Mt Field snow shelter ready for the ski season

The new Mt Mawson public shelter at Mt Field National Park
has been officially opened.

A FIRST AID station, ski patrol facilities and public toilets are some of the facilities in the long-awaited ski shelter that was officially opened at Mt Field National Park on Friday.

Premier Will Hodgman said the new Mt Mawson Public Shelter will provide a new level of amenity for southern Tasmania’s only ski field.

Mr Hodgman said the upgraded facilities will also be enjoyed by bushwalkers heading to the Tarn Shelf walk.

Located at one of the highest building locations in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the new buildings includes a first aid station and ski patrol facilities, ticketing office and public shelter with toilets.

Architectural details of the new buildings.

"The shelter is designed to be energy efficient using solar energy, and the building’s stonework has crafted to blend the building into the rocky landscape," Mr Hodgman said. "Vos Constructions, with input from BPSM architects, delivered the $1.25 million building which was jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments," he said.

"Tasmania’s unrivalled natural environment is a major drawcard for visitors and visitor numbers to Mt Field National Park continue to grow sustainably and now approach 200,000 per year. The new Mt Mawson Public Shelter is part of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in national parks to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the unique experiences on offer around the state," Mr Hodgman said.

Guests inside the public shelter.

The two new buildings are on the site of the old Sitzmark Lodge that was removed some years due to its deteriorated condition. Converted shipping containers have provided the only public shelter on the ski fields in the meantime.

Southern Tasmanian Ski Association president Peter Davis said the opening was an historic day in the history of the Mt Mawson Ski Field at Mt Field National Park. "It was a stunning day on the mountain with clear blue skies, little wind, and small pockets of snow lying around following the cold weather earlier in the week - perfect for the big crowd of people who attended the official opening," Dr Davis said.

A view of the buildings on opening day.

"The Mt Mawson Ski Field is a unique and historic asset for the people of Tasmania and visitors alike, located as it is in a beautiful National Park, and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area," he said.

"The new Mt Mawson Day Shelter and Ski Patrol facilities are an outstanding contribution to the infrastructure for this important area, and augur well for the future success of the Mt Field National Park.

"The new Day Shelter provides a spectacular destination for visitors to the Park, and improves safety and amenity year round. A big thank you to the State and Federal Governments who have supported the construction project, and to all the builders, architects, project managers and volunteers who have worked hard over the past five years to make the vision a reality," Dr Davis said.

Mt Mawson Ski Patrol secretary Liz Koolhof, centre, with
Premier Will Hodgman left, and Parks and Wildlife Service
general manager Jason Jacobi.

Official guests at the opening included senior officials from the Department of Parks and Wildlife who had been actively involved in the project, including Perry Foster, Jason Jacobi, Andrew Roberts, Ashley Rushton, Brendan Moodie, and Trevor Norris. 

Representatives of Vos Constructions and BPSM architects were present, as well as Peter Mowbray from the Australian Ski Patrol Association who had flown from interstate especially for the event. Catering for the event was provided by Waterfalls Cafe.

"It was also great to see so many of our volunteers present, including representatives from the STSA Ski Clubs, the Mt Mawson Ski Patrol and the Friends of Mt Field," Dr Davis said. "A highlight of the event was the presentation by the premier of Long and Outstanding Service Certificates to Hubert Sigrist, Andrew Davey, Craig Larsson, Liz Koolhof, Peter Franklin and Greg Kidd. It was particularly pleasing to have Hubert present as he has assisted at the Mt Mawson Ski Field since 1951, including being a volunteer ranger in the years before Ski Patrol was established, and also running the tows midweek for STSA for many years."

For regular updates on the conditions at Mt Mawson, follow mtmawson.info.