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!
Caleb
Rental Padawan
Can ski and snowboard and do both on my butt. Keen freediver and guitarist but not at the same time. Black belt in patting your dog.
Em
Rental Padawan
I am a glass half full kinda girl, unless Scotland win, then it’s just empty.
Ross
Boot Fitting Padawan
Professional crash test dummy in my spare time
Holly
Rental Padawan
I have a scar from being bitten by a penguin...
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!
Miyuki
Financial Jedi Knight
I am Mrs. Spanky and an undercover security guard. Ha Ha Ha
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.
Johanna
Boot Fitting Padawan
If getting a goggle tan would be a national sport, I would be the champion.
Ruth
Boot Fitting Jedi Knight
The current Browns female record holder of most O'Rocks in one evening!
Keziah
Rental Padawan
Undercover self proclaimed world renowned bubble tea critic.
Dan
Rental Padawan
I am the most stereotypical Irish man you could meet, I love potatoes and a good Guinness.
Maria
Rental Padawan
Who would have thought that a cold-hating person like me would find their sport in skiing. But here we are, for another season, and this time on a different continent.
Rosie
Rental Padawan
Dedicating my life's work to persuading people that Top Gun is the best piece of cinema ever created. Also takes the role of talking for England quite seriously.
Valentin
Rental/Workshop Padawan
On the mountain top like edelweiss.
Liv
Rental Padawan
Robert
Rental Padawan
Some people say I look like Sandi Toksvig, personally, I prefer to think of myself as handsome Claire Balding.
Holly
Rental Padawan
Life is short so dance like no one is watching, have as much fun as you can and always finish your drink. Often found cracking a dad joke, I'm happiest on two planks or swimming in the sea.