More fresh snow on the mountain. Moderate visibility, it’s currently minus 5.6 conditions are Excellent with a fresh layer of snow, winds have moderated today are WNW at 15 to 20 knots (30 to 40 kmph).
Lifts (Alpine Enterprises) – De-icing will be done first up with Bass then Village and Summit once it can be de-iced as conditions didn’t allow it yesterday. Conditions were so windy (over 50 knots) that it lift crews could barely stand up on the crest of summit lift line yesterday as such they were unable to prepare it for start up.
ROAD CONDITIONS – Vehicles to fit chains from the sign as the road is icy well below the Rangers Station. Ben Lomond Road is extensively covered in snow and ice CHAINS are required to be fitted to all vehicles this morning, the BLC and Parks and Wildlife Services (PWS) cannot stress enough that it is imperative all drivers follow the directions of the PWS staff. If you are driving a car you not only need to have chains, you need to know how to fit them and how to drive your car whist they are on. For more information on chains visit the snowsafe website
SAFETY REMINDER Yesterday 5 vehicles were assisted following running off the road. The BLC cannot stress enough the importance of understanding and respecting the conditions in alpine environments. People choosing to ignore the safety precautions not only put themselves, but their passengers and others at risk. In addition to having the right equipment, please consider your experience and skills when deciding to venture into the alpine environment. Consider having someone in your party with experience driving on snow and ice bound roads.
Gear Hire and Kiosk (Ben Lomond Snow Sports) are open 7 days from 9am to 4pm have all your hire needs covered right at the doorstep to the snow. This means no lugging your gear up from the car park, no mess, no stress and most importantly no worries. They have everything from clothing through to toboggans, skis, snowboards, boots, poles, snow shoes and lessons with qualified instructors!. Pop in for a bite to eat for some great hot food and drink options from their Kiosk just off the snow or try one of their to die for hot chocolates and get it out of the cold. For more information about Ben Lomond Snow Sports hire options visit the hire page on our website
Transport (Ben Lomond Snow Sports) operate a friendly convenient transport service with two troop carriers on the mountain. These run throughout the day collecting snow goers from the bottom car park at the Parks and Wildlife Service entry station and deliver you to the car park at the base of the boardwalk. If you are catching the bus you do not need to hire chains! Call 03 6390 6185 (TELSTRA SIGNAL) for a pickup or to arrange a booking. Prices are $15 per person or $50 for a family of 4 return.
Ben Lomond Alpine Hotel – Offer sit down and takeaway meal options, pop in and say hello.
Web cams – thanks to Northern Tasmania Alpine Club for their webcam image today. Where possible we will aim to clean all the ice off the windows but some are so thick with snow and ice its impossible to get to them.
Media are encouraged to contact Adrian Beswick, Media and Promotions coordinator on 0438 253 111 to arrange a visit to the mountain and organise interviews with Operators and BLC Representatives.
