As is typical of a NZ club field, Broken River is a no-frills ski area and the club members wouldn’t have it any other way. The main facilities are located at Palmer’s Day Lodge which is part-way up the ski area. The day lodge has a kitchen, a small canteen, and toilet facilities. There is nothing as formal as lockers, but you can leave your backpack with your lunch and a change of clothes in the day lodge.

Eating On Mountain

Unless you have a picnic out on the slopes, the only choice for mountain “restaurants” is the day lodge. Most people BYO food and either cook it in the kitchen or on the outdoor BBQ. The BBQ aromas will make everyone else jealous (including the pesky keas), as the only options to purchase food from the canteen include packet instant noodles, micro-waved pies or chockie bars. The canteen also sells soft-drinks and alcoholic beverages. The kitchen has complimentary tea and coffee, and as per the standard at club fields, you have to take your own rubbish off the hill.

The outdoor seating at the day lodge is in the sun until about 2pm so it’s the perfect place to bask whilst socialising and checking out the talent on the slopes.

Facilities for Children

Other than ski lessons for the kids, that’s about it. BYO babysitting.

Ski and Snowboard School

Ski lessons are super cheap at Broken River and can be provided in a group or private format. Kids and youth lessons are held on the weekends and there are programs for 3-6 year olds (BR Kinder Club), 7-12 year olds (BRAT) and 10-15 year olds (BR Free Riders). There are also adult clinics on the weekends that have a roster of various programs.

Group lessons are complimentary for weekday guests at Broken River and Lyndon Lodges.

Ski and Snowboard Rental

There is no ski or snowboard rental available on mountain so you’ll need to pre-organise equipment rental in Methven or Christchurch, or stop at Gnomes Snowsports in Darfield. If you don’t have your own nutcracker and harness, you can borrow one from the lift ticket office.

Shopping

The shopping at Broken River certainly won’t give the credit card a beating. This is a very safe place to send your wife on a ski holiday.

There are no shops per se at Broken River, but the canteen and the ticket office sell a little BR merchandise. You’ll be able to brag about your visit to Broken River with a BR ski top, polar fleece or beanie. And if you’ve turned up with your spiffy Gore-Tex ski or snowboard gloves, they also sell yellow gloves that are heavy duty and rope-tow appropriate.

For other shopping necessities (or desires), you’ll need to shop in Christchurch, Methven or Darfield.