FAQs
No! Everybody is welcome to ski, board, and climb at Temple, it’s not just for club members.
Between 9am and 4pm you can make your way straight to the ticket and rental office. When you arrive at Ferrier Lodge you will see the main entrance leading to the boot room. Either enter there and take a left down the hall. Alternatively you can walk around the SW side of the lodge and find an entrance to the ticket and rental office. After hours, simply go to the Bar inside the lodge and ask one of the staff to help you :)
The lifts run from 9am- 4pm every day. *Note, these times can vary depending the weather.
We are at the whim of mother nature, so the season generally starts in early July and ends toward the end of September or early October.
Temple attracts hardy souls who aren’t frightened of hard work. Most simply, it attracts people who enjoy the reward Temple Basin provides. Though the terrain can be intimidating for beginners, with the right attitude and a desire to try, one can learn quite a lot in a day skiing at Temple. Because we are rope tow access only, you can ride it as far up as you would like, and get off when you want. We recommend beginners start on Cassidy Tow just holding on or even just walking part way up Temple Tow to get a feel for the snow before attempting to use a nutcracker.
No, there’s no road. You park right off State Highway 73 at the top of Arthur's Pass and walk on a 400m vertical hiking track to the lodges. The hike normally takes 40min – 1hr depending of fitness. Use the goodslift to transport all your gear directly to the lodge.
No! Please do not carry your gear up the mountain (unless you want the exercise), there is a goods-lift which is approximately 800m west from the car park.
We’re proudly rope tow serviced, utilising the infamous kiwi nutcrackers. If you’re new to them, simply ask any of the staff up the hill and we’ll get you riding them in no time.
The ski in and ski out lodges are rustic but very comfortable and feature drying rooms and hot showers. Pillows and sheets are provided, but please bring your own sleeping bag and towel.
A nights accommodation includes an awesome dinner and dessert prepared by our on-mountain chef as well as breakfast and lunch the next day. For purchase with cash or Eftpos we have a fully stocked bar with a beautiful assortment of refreshing beverages and snacks.
The on-mountain bar offers plenty of great wines, delicious craft beers, and select mixed drinks. Please note we do not allow BYO, so leave your beer at home and support the club at the bar. We accept Eftpos and cash.
Most of the terrain accessed by the lifts is suitable for intermediate skiers and riders. Beginner skiers and riders can ski on the lower parts of Temple Tow and Cassidy Tow- but don't expect a magic carpet to bring you up the hill. Expert snow sliders prepared to hike will score limitless big mountain lines. We're a friendly field open to everyone (including kids – with popular supervised ski weeks too).
We rent out boots, skis, snowboards, poles- but please reach out ahead of time if you intend on renting as the next nearest rental shop is a few hours away.
The nutcracker is a metal clamp that attaches to a rope tow- a lift system that can be a little tricky to master, once you do they’re a quick way skyward. With a few tips and a little perseverance you’ll soon be on your way, just remember, if you’re having trouble ask a local or a staff member.
The concept is simple, your nutcracker is attached to your harness or belt by a short rope. The nutcracker clamps onto the rope running up the hill and you are pulled up with it.
It’s simply rad, friendly and aims to leave everybody smiling during and after their stay at this off-piste paradise.
What past NZSSI students have said
“Amazing weekend. Such valuable knowledge gained from it and amazing delivery by our instructors. Loved the course!”
“The food was excellent and the staff were super friendly - there was a great vibe all week!”
“TB was such a great location for the course and a rad place to hang out. I loved every minute of the course and wish it had been 7 days long instead of 2!”