Broken River Cheeseman Craigieburn Hanmer Springs Mt Olympus Temple Basin

Ski & Board Rental

Grooming

On-Mtn Accom

Instruction

Night Skiing

Snack Shop/Canteen

Alcohol Available

Ski/Board Repairs

Terrain

Beginner: 5%, Int: 50%, Adv: 45%

Lifts

2 Learners’ Rope Tows, 3 Rope Tows, 1 Alpine Railway

Skiable Area

175 Hectares

Lift-Accessed Vertical

500m

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Due to its sheltered position and optimum east aspect, ‘BR’ boasts some of New Zealand's best off-piste, soft-snow skiing and snowboarding, even when snow conditions are challenging within other parts of the range. They offer fantastic terrain for all levels of skiers and boarders, groomed slopes, on-mountain accommodation, uncrowded powder basins and chutes - and the best part, a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Skiing & riding

BR has some of the best off-piste, backcountry-style terrain in New Zealand. The sheltered, easterly position 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 throughout our long spring season. Their two main bowls have wide, open, rolling slopes and wind lips suitable for intermediate and advanced riders, providing a natural terrain park. The adventurous beginner will also have a great time too. The surrounding peaks have many steep chutes and challenging slopes for the adventurous at heart. A short hike up these peaks opens up more terrain and provides great rewards.

Facilities

In addition to its three on-mountain accommodation lodges, Broken River boasts a sauna, waxing room, groomed terrain and an alpine railway connecting the carpark to the accommodation. Palmer Day Lodge is the central hub of the day’s skiing and the best spot on the mountain to soak up the sun and the skiing action. The licenced canteen sells delicious hot food, snack food and beverages, as well as ski gloves, glove protectors and ski harnesses. The kitchen & dining facilities, a massive sundeck and BBQ are available for everyone to enjoy.

ACCOMMODATION

On-mountain accommodation in three cosy, centrally-heated lodges situated at the upper forest boundary, just 5 to 10 minutes walk from the ski tows. The lodges have bunk-style accommodation, living areas, drying rooms and commercial kitchens. Choose between their licensed Catered (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) or Self-Catered accommodation options.

Book Accommodation at Broken River

WHAT ARE THE CLUBBIES?

Welcome to laid back, affordable, fine grained skiing and snowboarding, barrel-aged to perfection, without the onesies. Sans grippers. New Zealand’s club fields are to sliding in the alpine what Steve McQueen is to cinema. Forget chairlifts. Think woven twine, hardened steel, hardwood timber and No.8 wire. The Clubbies primarily utilise ropetows as a means of upward transport (with a few T-Bars thrown in for good measure), time tested and proven for their low cost, low maintenance and efficiency in moving alpinists to higher elevations. The vibe is unique. You won’t find anything like it anywhere on Earth. Far from the sterile atmosphere you’ll likely experience at most commercial ski areas, The Clubbies emit warmth (it doesn’t affect the snow) and a welcoming vibe. They offer lasting companionship with other like-minded souls, superb skiing and riding (which takes days to get tracked out) and on-mountain lodging - a rarity in the ski areas of New Zealand. The Clubbies are ski clubs (though most definitely open to the public) run by passionate locals who, rather than see soaring profits, would rather feel the rush of the wind in their hair and white stuff sliding beneath their planks.

LOCATION

The Clubbies are nestled in the Southern Alps, between 1.5-2hrs drive west of Christchurch City - New Zealand’s second largest city (that’s not saying much though). Hanging out in the skinny country that we call home, The Clubbies benefit from snow storms from all directions, though prevalently it comes from the west.

Terrain

The Clubbies cater for every type of skier and rider - first timers that have never seen the white stuff in the flesh before, hardened vets who like to point it, huck it, drop it and send it, and everyone in between. The learners’ facilities and terrain on offer at The Clubbies will ensure swift development of beginners looking to progress in the sport while intermediate terrain provides the stimulation and challenge sought by those who have stepped up a level from the days of pizza, fries and falling leaves. And the advanced terrain? Extreme skier and all-time skiing legend Glen Plake visited a few of The Clubbies some years ago and was quietly impressed. Next thing we knew, extreme skiers and riders from all corners started to rock up for their share of the gnar. So, let’s just say that for some of the more challenging runs lurking within The Clubbies deepest darkest, steepest and snarliest corners, you’ll want to wear an extra pair of underpants.