Temple Basin

‘For the very beginner to the adrenalin junkie.’

”It is important to tell you this: If I had to stay in one area, in one mountain, in one place to snowboard for the rest of my life, it would be Temple Basin. It’s that good….Yes, you have to hike into the area, but it’s one of the most beautiful places to hike in the entire world…and yes, the place is not like a normal ski area – that is exactly the reason to go.” Brad Steward. Transworld Snowboarding. March 1996.

Temple Basin is one of New Zealand’s most successful Club Fields, tucked away in an enviable position just 157kms from Christchurch and 83kms from Greymouth.

Located under Mount Temple on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, Temple Basin Ski Area is sited in the middle of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

This favorable position means it collects and holds more snow than other fields. Not only that, but, because the slopes face North, it is one of Canterbury’s sunniest ski areas and can boast long skiing days well into dusk. On-field lighting makes night skiing possible too.

The ski area offers an excellent variety of terrain spread over four basins and 320 hectares – for the very beginner to the adrenalin junkie. Temple Basin claims excellent facilities with cozy lodges in a superb alpine setting. Enjoy the luxury of hot showers and a hearty meal to compensate for all the energy exerted during the day.

Considered to be the centre of excellence for mountaineering courses, the New Zealand Snow Safety Institute is based at Temple Basin. If you are keen on learning more about mountaineering and alpine skills, see their courses on www.nzssi.com.

Facilities

Ski and Snowboard Rental available.
Ski and Snowboard Instruction available
Day Lodge – Temple Lodge is warm with fantastic views.
Food & Drink – Lunch $15 or snacks & cold drinks from canteen. The canteen is fully licenced. Self-cooking facilities also.
Accommodation: Two mountain lodges offer bunk style rooms for 120 people.

Ski Area

Terrain – 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
Ideal for – very beginner to expert.
Tows – 3 rope tows
Top Elevation – 1923m
Ski Terrain – 320 hectares
Vertical drop- 430m
Night skiing on Temple Tow
Lift Pass- $68 Adult, $50 Student, $37 U18, $24 U13, FREE U10.
Accommodation including food $95 Adult, $85 Student, $80 U18, $70 U13.

Location, Access & Goods Lift

Temple Basin is 157km (2hrs) West of Christchurch on State Highway 73. A 50 minute scenic walk from the carpark takes you to the lodges and ski area while your gear travels on the Goods Lift. Goods Lift hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 9.00 – 11.30am,
Friday to Sunday: 9.00am – midday / 4.00 – 6.00pm.
Please do not leave valubles in your vehicle parked in Temple Basin Carpark or anywhere else along Alpine Highway 73