THE Australian snowsports industry is steeped in history dating back to the late 1800’s when Norwegian gold miners introduced skiing to the Kiandra settlement. Each Australian snow resort has their history shaping how the resort evolved.
Visitors may not be aware, but you can seek out and view memorabilia in person, plus read the history on historical society websites.
The Australian Alpine Snowsports History Association (AASHA) held a conference at Thredbo in May where members of different historical groups attended. Discussion revolved around topics including how they can increase exposure of their individual history, how they deal with acquiring and preserving memorabilia and how they can grow their volunteer staff. During the day guest speakers also enlightened the group on various subjects.
With 35 years’ experience working with international displays and historical societies, Glenn Ferguson offered knowledge on how to keep people engaged with displays. Michelle Stevenson from the Museum of Victoria, and the National Alpine Museum of Australia at Mt Buller spoke of housing collections.
There were panel discussions with snow resort representatives answering questions on the future challenges facing resorts. Thredbo’s Stuart Diver, Tina Burford from Perisher, Josh Elliott and Angela Murdoch representing Selwyn and Charlotte Pass and Jon Hutchins from Victoria offered their insights.
Thredbo resident Randy Wieman was one of the first hotdogging freestylers in Australia. His presentation was highly entertaining reflecting back where the rules were somewhat more relaxed, and public liability was less of an issue.
Author Rick Walkom offered his views on the additions he recently made to Skiing Off The Roof. Since he first published the book 30 years ago, Rick had a long list of changes to the snow industry he has updated into the rereleased book. He also presented an old piece of Charlotte Pass lift that he only recently recovered, buried in grass all these years.
The Snowy Alpine Heritage Association are revamping their feasibility study to show that their project of building a centre in Jindabyne to house much of the Snowy Mountains history is viable. This would include the snow history. Wayne Kirkpatrick spoke through many aspects of the project, highlighting other similar projects that received funding of late. Time will tell of its outcome.
This winter when you visit your resort, take a moment to seek out the history.
At Thredbo stop by at the Thredbo Alpine Museum and see displays at the Perisher Valley Skitube terminal. In Mt Buller visit the National Alpine Museum Australia and at Falls Creek, the Falls Creek Museum.
Or to browse at home, visit one of the websites to revisit the past. The snow history is a fascinating read.
www.thredboalpinemuseum.org.au
www.snowyalpineheritagecentre.com.au
To purchase a copy of the Book, Skiing Off The Roof, click here or on the book.
