About Us

I once waved at the Queen... she didn't wave back.
I hold the NZ record for the biggest tequila inspired bike crash ever recorded.
I'm the most successful rookie boot fitter in Browns History (may not be true).

Started at browns in 2016 as a grom, cleaning clothes and boots. Essentially worked my way up from there to part-time front line staff these last 2 years and will be going into my first full season this year. Why go to university when u can work in a ski shop and do what you love?

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.

Basically I'm a GoPro model for Treble Cone, but in my spare time I work at Browns.

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.

When I’m not skiing I enjoy climbing rocks and abseiling into canyons. Critter enthusiast. Golden Screwdriver champion 2019. No I didn’t buy this jacket and yes I regret it.

I am able to finish a large Whittakers chocolate bar in under two minutes.

Not sure if it is a claim to fame or a claim to shame, but after winning "best crash" at a film and photo competition, I was made to down a pint out of a Paralympic snowboarder's prosthetic leg.

Hi my name is Beth or Befff. This will be my 3rd winter at browns and 12th winter overall. Some of favourite things are skiing, dogs and pies. My claim to fame is that I live in a village called Crapstone and it was used on an RAC advert with Vinnie Jones. Despite the name it is a very nice village!

I am Mrs. Spanky and an undercover security guard. Ha Ha Ha

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!

'I was born to do this!'
This is actually the only physical evidence we have that Torey, probably the most avid skier on our team, has ever snowboarded.

Representing New Zealand at 9 Ball pool at the World Cup of pool 2019, live on sky.

I’m Antoine, French and 27! Travelling the world for skiing and eating toasties for 8 seasons now. I like doing slackline as well beside Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy your stay!!

Hello all. I am one of the few Kiwis living and working in Queenstown. In fact this will be my 16th ski season at the great Browns Ski Shop. My ski technique has been likened to a giant grizzly bear taking a dump on ice, which I have taken as a compliment. My greatest strength, apart from my arms, is my ability to pick what ski you should ski on. I have learnt this from many many years of practice, so come and see me and I'll get you on the right ones to make you look good, even if it's only in the lift line.

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!

Yes, Haggis used to have hair!

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 :-)

May 2020 will be my 162nd month of skiing in a row (at least one day every month). Fingers crossed for some early snow - some May's have been touch and go....

Really good at the 20 second hug!

Hi I’m Rosie, Rental Jedi Knight and part-time hot chocolate supervisor here at Browns. I love skiing and this winter will be my 11th Winter Season.
My favourite things are mountain views, red wine and stroking doggos.