Skiing in the Australian Capital Territory
Skiing in the Australian Capital Territory refers to
The only commercial ski field in the ACT is located at Corin Forest; however,
History and major locations
The most northerly ski fields in Australia are located in the
Downhill skiing
The Namadgi National Park Draft Management Plan (September 2005) downplayed the future development of skiing as a sport in the Park, noting that no facilities existed for alpine or downhill skiing within Namadgi, despite a history of downhill skiing associated with the Canberra Alpine Ski Club and the Mt Franklin Chalet (destroyed in the 2003 bushfires). The report predicted that it would be "unlikely that Namadgi will be suitable for this activity in the future as climate change is causing conditions to become less favourable."[11] However, since the report was written, limited downhill ski facilities have returned at Corin Forest.
- Mt Franklin
In the 1930s, with construction of the new capital city of Canberra underway, Canberrans explored the possibilities for developing skiing and snow sports in the Brindabellas. On 30 June 1936, the
Regularly-conducted Alpine Sports on the mountain range which forms the western boundary between the Federal Capital Territory and New South Wales are to be added to the attractions of Canberra. The Canberra Alpine Club, an enthusiastic body, which has a membership of about 80, has plans in hand which, its members consider, will in the future make Canberra's ranges rival Mount Kosciuszko in popularity.
The Mount Franklin chalet was constructed at
Built on leased land, the Mount Franklin Chalet reverted to the Government when Namadgi National Park was created in 1984 and later operated as a museum before being destroyed in the 2003 bushfires.[16] A new shelter designed and built by University of Adelaide students opened in 2008. Today, cross country skiing is possible in the area, when conditions allow.[17]
- Corin Forest
In the 1980s and 1990s, limited downhill skiing took place at Corin Forest near Canberra (elevation 1200m).[2] The Namadgi National Park Draft Management Plan (September 2005) for the Namadgi National Park downplayed the future development of skiing as a sport in the Park:[11] However, in the 2010s, a ski lift was installed at Corin Forest offering a beginners' ski run and snow play area.[2] A development plan for Corin had been drafted following the 2003 Canberra bushfires which would see three 600m chairlifts installed together with snowmaking facilities and accommodation at this site.[18] New owners took over in 2013 and installed a beginners' magic carpet ski lift for the 2016 season, expanded snow making facilities, and invested in ski hire equipment, a ski school and ski first aid to service an 80-metre-long and 60-metre-wide slope, with capacity for a maximum of 150 people.[2]
Cross country skiing
Snow falls widely over the high country of the Namadgi National Park, being most common on the Bimberi and Brindabella Ranges. Brindabella Road, Mt Franklin Road and Boboyan Road access this snow country and can be hazardous in winter.[3]
According to the Namadgi National Park Draft Management Plan of September 2005, ski touring is a minor activity in Namadgi "as snowfall is only adequate for skiing for short periods in winter and spring. In most years, snow play can occur over several weeks, even if snow is present in small patches on the higher peaks..."[11]
Today, cross country skiing is possible in the Mt Franklin area, when conditions allow.
List of downhill ski areas
- Current locations
- Corin Forest Mountain Resort
- Former locations
List of cross country ski locations
- Australian Capital Territory
- Namadgi National Park
- Mount Ginini
- Mount Franklin
- Mount Gingera
- Bimberi Nature Reserve
- Namadgi National Park
Gallery
See also
- Skiing in Australia
- Skiing in Victoria, Australia
- Skiing in New South Wales
- Skiing in Tasmania
- List of ski areas and resorts in Australia
- Winter sport in Australia
References
- ^ a b "Highest Mountains - Geoscience Australia". Archived from the original on 6 April 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d Back, Alexandra. "Corin Forest ski field brings skiing and snowboarding back to the ACT". Canberra Times. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Namadgi National Park". Environment.act.gov.au. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Namadgi National Park, ACT - Tourism Australia". Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ a b INSTRUMENT NO. 111 OF 1999 ACT Legislation
- ^ "Skiing & Highlands", Totaltravel Website, archived from the original on 10 October 2009, retrieved 4 May 2010
- ^ Australian Bureau of Meteorology, "Climate Education", BOM Website, archived from the original on 17 March 2009, retrieved 4 May 2010
- ^ See "Kosciuszko National Park: Contemporary Management". New South Wales Department of Education and Training, Riverina Environmental Education Centre.
- ^ "XC - The Australian cross country skiing site". Hoppet.com.au. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Australian Alps - Tourism Australia". Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
- ^ a b c [1][permanent dead link]
- ^ [2] [dead link]
- ^ "Australian Alps National Parks - Parks in the alps - Bimberi Nature Reserve". Australianalps.environment.gov.au. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "What's On". 25 January 2014. Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Ski Run At Ginini". Nla.gov.au. 4 May 1951. p. 2. Retrieved 16 August 2018 – via Trove.
- ^ "Canberra Alpine Club". Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ a b "Australian Alps National Parks - Parks in the alps - Namadgi National Park". Australianalps.environment.gov.au. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Corin- Future Plans". Archived from the original on 12 September 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ "50 reasons to love Australian snow". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 June 2009.
External links
- Canberra Alpine Club
- Canberra Cross Country Ski Club
- Corin Forest Mountain Retreat on visitcanberra.com.au
- Australian Alps National Parks
- Snowy Hydro Snow Depth Charts
- Bureau of Meteorology Climate Education
- Cross Country Skiing Australia
- Information on all ski lifts to have operated in the ACT in the Australian Ski Lift Directory