From Monday's Examiner

 

Mmm snow is a comin!

 

Just checked Mawson cam- a lovely amount of April snow up there.
Just when my Canada withdrawals had subsided too.

 

Mmm snow is a comin!

 

Would have to be a dusting atleast over the weekend

 

Alpine Enterprises have announced their lift process for Season 2014.
ADULT (18-64) Day - $65 Afternoon (from 12.30) - $40
SENIOR (65-69) Day - $50 Afternoon (from 12.30) - $35
JUNIOR (13-17) Day - $45 Afternoon (from 12.30) - $30
CHILD (7-12) Day - $30 Afternoon (from 12.30) - $20

The young (Under 7) and the young at heart (70 and over) FREE

School Groups of 10 or ...more
SECONDARY Day - $35
PRIMARY Day - $25

For further information, re prices and operation, please contact Alpine Enterprises directly on 63906122

 

Pricing will make some/most think twice about going to the Ben this year, particularly when half the time lifts (tow's) are either broken down or not open.
Not sure it is the smartest move to raise the prices so much if they want to attract a regular crowd of skiers.
Certainly makes $108 for mainland resort appear like good value, or for those of us who come from Hobart, the walk up the jeep track to Mawson for $30 perday!

 

Rocks were being nicely cooled today with plenty if ice about and a few frozen potholes.
A light dusting of snow across the mountain looked pretty this morning but mostly melted by this arvo.

 

Anyone want a crack at a prediction for this week?
Im thinking if this low on monday/tuesday doesnt drift too far north the Ben could be in for a moderate dump with a cold week and possible light follow up falls to follow.
Anyone know what its currently looking like up there, a snow cam would be great.

 

No snow at all at the moment.
NTAC cams are up and running, snowsports and BLC/Rovers will be on line soon too.

 

Thank you BenLomond Iceman and Ben Lomond Brad for your ongoing, positive and informative comments. I've been watching you for a number of years now.

 

The Forecast is still looking promising for the next 3 days. If anyone is going up the hill take some photos and post or send them to benlomondcommittee@gmail.com to have them posted.

http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/ben-lomond.shtml

 

Fingers crossed, we might get 5-10cm tonight/tomorrow morning, which will restart building a base! then more follow up next week! there is hope yet.

 

Should be snowing up on the hill at the moment! Make sure you keep an eye on the ski.com.au Ben Lomond Report in the morning to see what eventuated!

 

Was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of snow cover levels on Ben at the moment ? I have looked at the NTSA web cam but it is hard to tell from the image.

 

Just noted on Ben Lomond Snow sports Facebook page that lift (a lift or lifts ?) will be running tomorrow. Any truth to this perhaps ???? Would be good if so.

 

https://m.facebook.com/BenLomondSnowSports
Couple of pics from yesterday on here

 

It says on the snow report that the lifts are on hold and awaiting inspection. Does anyone know what this means for the chance of them running tomorrow? Would that mean ice build up inspection or mechanical inspection? I tried to call AE but no love.

 

I think it refers to inspection of everything, ie, lift mechanism, snow cover on lift lines and cover on ski slopes. Really a determination of conditions and ability to run the lifts and ski slopes in general. Forecast is for less wind tomorrow but other than that, your guess is as good as any ones.

 

How is this season comparing to previous years at this juncture in the calender up on The Ben?

 

It is probably on par with most seasons. Mid July snow is nice, however can be rare.
Unfortunately we didn't get the big freeze that we need prior to the start of the season to firm up the ground so that the snow will stick. It is still very damp under the snow in most places.
The snow that was skied last week has held up surprisingly well and some cold nights and a top up of snow this week should start to see things moving again

 

Looks like I'm not getting my wish with getting back to Perisher this year..... however, the lady of the house has agreed to the idea of doing a trip to Tassie in September. We've never been there before and want to have a bit of a look around the place and something to do for our belated 30th. @Ben Lomond Brad what are my chances of finding a bit of POW at the Ben between the 6th & 13th September? I know it is a bit of a hit & miss affair at Ben Lomond in what I've found out so far but you never know your luck

 

https://www.facebook.com/BenLomondS...6144412805606/680155638737813/?type=1&theater
Is this little guy related to someone well known @cold wombat

 

@Seafm as good a chance as any of SNOW, however POW might be in short supply
It is cooling off again this week with some more snowfalls expected, we just need it to stay cool and for continual top ups, not warm days with mist to melt it all.

An option would be to plan a 'rest day' in Launceston or surrounds, and if there is snow, you'll get a ski, and if not, there's still plenty to do in Launceston. PM me if you would like some more Tassie info

 

We're going to do a bit of research this week and pick up a few ideas. Probably drive up the east coast and return to Hobart down through the middle, still early days yet. By the way, on the Ben Lomond Facebook page, who the hell is "Flea"?

 

Flea (Felicity) and her husband Geoff on Ben Lomond Snow Sports, which is the Ski School and Hire company on the mountain.

 

Doing Perisher now @Ben Lomond Brad 1st week of September.

 

Looks like a big week of snow making coming up. Overnight temps forecast to be well below zero for the next week!