Temple Basin Calls Off 2025 Ski Season Citing Lack Of Snow

Temple Basin, one of New Zealand's cherished club ski fields, has announced it will not open its rope tows for the 2025 winter season due to insufficient snowfall. The decision, announced on Wednesday, August 20, comes after a winter marked by unseasonably low snow depths, which have made it impossible to safely operate the field's unique rope tow lifts.

Located in Arthur's Pass National Park, Temple Basin is renowned for its steep, challenging terrain and rustic, community-driven atmosphere. Unlike commercial resorts, it relies on a dedicated group of members and volunteers to maintain its operations. However, operators stated that even a recent storm failed to bring the significant snowfall needed to make the season viable.

In a statement on its social media channels, the ski area noted, "There has simply not been enough snow to safely operate our rope tows and yesterday's storm has not changed this."

They add: "While the lodge has been open for accommodation since mid-July, there has simply not been enough snow to safely operate our rope tows and yesterday’s storm has not changed this.

"We are hugely grateful to those who have supported Temple Basin by joining us for one of our fantastic event weekends – it’s always wonderful to see people enjoying this special place.

"If the snow gods do grace us with a mega storm in the coming month, it is possible we will look to spin tows and run a pop-up weekend, dependent on volunteer and staff availability."

While ski operations are suspended, the lodge at Temple Basin will remain open for select weekends throughout August and September, offering accommodation for hikers and ski tourers. The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute (NZSSI) will also continue to run its training courses at the venue, a testament to its role as an alpine education hub.

The closure highlights the challenges facing New Zealand's ski industry, which has experienced a mixed season overall. Some of the country's larger commercial resorts have also faced difficult conditions with below-average snow depth, leading to a reliance on artificial snow-making.

Meteorologists point to a combination of warmer-than-average winter temperatures and reduced precipitation across the South Island. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) reported that July 2025 was the warmest on record for the region, with snow levels at alpine elevations falling well below seasonal norms.

Temple Basin’s closure marks the first full-season cancellation in its 95-year history. The ski area, known for its rope tows and steep terrain, operates largely through volunteer efforts and has long been a symbol of grassroots alpine culture in New Zealand.

Temple Basin management is currently contacting season pass holders to inform them of their options. The club remains hopeful that if a major snow event occurs late in the season, it may be able to host a "pop-up" weekend of limited operations, depending on volunteer availability.