Temple Peak at the Temple Basin Splitboard Festival

We arrived to Temple Basin ski area while the rain washed away most of the snow. A group of 50 other skiers and snowboarders waited in the hut for the weather to clear. On Sunday it finally happened so it was time to go Splitboarding at the Splitboard festival. Ryan Nicols and I decided to go on a quick mission to summit Temple Peak.

From the moment we got off the Nut Cracker we put on our crampons and started climbing. The conditions seemed rideable as we made our way up Temple Peak.

Crampons and Ice axes out within 5 minutes of getting off the tow

When we made our way to the summit the clouds were coming in and out. From the summit of Temple Peak there are numerous aspect to ride and we checked them out as we transitioned to snowboarding.

Hopefully it clears up

We could see a small bit of blue skies on the Main Divide of Arthurs Pass. It reminded me of when people say “If you don’t like the weather than just wait 5 minutes”

Looking at the Dismal snowpack
Rad terrain though

We found a great line off the main peak and I was happy with the Splitfest turnout. The conditions were pretty dire yet everyone was having a good time. Kiwis know how to make the best out of the worst situations.

Ryan dropping in
Ryan making it look easy

It was mid September and there was no snow pack. I was starting to question how much longer I would be riding before it was the end of the ski season.

I think the season is close to over

It was a great time hanging out with everyone and it was fun getting out with Ryan as always.

Thank you for reading and If you enjoyed reading this and want to see more ski tours within New Zealand check out this link

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