SplitFest Best Tour

This year we have a new take on the SplitFest Best Line comp ..

We're looking for the best crafted and executed day tour at TB.

To enter simply nominate your tour (or someone else's!) at the SplitFest prizegiving (4 pm on Sunday) and you're in to win!

Here are the judging criteria:

We're looking for the 'best crafted tour' and will be paying particular attention to:
- aesthetics of the route in both its uphill and downhill stages
- the quality of the line you accessed (and skiied!)
- innovation and style in your execution!

- your tour must have been completed within the festival period (Sept 5-9 inclusive) and must start and end at TB.
- for self nominations you'll need someone who can vouch for your route or maybe you have some photo evidence to share!

Thanks as always to Spark R&D and Splitn2.com!

Try splitboarding this weekend!

Try a splitboard this weekend up at Splitfest Backcountry Festival 
... available all day Saturday & Sunday. 

See Richard to book at timeslot when you get to TB!

TB weather update .. looks good for Splitfest!

Weather looking good ... some snow in the forecast today then clearing over the weekend.
See you up at TB!

Backcountry Expedition grant open now!

Backcountry Expedition grant is open for applications!

The purpose of the award is to support one or more recipients attempt a major ski mountaineering objective.

Applications close 15 October 2019

Download application form here:

Expedition Grant_2019 Application Form

More details here

Avalanche Awareness courses



** Splitfest Avalanche Awareness workshop now booked out! 

We've organised two more courses with NZSSI
Friday 6th + Saturday  7th Sept, 10am start!


- details here

2019 programme - sneak preview

Splitfest 2019 at Temple Basin

Arthurs Pass National Park

Programme sneak preview - more coming soon :)                                                   

Thursday Sept 5

SplitFest Touring day
This is the ideal day to round up your touring partners and get settled in at Temple Basin
- unless of course you're already up for the week!

SplitFest Best Line with Spark RnD 
9.00am - It's happening again thanks to Spark RnD and SPLITN2.com.
Best line will win, contest period runs through to prize-giving on Sunday afternoon.

8.00pm - Night riding under the lights on Temple Tow if conditions permit!

Friday Sept 6

10.30am 
Avalanche Awareness Workshop
** Splitfest Avalanche Awareness workshop now booked out! We've organised two more courses with NZSSI
Friday 6th + Saturday  7th Sept, 10am start!
- details here

Evening
Global Delights SplitFest Slideshow
Featuring epic backcountry travels from around the globe!


Saturday Sept 7
9.00am 
Demo gear begins with Splitn2.com
If you're travelling up from town try to get to the Lodge by 10am or soon after to take advantage of the demo gear and other events.
Temple Basin goods lift runs from 9am - drop your gear there and stroll on up!

Split Boarding Demo gear is available all day
- choose a set-up you like the look of and see Richard and Chris to book a time.
You can try several board and bindings set-ups over the weekend.
Your best chance to try splitboarding and/or the latest gear!

1.00pm
Introduction to Splitboarding
Join the splitboarding technique workshop after lunch. We may also run a moring workshop for those already at the lodge.
Register your interest beforehand so we have an idea of numbers and be sure you have your gear organised and ready to go by 1pm.
More workshop details here

Introduction to Ski Touring
Join the ski touring workshop covering all the basics of touring set-up,
skinning techniques & route setting for uphill and downhill travel.

9.30pm
Temple Main Lodge Party
Don't miss it (and make sure you book a bed!)

Sunday Sept 10

9.00am 
Demo gear begins with Splitn2.com
Demo gear available all day with Richard at Splitn2.com.

1.00pm 
Join a Ski Tour
Join a tour departing for different locations to suit different levels of experience and ability.

4.00pm 
Prizegiving
As always, a heap of prizes up for grabs!

5.00pm Official close

Register online here!

Remember to get your accommodation sorted soon with Temple Basin.
Follow the online booking options here
If you're on a budget check out the bed-only options on the Temple Basin booking page, plus great package deals.
You can also stay at Arthur's Pass and come up from there.

Keep an eye on www.splitfest.co.nz for more news.
See you at Temple Basin!

SplitFest courses & workshops

Learn the skills for backcountry travel by joining one of the SplitFest workshops!


Splitfest Avalanche Awareness workshop, Friday Sept 6
** Splitfest workshop is booked out! We've organised two more courses with NZSSI
Friday 6th + Saturday  7th Sept, 10am start!
- details here

1/2 day Introduction to Splitboarding workshop, Saturday Sept 7 (1pm start)
- details here

1/2 day Introduction to Ski touring workshop, Saturday Sept 7 (1pm start)



NZSSI 5 day course

SplitFest edition 5 day course Ski & Snowboard Mountaineering with NZSSI

Course Dates

September 2-6 (SplitFest edition)
This course is ideal if you are a strong intermediate to advanced skier/rider and want the necessary safety skills to begin exploring remote locations, including glaciated terrain, on skis/board. If you are looking for an affordable course to teach you the skills you need to make safe decisions in complex terrain on your own, then this is for you!
more info here