Temple Basin ski area is a NZ club field that has a bit of a cult following. A temple is a place of worship and Temple Basin is where the powder hound cult goes to pay their respects. The ski fanatics have to make a bit of a pilgrimage to get there, but the effort is worth it for the powder and great terrain.

Due to the hiking involved (and that’s before you even get to the first ropetow), Temple Basin is not for the unfit or unadventurous. And if you like groomed runs this isn’t the place for you either as the only grooming is that which Mother Nature provides. For those who don’t mind these minor inconveniences, the major benefit is that the caffe late set stay away and Temple Basin remains a sanctuary for like-minded fun spirited people. And considering that Temple Basin is home to the Canterbury University Snowsports Club it’s highly likely that there will be some frivolity on offer.

Temple Basin Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Temple Basin has 320 hectares of terrain spread across four basins with excellent variety for differing abilities. There are slopes for confident beginners, quiver-in-your-boots chutes for daredevils, and everything in between. The ski area also provides a gateway to ski touring. Freestylers can delight in the natural terrain features including ¼ and ½ pipes and various lips off which to huck. For the truly brave there is also a little bit of night skiing.

The ski area is serviced by three nutcracker ropetows, one of which is ideal for nutcracker virgins. However much of the terrain is to hike-to, so powder hounds should undertake a good fitness regime before tackling Temple Basin.

Where is the Temple Basin Ski Field?

Temple Basin is located in the Craigieburn Range of the Southern Alps. The carpark is beside State Highway 73, 4km west of the Arthur’s Pass Village, which is about a 2 hour drive north-west of Christchurch, NZ. From the carpark it is a 45-60 minute uphill hike to get to the ski area. Thankfully a goods lift takes your gear up to the ski area! If you arrive during the hours when the goods lift isn’t operating (ie not Mon - Thurs 9.00am-11.30am; Friday 9.00-1.30am and 4.00-6.00pm; Sat - Sun 9.00am-midday and 4.00-6.00pm) god forbid, you’ll have to carry your make-up, curling wand and Dolce and Gabbana outfits up on your back! Maybe just pack lightly. No one will care if you wear the same outfit the whole time.

Temple Basin Accommodation and Facilities

A few day trippers come to Temple Basin and stay in Christchurch, Springfield and Methven accommodation, but for longer stays there is on-mountain accommodation. The two mountain lodges are modern by NZ club field standards, are conveniently located near a rope-tow, and offer bunk style rooms at very reasonable prices. The other option is to stay in Arthur’s Pass village, but perhaps it’s better to save the hiking for when you’re at the ski area so you can access some great powder.

Accommodation Near Temple Basin

Facilities at Temple Basin are pretty standard for a clubbie except that they also have limited ski and snowboard rental equipment available.

Why Ski or Snowboard at Temple Basin?

Temple Basin maintains the traditions of skiing by keeping it pretty simple. There’s a certain youthful charm about Temple Basin and the culture attracts athletic people who share a love of the outdoors. But the real attraction is the great ski terrain that might scare your pants off.