Despite being cold and foggy in the Derwent Valley it was a beautiful sunny day up at the Mt Mawson Ski Field today – perfect for conducting training and running final checks for the 2024 Ski Season.
All of the STSA Ski Clubs were represented at the training – capably presented by Ambrose Canning, Craig Larsson, Tim Metcalfe and Annette Levis.
The day commenced with a detailed briefing on what is involved in operating the tows on a ski day, and was followed by practical experience in setting up, starting and stopping the tows. Annette also provided training on the ticketing system, the issuing of tow belts and the use of the POS terminal.
STSA Tow Managers being briefed by Craig Larsson in the Mt Mawson Day Shelter – 25 May 2024
To test run the tows it was necessary to lower the ropes down, and as can be seen by the photo below this is not necessarily straightforward when the ropes are high in the air. This is actually a task that is easier to carry out when there is a good snow cover!
Karen, Sally and Craig tackling the task of lowering the rope on the Mawson Run
Both the Mawson Tow and Uni tow started first time – very impressive. It was great to see the ropes running up and down the hill – now we just need a snow base to add skiers and boarders into the picture!
Mawson Tow rope down and rotating 25 May 2024 – just need snow and skiers!
Roger, Tim, Sally, George, Tim, Rod, Karen and Ambrose training in the operation of the Uni Tow
While the volunteers worked with the tows Paul Vince and Rudy Kloser progressed the installation of new deep cycle batteries, which are an important part of the ski field infrastructure. The batteries and solar system are needed to run the cameras, POS terminal, lighting, water pumps and heater fans which are needed to support the ski field operations.
Overall it was a very successful and enjoyable day preparing for the forthcoming snow season – thanks to all the STSA club representatives and volunteers who attended. Let’s hope the weather pattern has a bit more Southerly precipitation in it this year compared to last, and the tradition of downhill skiing and boarding at Mt Field National Park can continue.
Wonderful to have a team of committed people to maintain and run the tows.
In the same way, the Mount Mawson Ski Patrol team of volunteers has been preparing for the coming ski season and doing their annual re-accreditations so that we can all ski safely.
I’m proud to be part of such a good community effort as part of the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association.
Keep up the good work. I bought a block of land in National Park to set up tourist accommodation and plan on visiting Mt Mawson very often once it is set up. Thanks for your hard work and fingers crossed for a good snow season. The snow is slowly coming!