With the snow-covered landscape beginning just beyond Springfield, and chains required on two-wheel drive vehicles from the base of Porters Pass, conditions were reminiscent of mid July rather than only 7 weeks before the official start of summer! The ride on the Tramway up through snow-laden beech forest and the 20 cm+ new snow around the accommodation lodges only added to this illusion. Click on thumbnails to enlarge:

The front passed by mid Saturday morning clearing to stunning bluebird conditions for the rest of the weekend. Fresh tracks were the order of the day with the best lines found on sheltered slopes near the Rugby Tow. There was plenty of untracked snow for riders all weekend with great packed powder skiing as well. People who came up Sunday were not disappointed as Allan’s Basin has been closed Saturday. There were excellent runs down most chutes and bowls.
“This snow fall has set us up for the next few weeks” says Broken River Marketing Coordinator Claire Newell. “It is incredible to have fresh powder to ski in early October. Everyone is buzzing. It is fantastic that we have such good conditions for keen riders to enjoy.”
“It was great to see everyone socialising on the deck of Palmer Lodge in the sun. Spring is such a wonderful time up at Broken River. Make sure you bring your BBQ food when you come!” says Claire.
Broken River will open weekends in October, conditions permitting, and will operate from 10am to 5.30 pm each day. The Tramway runs from 9.00-11.30am and again from 3.30-5.30pm. Accommodation is available Friday and Saturday nights - contact bookings@brokenriver.co.nz.