The Broken River Ski Area snow report for Sep 03 is a 6" base depth with 6 of 8 lifts open. Please note ski conditions and snowfall at Broken River Ski Area are sourced directly from the ski resort and are only recorded during the official ski season's opening to closing dates.
Snow Reporter Comments: OPEN - A series of snowy refreshes over the past week has brought good skiing and improved coverage. There are still pockets of untouched snow to be found, especially in Alan's Basin. The skiing is excellent up high, but the snowpack is still sharky in Alan's and as you approach Palmer Lodge or the bottom of Main Tow, so still bring those rockhoppers.
PLEASE NOTE- The Main towline is still narrow and thin. Please, experienced tow riders and advanced skiers/boarders only on this tow! Our learners tow is now open which can help you get use to rope tows, but beginner terrain is still very limited, so it wouldn't be very fun to learn to ski in these conditions.
If you want to improve your current skillset, or pick up a new discipline, we have both alpine and telemark lessons available this week!
The lodges are getting busier as conditions improve. Make sure you book your accomodation soon by checking out our website or emailing us at bookings@brokenriver.co.nz
The Access Tow is still closed. Access to the field is a 20 minute walk from the top of the tram to Palmer Lodge. Tram hours are 8:30 am to 10:30 am and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Broken River Ski Area, tucked into the Craigieburn Range of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is a club-operated ski field known for its relaxed vibe and adventurous terrain. Located about 1.5 hours from Christchurch, it sits between 1,520 and 1,820 meters in elevation and receives an impressive average of 889 cm of snowfall annually. The skiable terrain spans 300 hectares (741 acres), with 25 trails accessed by 8 lifts, including surface lifts and a tramway. The vertical drop of 300 meters offers a compact but dynamic mountain experience.
Trail difficulty is skewed toward more advanced skiers: 8% beginner, 24% intermediate, 48% advanced, and 20% expert. Families will appreciate the learner-friendly slopes near the Palmer Day Lodge, which also features a canteen, BBQ deck, and sunny seating area. The resort’s rope tow system and alpine tram add a quirky charm, while the terrain itself—natural bowls, ridgelines, and powder basins—makes Broken River a favorite for skiers who enjoy a more hands-on, backcountry-style experience.
Visitors choose Broken River for its uncrowded slopes, authentic alpine atmosphere, and terrain that rewards exploration. Whether you're carving groomers or hiking into Allan’s Basin for untouched powder, the resort offers a refreshing alternative to commercial ski fields. With on-mountain lodging and a strong community vibe, it’s a place where skiing feels personal, immersive, and genuinely fun.
