About Us
The Browns Team
Riding is our passion. It drives us. First tracks. The perfect run. For all of us at Browns Ski Shop it’s a spiritual feeling. Everything we do is driven by our love of riding – to search out the best from around the world so that we can offer you the best to share in our passion.
Elsewhere in About Us you can learn all about the history of how we came to be Queenstown's Ski Shop, or apply to be part of the legend yourself. We also supply you with facts and advice about the local ski fields, and other companies in the area that we recommend. Finally, want to see what all the fuss is about? Read our reviews!
Colton
Rental Padawan
I rode a unicycle in Greeley, Colorado’s 4th of July parade as a member of the Cottonwood One Wheelers from age 7 until 11. We were comprised of 25th Avenue Greeley’s best — and only — unicyclists.
Jess
Rental Padawan
Always happy as Larry, but you can call me Jess.
Ross
Boot Fitting Padawan
Professional crash test dummy in my spare time
Holly
Rental Jedi Knight
Full time skier, part time adult.
Liz
Rental Padawan
Despite many people wondering why someone who is so unbelievably cold all the time would come live in the snow, I turned up for 3 months of a ski season and over a year later I'm still here.
Spanky
Workshop Manager Jedi Master
My name is Mark Leslie Forsyth. You may not know who this is because although I am very young I have taken on many nicknames over my years in the workforce. Hippie, Yogi, Elvis, but those in the ski industry probably know me as Sythe or Spanky. I am one of the longest surviving members at Browns and currently manage the workshop, so come on in and let's talk tuning!
Fizz
Buyer for Browns
Really good at the 20 second hug!
Hannah
Retail Padawan
Skied all the way from Japan to Queenstown (if you ignore the 3 aeroplanes, 17 buses, 4 taxis and 30 days in a camper van).
Ant
Rental Manager Jedi Master
I have beaten an Olympic Athlete at tennis. Just because that athlete was a skier, and had only ever played tennis casually, does not invalidate my claim. That was Tim Cafe, who incidentally was one of our wee after school grommets in my first season at Browns, in 2005.
Haggis
Grand Master
Yes, Haggis used to have hair!
Johanna
Boot Fitting Padawan
If getting a goggle tan would be a national sport, I would be the champion.
Miyuki
Financial Jedi Knight
I am Mrs. Spanky and an undercover security guard. Ha Ha Ha
Adrien
Rental Padawan
Coming from France to chase an Endless Winter year. When I am not skiing, you will still find me on the slopes snowboarding.
Kris
Jedi Master
Came to Queenstown sometime in the 20th century for my first ski season, with a backpack & my first pair of skis & sort of got stuck - I’d need a very big backpack & people mover if I were to hit the road again … When I’m not skiing I’m running & when I’m not running I’m CoC-ing - those of you in the know will know what that means :-) Love living in Queenstown, it’s got everything apart from a sandy beach & tropical reef. To get my fix of those I travel elsewhere :-)
Michael
Rental & Workshop Tech Jedi Knight
A shy, innocent Michael spent a hectic 2008 season at Browns. He left Queenstown but the experience left a lasting mark. 10 years later; older, balding and possibly wiser he returned. He also makes a mean vegan Banana Bread.
Sam
Rental Tech Jedi Knight
It was June 2018. In walked a family into the ski shop. They seemed an ordinary family but soon it became clear they were not. It turned out that in fact the Dad was Kiwi Dad!
Ruth
Boot Fitting Jedi Knight
What does an Apres Bar in the French Alps and the Coronet Peak Winter Classic have in common? I'm always last one to finish!
Joe
Rental Padawan
Covid ruined my last attempt of a ski season in Austria; let’s see what a Queenstown Ski season has to offer.
Harry
Rental Padawan
A ski season rookie on a global chase for the person spending all my money. Reports suggest he’s a nice fella otherwise.
Clara
Rental Padawan
Coming from France to find myself back into the mountains and it’s quicker when you are skiing.
Cameron
Rental Padawan
Chasing the endless winter. Not afraid to make a fool of myself on the dance floor. Can kick flip on command.