The access road to this ski field was a little easier than certain others. A track gently meandering through the beach forest to a secluded car park.

But that’s where the mission begins! You send your gear up to the field on the Inclinator (see below), a funicular type goods lift. You the walk up a track for 20 or more minutes, which halfway becomes a narrow icy snow covered footpath.

On reaching the top of the footpath you are greeted by a tightly packed group of lodges. These provide accommodation varying between basic self-catering and fully catered and serviced.

From here up following various staircases brings you to the access tow. The access tow is ascended like all the tows at Broken River using a Nutcracker and Towbelt, these are available for free at Broken River.

The access tow becomes rugby tow at its halfway point. This brings you to Broken River bowl. A snowfilled playground with the main tow on the far side, the ridge tow tacking you to the summit of Nervous Knob and Alan’s Bowl backcountry beyond.

A Palmer Day lodge is perched on the edge of the bowl.

Broken River bowl was filled with 6 inches of fresh powder and is large and steep enough to keep most advanced skiers entertained for a whole day. When the ridge tow is open it opens up a large freeriding area of open bowls and quite exiting steeps.

This is a playground that while an effort to get to, is definitely worth returning for.

Words and Pictures from Tom Greenall - Natives Resort Reporter

More First Impressions...

of Mt Cheeseman
of Mt Hutt
of Porter Heights

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