Snow and ice closes roads around Tasmania, peaks become winter sports haven

Tasmania’s peaks got a dusting of snow late on Saturday and into Sunday morning, causing some morning rush hour traffic to reach popular summits. Find out where snow fell.

Tom and Henry Wesson at Mount Wellington / kunanyi Springs with a snowman. Picture: Linda Higginson

Sandy Bay’s Henry Wesson, 9, was part of the lunchtime rush up Mt Wellington/kunanyi to see snow as part of his birthday wish.

In the midst of baking his birthday cake, Henry and little brother Tom, 4, decided the snowfall overnight meant a change of plans to a quick drive to the top of Mt Wellington.

Mother Lucy and father Sam said the boys had spent nearly an hour playing in the snow.

“We were lucky that the road had reopened for us to get up here and by the time we reached The Springs, the snow had started to pelt down,” mother Sam said.

“It’s the first time the boys have seen snow actually falling.”

Claire Young makes a snow angel at Mount Wellington / kunanyi. Picture: Linda Higginson

Late night snowfall on Saturday following through to the early morning on Sunday affected many of the state’s roads, with Mt Wellington’s Pinnacle Road closed to the Springs.

Tasmania Police also urged caution on roads, including Highland Lakes Road from Ripple Creek to Miena due to ice and the Lyell Highway at King William Bridge and from Bronte Junction to Derwent Bridge from snow falling and icy conditions.

Most peaks received enough snow to keep snow sports businesses running in the state.

Mt Mawson in Mt Field National Park received only 2cm of snow overnight.

Southern Tasmanian Ski Association’s Peter Davis stated the fall had encouraged only a few eager toboganners to get out on a rocky, but icy slope.

Since Saturday morning, Ben Lomond Resort also received between five to 10cm of snow, allowing them to open Summit T-bar to Tower 2.

This was music to the ears of keen skiers spotted on the Resort’s webcams battling 30km/h average winds to carve up the slopes.