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New Zealand Ski Resort Pulls Plug on Season—Not Enough Snow

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 1:29 PM ET

While some spots in the southern hemisphere have had a fruitful ski season thus far, precipitation at Temple Basin in New Zealand has been a bit lackluster.

The resort, which calls itself an 'inbounds backcountry' ski area, has had its lodge open for accommodations since mid-July with hopes that snow would follow. However, even following a recent storm that dropped 8cm of snow on the resort, Temple Basin hasn't seen quite enough snow for the ski area to safely operate its three rope tows and open for the season. The resort's upper mountain currently has a 60cm base, but there's not much snow in the upcoming forecast to bolster that.

Given the low-tide conditions, on August 20, 2025, Temple Basin made the call that they likely won't open for the 2025 ski season. The resort noted that season pass holders would be receiving communication with their options in the near future.

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Despite the rope tows remaining closed, Temple Basin's lodge will remain open for the weekends of August 23/24, September 13/14, and September 27/28. Guests are still able to hike and ski tour from the lodge, and the New Zealand Snow Safety Institute will still run its scheduled courses from the lodge.

The ski area also noted in a social media post that in the event a storm does come through with enough snowfall for them to operate their rope tows, that they'd consider opening for a pop-up weekend, staff and volunteer dependent. The ski area is operated by Temple Basin Ski Club and Canterbury University Snow Sports Club and is also home to the New Zealand Snow Safety Institute.

More and more resorts have seen the negative effects of warmer winters and had to invest further in year-round operations, or pivot winter operations if snow conditions aren't ideal.

It's heartening, however, to see the social media comments on Temple Basin's announcement that convey how staying at the lodge and enjoying the area is a special experience on it's own, regardless of the snow. Here's hoping Ullr pays a visit to New Zealand's southern Alps soon!

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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