The summer season of snow fence building at Mt Mawson Ski Field was successfully completed yesterday, with the slats finally nailed onto the last panel of replacement snow fencing on the South of the Mawson run. Volunteers from the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association were on the mountain all weekend – along with hundreds of visitors out to see the fagus changing colour on the tarn shelf.
On Saturday Craig Larsson, George Brettingham Moore, Tim Metcalfe, and Jan Pur reinstalled the top pulley on the uni tow, and successfully test ran the tow in preparation for the winter season. The clutch and gear box were reinstalled in the Mawson tow motor. Meanwhile Zoe Schefe did an outstanding job of cleaning and cataloguing the workshop area – thanks Zoe for a great contribution. Let’s all keep it tidy from now on!
On Sunday Craig, Jan and Tim fronted up for a second day, and were joined by Paul Vince, and Peter and Karen Davis. Once again the day started with a work-out to carry timber materials up to the site of the snow fence, and by lunchtime the third bay of snow fence panel had been framed up.
STSA volunteers hard at work
After that it was onto the slatting of the new panels, and soon a beautifully constructed snow fence was complete. This fence will help to ensure skiing access down the southern side of the Mawson run towards the old Belt Issue hut, and marks the completion of an extensive program of snow fence repair this summer (much of which was assisted by a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund).
At the end of the day it was great to relax with a hot drink, and chat with the many happy walkers returning from their visits to the Tarn Shelf. Once again the Mawson Day Shelter is proving a great asset from which visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular Tasmania mountain scenery.
Paul Vince and Jan Pur with the completed snow fence panel
Snow fence ready to catch any snow that appears….
Thanks to all who have helped prepare the Mt Mawson Ski Field for the coming winter season. The next activity before skiing commences is to conduct a refresher training course for all tow operators, and STSA club members who would like to learn about the operation of the ticket office and the Square Point of Sale terminal. This is scheduled for Saturday 27th May.
