Broken River
Top 1923m / Base 1380m
State Highway 73
Selwyn, New Zealand
9am–4pm, daily during winter
About Broken River
Distance from Christchurch Airport: 105 km, approximately 1.5 hours
Broken River boasts some of New Zealand's best off-piste, soft-snow skiing and snowboarding.
There’s fantastic terrain for all levels, groomed slopes, on-mountain accommodation, uncrowded powder basins and chutes – and the best part, a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
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 watch the action. The canteen has delicious food and beverages or you can make use of the shared BBQ on the deck.
‘BR’ as it’s known to the locals has many unique features to discover such as the alpine rail that travels through native beech forest connecting the carpark to the on-mountain accommodation lodges.
Facilities
Terrain
Elevation
Hot Food
Ski School
Alpine Tram
Ropetows(5)
Beds(65)
Stay on the Mountain
Stay at altitude for the complete experience
Broken River offers mountain-style accommodation in three lodges nestled at the tree line, just 10 minutes walk from the first ski tow. Enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
The lodges have shared bunk-style accommodation and bathroom facilities, modern kitchens, communal living areas and drying rooms. There is a ski tuning/waxing area to keep your gear in shape and a sauna to refresh those well-worked muscles.
Accommodation is available from late June to October (conditions permitting).
BR Accommodation
BR friends photo Claire Newell
Broken River 23
Powder Aug 2017 Broken River photo Claire Newell
Riding the rope tows Broken River photo Claire Newell
The Wicked Weeker
Ski Area Package
A 6-night / 7-day (Sunday - Saturday) ski week package with discounted lift passes and accommodation. Choose from catered or self-catered accommodation - Catered and Self-Catered. The Catered Wicker Weeker includes dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, lift passes and three group lessons. Available all weeks in 2025.
Catered packages include 3 group ski lessons, 7 lift tickets, 6 nights' dinner, daily bed and breakfast, and tow belt hire. The chef will prepare a tasty three-course dinner for you. Breakfast includes cooked and continental options.
Prices (catered): Adult $1150 / 70+ $630 / Student $780 / Under 18 years $705 / Under 11 years $485 / Under 5 $445
The self-catered package includes 7 lift tickets, 6 nights' accommodation and tow belt hire. Group lessons are not included. The Self-Catered packages are ideal if you're on a tight budget or want the flexibility to do your own thing. Bring and cook your own food.
Prices (self-catered): Adult $930 / 70+ $340 / Student $675 / Under 18 years $590 / Under 11 years $340
For both packages, bring your own sleeping bag and pillowcase or hire linen when you book ($25 per person).
The Midweek Madness
Ski Area Package
Enjoy a short break with family or friends with a discounted midweek package (up to 30% off). The Midweek Madness Catered Package includes one group lesson (available Monday to Wednesday), three lift tickets, two nights catered dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, and tow belt hire. Packages must be paid in full prior to arrival.
Catered package includes 3 lift passes, 1 group lesson (instructor availability permitting), 2 nights' catered dinner, daily bed and breakfast accommodation, and tow belt hire.
Catered package: Adult $510 / 70+ $250 / Student $340 / Under 18 years $300
If you're on a strict budget then check out the "fat-free" Midweek Madness Self-Catered Package. This includes 3 lift tickets, 2 nights self-catered accommodation (bed only - bring your own food), and tow belt hire. Midweek Madness Packages are not available on Saturday nights or during the period from July 7th-21st. Great if you're on a budget or like to do your own thing.
Self-catered package: Adult $390 / 70+ $120 / Student $275 / Under 18 years $235
For both package styles, bring your own sleeping bag and pillow case or hire linen when you book @ $25 / person.
Telemark Week
Ski Area Package
Join Broken River’s highly successful Telemark Week when freeheelers flock in from far and wide for a fun time, great turns and to touch up their technique.
The week includes opportunities for instruction sessions and improvements in telemarking. The week Nights accommodation, plus activities aligned with a telemark OffPiste clinic and the Black Diamond Freeheel Fun weekend. Be sure to bring your favourite tipple & some snacks for sunset drinks on the ridge. Dig out that informal, funky attire for the Thursday night fancy dress party - it's always a blast!
Catered package includes 3 group ski lessons, 7 lift tickets, 6 nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation and tow belt hire. The chef will prepare a tasty three-course dinner for you. Breakfast includes cooked and continental options.
