark being the Arthur’s Pass Road at 8 km after Castle Hill Village. The Access road taking one to the ski area is seen to the left as you head away from Christchurch with its sign post. This road is of 6 km via the native beach forest to Hanomag car park dedicated to winter car parking.

At the parking, a free lift for goods, NEW passenger, will take off your equipment to the accommodation lodges. And you need to walk up on a cool graded track for 20-30 minutes. After being at your lodge, the ski area is just 5 minute walk away. Let me tell you that this walk is very rewarding, so if you wish to take a bit pain; it would not be meaningless to do so.

Accommodations

There are centrally heated lodges with bunk-style sleeping facility set in a stunning forest offering a breathtaking view over the below valley, which are just 5 minutes walk from the lifts. Even you can stay in these lodges throughout the summer, which are meant for offering the views of the surrounding mountains. There are total three lodges here – the fully operating Lyndon Lodge, the 28 bed Broken River Lodge, and the 14 bed White Star Chalet for hikers.

Lyndon Lodge, the most modern lodge, is where dinners and breakfasts are offered. This ‘fully serviced’ licensed lodge has smaller bunkrooms and small rooms where linen can be obtained on request for extra ($10 per night). There is no BYO alcohol and that the lunch meals need to be purchased from the canteen. This is where you can also grab the stunning chance to be ‘off the beaten track’ and be amidst the flora and fauna of the native forest. You are definitely in a sub-alpine region if you are planning to stay here.

White Star Chalet is where you will see self-catering and self-service with kitchen-living-bunkroom, separate bathroom, and toilet. You need to bring your food, sleeping bags, and pillow cases and that the cleaning duties must be shared.

Broken River Lodge seems more like a ‘club’ as its accommodation is such with shared stay – 12 guests in one room. There are also two large bunkrooms. You need to help in cooking and cleaning duties here. You stay is as per the dinner, bed, and breakfast.

Tip: For all lodges, you need to carry your own sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel, personal toiletries, lunch/snack food, and drink. Linen can be hired on request.