The ski lifts of Tasmania’s largest ski resort, Ben Lomond, are usually inactive at this time of year.
But freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall have allowed them to reopen earlier than expected.
Ben Mock, of the Ben Lomond ski lifts, said the season normally started in July, but the conditions were perfect to get ahead.
“We’ve had a lot of work to do over the last few days to open up,” he said.
“It was very stressful, but then we grabbed the tick and it was just a sigh of relief.”
Winter has begun with a vengeance on Tasmania. (ABC News: Mount Bovill)
Mock said the snow conditions were a good sign for the coming months.
“It certainly prepares us for the winter season. The snow that has fallen is a great base to start with and there are more forecasts,” he said.
“Something special about Ben Lomond”
The first day of the snow season in Ben Lomond carries the threat of injury.
Ski patrollers are gearing up for next season. (ABC News: Mount Bovill)
Third-generation mountain ski patrolman Alex Findlater has been helping those in need for the past 11 years.
“We have minor injuries, such as cuts, and then we pick up people who are on the track who can’t get down with broken bones and more serious injuries,” he said.
“We also often treat injuries due to extreme weather and cold, such as hypothermia.”
Alex Findlater (middle) has been helping people on the slopes for years. (ABC News: Mount Bovill)
Learning from both his father and grandfather, Mr. Findlater described it as a “rewarding” job.
“Growing up around the patrol has been part of what the mountain is to me,” he said.
“There’s something really special about Ben Lomond and the community here.”
“Business looks up”
The 2022 season is shaping up to be one of Ben Lomond’s best in the last 20 years.
The limitations of the coronavirus, the lack of tourists and the lack of snow for skiing have made the ski resort suffer in recent years.
A fire destroyed the popular Ben Lomond Alpine Hotel in 2018, in what was once again devastating.
The mountain’s main public shelter was also destroyed, but should be rebuilt early next season.
Ashley Howard is optimistic this season. (ABC News: Mount Bovill)
Ashley Howard of Ben Lomond Snow Sports said things were getting better for his business and the mountain as a whole.
“It looks great. If we already have that amount of snow, it can only get better from here,” he said.
“Business is looking up. There’s just all the steam ahead.”
Visitors to Ben Lomond Peak must wear snow chains between June and September.
A shuttle service from the lower car park is available during the ski season.
The ski season usually starts in July in Ben Lomond. (ABC News: Mount Bovill)
Posted 2 hours, 2 hours ago, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:10 PM, updated 42 minutes ago, 42 minutes ago, Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 12:38 AM