Well an early Antarctic blast has arrived in Tasmania, with a gradual build up of excellent quality, wind-packed snow on the Mt Mawson Ski Field. The weather forecast is somewhat extreme, but the volunteers from the Mt Mawson Ski Club plan to assemble on the mountain this weekend to have a go at getting the ski tows running.
The forecast is for very strong winds on Saturday and Sunday, and although the rope tows are designed for this, humans might find it somewhat daunting (volunteers and keen skiers alike). Those coming to the ski field will need to be well prepared for blizzard-like conditions – with goggles, mits, beanies/ helmets, decent parkas and overtrousers a must. If conditions are such that it is not possible to safely patrol the ski field it may be that the ski tows will have to shut down – but after two years of very little snow there is a great deal of enthusiasm to make the most of what is on offer. Fortunately the Mt Mawson Ski Field now has an excellent day shelter, which is likely to be very popular this weekend!
Weather forecast for the June long weekend at Mt Field – see http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mount-field.shtml
Snow (and wind!) forecast for the Mt Mawson Ski Field – see https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/MtMawson/6day/mid
Public Day Shelter at Mt Mawson Ski Field – ready for visitors!
The other exciting news is that the STSA Volunteers who operate the Mt Mawson Ski Field are also going to operate the ski tows this Monday 13th June (the Queen’s Birthday long weekend holiday). So come along to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee in slope-style!
A reminder that the Mt Mawson Ski Field is now able to accept credit cards as payment for ski tow tickets, but our preference is still that you provide photo-ID (such as a driver’s licence) as a deposit for your tow belt.
Finally take care on the drive up the Lake Dobson Road – and don’t forget your snow chains (essential on 2WD cars, and recommended for 4WDs without snow tyres).
