Mt Mawson, Mt Wellington and Ben Lomond inaccessible after huge snowfalls – hopeful for weekend openings

Three of the state’s snow hot spots look set to remain inaccessible today, with calls for more equipment to help struggling tourism businesses. SEE WHERE YOU CAN ACCESS THE SNOW >>

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HOBARTIANS in search of a winter wonderland may be able to head up to The Springs today, with snow operators around the state gearing up for a big weekend.

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said heavy snow and ice had kept Pinnacle Rd on Mt Wellington closed on Wednesday, but a crew may be sent up to start clearing.

“Pending ongoing weather conditions, we may be able to have the road opened to the Springs [on Thursday],” he said.

“There are some great mountain walks that can be done in the snow, but you should always be properly prepared for the conditions.

“Only experienced hikers should attempt to walk to the summit in snowy conditions.”

Mt Mawson, which is located within the Mount Field National Park, was also inaccessible due to Lake Dobson Rd being closed to all traffic.

Snow and cold weather in Tasmania, August 2020. Mt Mawson. Webcams showing snow.

Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery owner Rachel Power said she recommended those looking for snow would be best placed to head to Maydena.

“There is snow on the ground there and the road is sealed all the way,” she said.

“I think there’s so much snow across the state, there’s not enough equipment to clear it and unfortunately our road doesn’t take priority.

“This is the catch with snow tourism. We need a snow plough for Mt Field and a shuttle bus to get everyone safely to the snow.”

Southern Tasmanian Ski Association president Peter Davis said there was a good possibility of kicking off the Tasmanian ski season this weekend.

“Given this is the first major snowfall of the winter there is no underlying base as yet, and so the Mount Mawson Ski Patrol will need to make a call on Thursday afternoon as whether it will be safe to start the ski tows,” he said.

“The weather forecast is looking very positive for the weekend, and there will be many hundreds of Tasmanians keen to get out to enjoy the beautiful snow at Mt Field National Park.

“Several Victorian ski fields have been unable to open due to COVID, so once again Tasmania is in a very special position.”

Ben Lomond Snow Sports co-owner Felicity Foot said the scene at the popular facility was “incredible,” but warned snow chasers not to come today due to dangerous road conditions.

“It hasn’t been like this in the 20 years we’ve been here – never seen anything like this before,” she said.

“We’ve been having to tell everyone don’t come up, which is so against our grain. When it clears it will be beautiful, but for now the road is too dangerous and most people don’t know how to drive in the snow.

Well the road is blocked with snow. The Grader is on its way, but Ben Lomond as a destination for today, should be...

Posted by Ben Lomond Snow Sports on Tuesday, 4 August 2020

Mrs Foot had quite the surprise this morning upon waking.

“The bedroom window frame doesn’t fit the window anymore – when we woke up this morning, there was a layer of ice on our bed,” she said.

“A couple of our more vertically challenged staff have just gone to see what they can do with the buses to get people up and down and they can’t even get into them – they’re in waist deep snow – although their waists are a bit closer to the ground than a lot of people.

“We’re geared up and ready to go, but we cannot get out of the building – we’re isolated by snow. I’ve got 11 Freddo Frogs here in front of me and I’m just working out what time I can eat them.”

Mrs Foot said they were hopeful of being open to the public in time for the weekend.

“Rug up and if you need anything, buy it while you’re here because we’ve got tonnes of stock we’ve got to sell,” she said.

Snow and cold weather in Tasmania, August 2020. Mt Wellington / kunanyi. Webcams showing snow.