Package Date - Sunday 3rd - 10th August
Book the Catered Wicked Weeker to stay and participate in the Telemark Week
Adult $1150 / 70+ $630 / Student $780 / Under 18 years $705 / Under 11 years $485
Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC1)
Ski Area Package
A must if you're thinking of going backcountry. Learn the basics of avalanches & learn to ski/ride with ease and efficiency in challenging backcountry conditions on the 2 day - 1 night course.
The course starts with a half-day off-piste course to improve your skiing skills. The avalanche component of the course starts after lunch. The second day is a hands-on day where you learn to identify avalanche terrain & safe travel zones, as well as how to use avalanche safety equipment and rescue techniques.
Cost: $630.00
Includes 1 nights catered accommodation, lift passes, course fees, and tow belt hire.
Package Dates: 13-14th August and 4-5th September
Bookings: Email marketing@brokenriver.co.nz
Five Day Backcountry Avalanche Skills Course (ASC2)
Ski Area Package
This amazing hands-on comprehensive course is aimed at recreational skiers/riders looking to an in depth knowledge for safe backcountry touring. On Day One you focus work on riding skills to improve your own backcountry experience in two 1.5 hour off-piste clinics with a highly-qualified ski/board instructor. These techniques set you up with the skills to make the most of your backcountry time during Days 2 to 5.
Cost: $1980.00
Includes 5 nights catered accommodation, lift passes, 4 packed lunches, course material and fees, and tow belt hire.
Package Date - Tuesday 29th to Saturday 2nd Aug
Bookings: Email marketing@brokenriver.co.nz
Three Day Intermediate Off Piste Clinic
Ski Area Package
Broken River’s three-day courses will improve your ski technique to confidently venture off-piste and enjoy the thrill of off-piste skiing. You’ll gain versatility to handle the unexpected and ski challenging conditions. By the end of the course you'll have a toolbox of techniques to ramp up your fun in the backcountry powder and crud. Staying on the mountain with other course participants in cosy accommodation is fun and just 10 minutes walk from the ski tow.
Cost: $395.00
The price covers the course only. Book a Midweek Madness Catered package which includes 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation & 3 lift tickets.
Package Dates: Monday - Wednesday 4-6th August and 1st-3rd September
Bookings: Email marketing@brokenriver.co.nz
Three Day Telemark Off Piste Clinic
Ski Area Package
Are you a telemark skier wanting another challenge? Broken River’s three-day courses will improve your ski technique to confidently venture off-piste and enjoy the thrill of off-piste skiing. You’ll gain versatility to handle the unexpected and ski challenging conditions. By the end of the course you'll have a toolbox of techniques to ramp up your fun in the backcountry powder and crud.
Cost: $395.00
The price covers the course only. Book a Midweek Madness Catered package which includes 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation & 3 lift tickets.
Package Date: Wednesday 6th August to Friday 8th August
Bookings: Email marketing@brokenriver.co.nz
Three Day Advance Off Piste Clinic
Ski Area Package
Ideal training for backcountry touring and amping up the fun factor. These intensive 3-day courses will take your alpine or telemark skiing to the next level. The focus is on improving your off-piste skiing and you'll learn techniques to give you confidence to ski even the gnarliest crud. You'll improve your versatility to handle the unexpected, and learn to ski with ease and efficiency in challenging conditions. By the end of the course you'll have a toolbox of techniques to amp up your fun in the backcountry powder and crud.
Cost: $395.00
The price covers the course only. Book a Midweek Madness Catered package which includes 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation & 3 lift tickets.
Package Dates - 28 - 30th July, 11-13th August, and 8-10th September
Bookings: Email marketing@brokenriver.co.nz
Entry & Intermediate Speed Riding Camps 2025
Ski Area Package
Give your skiing another dimension and learn to fly! Broken River provides a snow secure and diverse training ground for an adventure of a lifetime. You'll need a moderate level of fitness and skiing ability & be prepared to have fun! This structured course is specifically designed for individuals who are ready for a journey to explore and learn some incredible new skills. This journey will take the students from learning how to ride and control a wing to build and progress their skills.
Cost: $1995USD, includes coaching, lift tickets, dinner, bed and breakfast and 6 nights accommodation.
Package Date: Sunday 10th August to Saturday 16th August
