Temple Basin Ski and Snowboard Area Guide

Temple Basin is a true alpine environment on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps at the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park. It faces north-west and offers long sunny days over 320 hectares of skiable terrain with a vertical rise of 427 metres. The highest point, on Mt B'limit, is at 1923 metres. Temple Basin Ski Area covers a great variety of terrain spread over four separate basins. There are gentle slopes for complete beginners, adrenalin-pumping challenges for the expert, and everything in between.

Three rope tows and one beginners fixed grip tow provide the lift. Floodlit slopes make night skiing a pleasure.

Two modern lodges offer bunk room style accommodation for 120 people, only metres from the tows. Ski and snowboard hire, and expert instruction are all available on the mountain.

You do not have to belong to Temple Basin Ski Club to ski or snowboard there and stay in the lodge, but membership does give you definite advantages. Fees for both accommodation and lift passes are lower for members, and participation in volunteer activity and the social life of the club is great fun.

The Temple Basin car park is beside State Highway 73, 4kms west of the Arthur's Pass Village. From it a well defined walking track takes you up to the Lodges and the Field. The walk takes 45 minutes in good conditions, and gives you wonderful views of the Pass and the surrounding mountains. A free baggage lift carries your gear up for you. The lower terminal of this lift is 800m west of the Temple Basin car park along SH 73.