From Closed to Open: New Zealand’s Temple Basin Saved by Early Spring Snowfall

Against all odds, Temple Basin, one of New Zealand’s most isolated and challenging ski fields, has reopened for the season, surprising many in the skiing community.

Just weeks ago, on August 20, the club-managed resort in Arthur’s Pass National Park announced it wouldn’t operate this winter due to a lack of snow. But nature had other plans. A powerful early spring storm swept through the region, dumping enough snow to transform the slopes virtually overnight.

Within five days, the mountain was blanketed with 58 centimeters (23 inches) of fresh snow, including a 36-centimeter (14-inch) dump in just 24 hours, according to OpenSnow. The sudden change in conditions allowed the ski field to open its lifts on September 6, offering a late but welcome start to the season for backcountry enthusiasts.

The team has been putting in a huge effort to prepare the ski area for this unexpected late-season opening, sharing updates on their progress via the resort’s Facebook page:

“Thank you for your recent offerings to the snow gods, they appear to be appeased. Over the last 24 hours, we have put in some mahi and are stoked to announce that we will be running Temple and Cassidy tows for the weekend! Book into our toasty warm lodge ASAP through our website so we can secure the right amount of kai and cold beverages! Please note that the rest of the ski area will still be considered backcountry access – this includes downhill basin. Please check the avalanche forecast – there will be no control work or ski patrol assistance in these areas so experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders only. The goods lift will be operating regular hours of 9 am – 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.” - Temple Basin

While the surprise reopening is exciting news for skiers and snowboarders in New Zealand, it comes with some important caveats. Temple Basin is currently open for backcountry access only, there will be no avalanche control work or ski patrol services available. As a result, the club strongly advises that only experienced backcountry skiers and riders venture up this weekend.

Located on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, within Arthur’s Pass National Park, Temple Basin is one of the country’s most adventurous and remote ski areas. Operating since 1929, the field is managed by the Temple Basin Ski Club in partnership with the Canterbury University Snow Sports Club.

Unlike commercial resorts, Temple Basin runs on volunteer support and relies on rope tows rather than modern lift infrastructure. The late-season opening is a clear reminder of how unpredictable snow conditions can be, especially for ski fields that depend entirely on natural snowfall.