Temple Basin

Temple Basin

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Temple Basin stands as one of New Zealand's most distinctive ski areas, positioned high in Arthur's Pass National Park. This authentic club field, reaching up to 1,753 meters, embodies the pure essence of alpine adventure. Run by dedicated volunteers and known for its challenging terrain, Temple Basin attracts skiers and riders seeking an experience that strips skiing back to its core - just you, the mountain, and some of the country's most intense natural terrain.

Temple Basin operates with three rope tows - Cassidy, Temple, and Bill's Basin - each accessing different aspects of the mountain's vast terrain. While the lift system may be simple, it opens up an impressive 320 hectares of skiable area. First-time rope tow users need not worry - our friendly staff provide comprehensive guidance on mastering these characteristic Kiwi lifts.

Temple Basin Lift System
Total Ski Lifts = 3
T-Bar
3
T-Bar

Temple Basin Resort Elevation

6309ft1923mResort Summit1411ft430mVertical Drop4898ft1493mResort Base
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Trails

Total Runs

36

Total Area

791 ac

320.1 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner
25%
Intermediate
50%
Advanced
15%
Expert
10%
View Full Trail Map

Location

Set in the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park, Temple Basin sits 2.5 hours from Christchurch on the South Island. Unlike traditional resorts, accessing Temple Basin involves a 45-minute hike from the carpark to the lodges - a journey that sets the tone for the unique experience ahead. A goods lift transports your gear up the mountain, while the walk offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps and the surrounding national park.

Temple Basin

, south-island

Toggle layers using the controls in the top right. Ski runs and lifts are shown in the overlay.

Season Info

The ski season typically runs from July through October, with peak snow conditions in August and September. Temple Basin's high altitude and favorable aspect create excellent snow retention, particularly in the upper bowls. The area relies entirely on natural snowfall, which combined with the steep terrain, creates legendary powder days and challenging conditions that advanced skiers dream about.

Current Season

2025

Opening Day

7/11/2025

Closing Day

9/27/2025

Days Open

79

Arctic Eco Sno Sidebar

Annual Snowfall

Metric

2.5m

250cm

Imperial

8.2ft

98in

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