Fine first day of skiing at Mt Field

Skiing on the university run at Mt Mawson today. 

THE southern Tasmanian ski season kicked off in style at the Mt Mawson ski field at Mt Field National Park today.

Peter Davis of the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association writes on the Mt Mawson blog that a keen crowd turned up to enjoy sunny, calm and clear conditions on the mountain.

"It was a very social day, as lots of STSA volunteers came up to lend a hand to help get the ski field operational," Dr Davis wrote. "As always it was a great team effort to get the skiing under way."

"The shovelling started on Friday evening as we started to prepare the tow path for the visitors, and continued with a big effort at the top of the Mawson tow this morning where the wind had sculpted a two metre high snow drift over the top of the rope," he said.

Volunteers digging out the Mt Mawson
ski tow this morning.

"A big thanks to everyone who helped out, and to the volunteers from the Hobart Walking Club - many of whom are not skiers - and the Alpine Club of Tasmania who are on duty for this weekend. Everyone had a great day today, and with a little more snow forecast overnight it augurs well for another good day tomorrow."

The ski tows will be open from 10am on Sunday. Dress warmly and take something to eat and drink. Day tickets cost $30 which the STSA says is the cheapest downhill skiing in Australia.

"Take care on the Lake Dobson Rd as there are deep culverts beside the road in a number of places," Dr Davis said. "Exercise caution when moving over to let other cars past, as getting too close to the edge of the road could lead to an unwanted excursion into the ditch. Check the road status with Parks, but expect that you will need to carry - and possibly fit - snow chains.

"It's worth the effort – come on up and check out the snow at Southern Tasmania’s only operating ski field for a unique Tasmanian winter experience," he said.

Read more and follow the Mt Mawson blog here.