About Us

Young Frenchman, from the farm and the terroirs. Probably the first and last Bonney M fan in New Zealand. Great lover du pain et du pâté, and currently going through a difficult weaning from cheese. I am a big fan of sliding and extreme sports of all kinds. After multiple seasons in Europe, and a few years in Parisian emergencies like a nurse. It's time for me to travel the world in search of new flavor and experience around the world. And also bring the French touch on my way. First step: Brown ski shop!

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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 :-)

Really good at the 20 second hug!