How skiing at Tasmania's oldest known ski club looked different 100 years ago

The Ski Club of Tasmania, nestled within Mount Field National Park, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Situated on the picturesque Tarn Shelf Circuit hike, the club's Twilight Tarn Hut has recently undergone restoration with the help of volunteers and the Parks and Wildlife Service. Memorabilia from the club's early days, including a visitor book signed by renowned mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, have been catalogued and cleaned for preservation.

Penny and Michael Wadsley, club members, reminisce about their childhood skiing adventures. Ms. Wadsley, a committee member, fondly recalls driving her father, who carried their gear, up the 16-kilometre uphill trek to reach the hut. Mr. Wadsley shared that original skis were crafted from diverse Tasmanian woods, heavy and basic in design.

Charlotte Sainsbury, another founding member's daughter, fondly remembers learning to ski and spending time with other club members as a child. The Wadsleys and Sainsbury emphasize the importance of preserving the club's history, stating that it is a vital part of Tasmania's heritage.