‘Passion project’: ski memories sparked couple’s Ben Lomond alpine resort overhaul

A Sydney-based former Tasmanian couple, who spent their childhood winters plummeting down the slopes of Ben Lomond, has launched a boots-and-all investment in the resort’s future.

A skier enjoys the slopes of Ben Lomond. Picture: Hamish Lockett

A Sydney-based former Tasmanian couple, who spent their childhood winters plummeting down the slopes of Ben Lomond, has launched a boots-and-all investment in the alpine resort’s future.

Determined to preserve the mountain’s family-friendly vibe and attract the next generation of snow lovers to the state’s only commercial ski and snowboarding destination, Lucy and Stewart Hosken arranged a syndicate to purchase commercial lift operations in 2021.

Since then, the Launceston-raised husband and wife has developed the Ben Lomond Base facility at the foot of the mountain, offering visitors a one-stop shop for gear hire, winter apparel, and food and beverages.

A snow-making machine in action at Ben Lomond. Picture: Hamish Lockett

And up on the slopes, four Italian-made snow-making machines have been installed to smooth out variations in natural falls of powder and extend a season which typically has run from June to September.

The entrepreneurial couple said they wanted to retain Ben Lomond’s status as an affordable, homegrown winter playground for Tasmanians, and even start attracting interstate alpine enthusiasts to its uncrowded facilities and unspoilt natural environment.

Skiing on Ben Lomond. Picture: Hamish Lockett

“It’s been a passion project and definitely the hardest development project we have ever done,” Ms Hosken said.

“We spent a lot of time at Ben Lomond when we were young, and when the business came up for sale we thought with some meaningful investment it could be transformed into a more consistent and fun tourism attraction for locals and visitors from elsewhere.

“The key to this was an investment in snow-making and grooming, which has resulted in an increase to season length.

“Our machines, which can make over 1500 cubic metres of snow in a good session, were installed last season and were a complete game-changer.

“We have focused our snow-making on the Bass beginner area, and on the advanced summit run, so there is a good choice of slopes for all standards.

“Last year there were over 500 hours of available snow-making, which combined with what Mother Nature gives us, has been a complete step change for the snow offering at Ben Lomond.”

Families enjoy the slopes of Ben Lomond. Picture: Hamish Lockett

Ms Hosken said although visitors to Ben Lomond had traditionally been day-trippers from Launceston, the resort’s contemporary facilities meant more patrons were being attracted from Hobart, and even from mainland states.

While the resort’s unhurried atmosphere made it attractive to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, Ms Hosken said advanced runs on the summit and mountain’s back slopes offered interest to the sport’s more experienced participants.

“With the addition of the snow-making and snow-grooming we are seeing a significant uplift in visitation from both locals and offshore visitors,” she said.

“The offering is perfect for families as it is by far the cheapest way to have a day in the snow compared to the larger resorts on the mainland.

“We are also seeing repeat visitation by some family groups from the northern states in the last two years.

“A day in the snow is the perfect activity for families as there’s snow play for those not keen to ski or board, but most visitors love hiring their own set of skis and trying out the beginner slope.

“It’s the most fun family winter day out there is.”