Learn at Temple Basin with NZSSI

The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute (NZSSI) runs high quality alpine education courses based at Temple Basin. Our mission is to provide affordable education that enables safe access and exploration of Arthurs Pass National Park.

NZSSI offers courses for those wishing to up-skill in backcountry skiing and riding, avalanche awareness, mountaineering, alpine climbing, or general alpine skills. Courses are run by qualified instructors and groups are based at the comfortable Temple Basin lodges, with ideal learning terrain on the doorstep.

All skill levels are welcome and our experienced instructors can cater to the needs of each group. Custom courses can also be requested by a group of 2-6 people, at no extra cost.

As a not-for-profit, we keep our course prices as low as possible. In 2026 our 2-day courses are $640 and 5-day courses are $1700, including all meals and accommodation.

See what past students have said about their experience:

“Amazing weekend. Such valuable knowledge gained from it and amazing delivery by our instructors. Loved the course!”

“The learning was hands on and interactive and the instructors were approachable and super knowledgeable.”

“The food was excellent and the staff were super friendly – there was a great vibe all week!”

“Temple Basin 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!”