Ben Lomond Snowsports (BLSS) is pleased to announce that our new webcam is live.

As part of our improvements for the upcoming season we have made the investment in a professional web camera from Panomax. The Panomax system comes from Austria and is specially designed for alpine areas. The camera is housed in a heated cabinet and will automatically defrost during inclement weather conditions.

The camera archives UHD images every 10 minutes and catalogues throughout the whole season, it also has some other cool features including timelapses and image sharing. The camera has excellent low light sensitivity and even captures images at night.

This is one of many improvements we have made to Ben Lomond this year and we look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks.

Until then please enjoy the images from the webcam. https://tasmania.panomax.com/ben-lomond

We look forward to seeing you at Ben Lomond this season.

Gavan Paura

After a week or so of detective work the open pipe which had drained the village dam has been closed. In the last 36 hours the dam has refilled and creek once again flowing with abundant water following the latest rains.  Thanks to the PWS team and assistance from lodges involved in fixing this problem.
It’s a timely reminder for all lodges to ensure lodge open and close procedures are well adhered to.
Enjoy the summer months of flowers and exploring our great national park. #blnp #summeronben #ruggednature #benlomondnationalpark #benlomond

Please note that there is currently a shortage of water on the mountain in the village dam. The Parks and Wildlife Service are investigating the cause of the shortage at the moment, in the meantime, inflows into the village dam are low which means there is no availability of water to lodges and public facilities.

Further information will be provided as is available. Visitors to the mountain are encouraged to bring enough water for their own consumption until further notice.

As mentioned via our social media platforms yesterday, Ben Lomond Ski Lifts have finalised the purchase of Alpine Enterprises and have the licence to operate through the Tasmanian Government.

As part of their launch, snow enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to get on board and purchase a very affordable season lift pass ($299 for 17 years + and $199 for 6-16 years) through their online shop. For 2021, each pass guarantees the purchaser 5 days of lift access as a minimum. See full terms.

For regular updates on snow conditions and lift operations, stay up to date at one of the following information sources:

www.benlomondskilifts.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/benlomondskilifts

Ben Lomond has woken up from her summer hibernation this week thanks to the 1 in 100 year snow storm which blanketed Launceston. Tassie snow lovers and those who would normally visit mainland or New Zealand snow resorts are desperate for their annual snow fix. With the first winter system running weeks behind the regular season start, this week’s big freeze was the one that we have all been hanging out for.

The mountain started from rock and shrubbery on Monday, things are very much whiter than what they were a week ago. However with the wind at Antarctic strengths for much of the week this has meant what did fall hasn’t stuck enough to allow all the slopes to open.

Kate Williams from Alpine Enterprises has been keeping the winter faithful updated on their instagram channel this week as the system moved through.  Today it has been confirmed that tomorrow will be the first day of lift operations on the mountain. However the top slopes don’t yet have enough snow to operate the lifts safely.

For those snow lovers making their first pilgrimage to Ben Lomond for a ski tomorrow, the beginner lift Bass will be humming. To stay up to date on what’s running, visit the Alpine Enterprises Website, www.alpineenterprises.com.au

Ben Lomond Snow Sports are ready for their biggest weekend of the season tomorrow with transport, hire and food available for all who arrive. Visit their webpage for the latest prices and details. www.skibenlomond.com.au

Visitors are reminded that vehicles are required to carry chains past the lower car park.  The snow sports shuttle service is available for those groups without chains from the lower car park. Please follow all signage regarding the fitting of chains on your vehicle. If in doubt of your driving ability,  please catch the shuttle.

For the latest road conditions, phone toe PWS update on 0429646557.

Much respect has to be given to Alpine Enterprises and Ben Lomond Snow Sports and the countless lodges who despite the challenges to put together COVID19 Safety Plans,  have been able to find a way through and operate this season. Importantly, please be considerate of the changes which have been put in place for our safety.

If you are at all unwell, stay home and get tested. www.coronaviris.tas.gov.au

A large crowd is expected to hit the slopes and we are asking all visitors to be considerate of PWS staff assisting across the mountain, and staff in the ticket office, hire and cafe and operating lifts. Please also be courteous of each other.The weather forecast next week is looking promising for further falls which should consolidate the snow cover and hopefully allow more lifts and terrain to open up.

Today Alpine Enterprises have confirmed an update to their operational plan for 2020. For the latest check out their website:

https://www.alpineenterprises.com.au/

Today’s outlook: 7/9 Amazing snow fall over night…and still happening. Currently strong/gale SE wind, beyond Operating constraints. These are expected to ease thru day. Our aim is to run Lifts ASAP/this afternoon after mega de-icing??….check for updates thru the morning. See their website for the latest through the day. Www.alpineenterprises.com.au

PWS BEN LOMOND ROAD UPDATE LINE: 0429 646557

Across the past 3 days the forecast for Saturday has deteriorated from 30kmph (15 knots) by late morning to 60kmph (30 knots) through into the late afternoon. The Forecast Gale Force winds up to 60kmph are above what would be reasonable winds to successfully and safely run the races in for the broad age race the event caters for noting the exposed nature of the mountain. In addition the forecast 3-6 mm precipitation through the day will further worsen strong winds into likely blizzard conditions in exposed windy areas of the snowfield. Conditions are forecast to change markedly on Sunday with winds dropping to 20-30kmph (10-15 knots).

Noting the forecast for both days and increased certainty 48 hours out from the scheduled start time, Myself and Acting Race Coordinator Gavin Stebbings have determined that delaying the races to Sunday 25 August 2019 is the best and most appropriate choice. As such, please share that the races will be run on Sunday 25 August 2019 with the same schedule as advertised. This decision has been made accordance with the bad weather clause noted on the posters.