2020 Sports Activity Report

Covid-19 certainly struck 2020 with big impacts to everyone and everything. Telemark club worked hard to allow visitors over the winter season and Perisher/Blue operated at a lower capacity than normal years.

The winter season started in mid-July with heavy snowfalls which meant that snow shovelling was the top outdoor activity for a number of days. This was followed by snow sculpturing (a fantastic Nisse holding a lantern) and snow architecture (4 snow arches to ski through).

Since there were reduced lift tickets available many Telemark visitors explored cross country and back country skiing as well as snow shoeing as outdoor activities. Some destinations were Mt Kosciuszko, Seamans Hut, Charlottes Pass, Smiggins, Porcupine and Pipers Trails. The Nordic Shelter operated on Covid restrictions and only had the toilets open but provided beautifully groomed trails for people to use and explore. Lift tickets seemed to be as rare as hen’s teeth but those who managed to get them enjoyed downhill skiing and snowboarding all over the 3 resorts – Perisher, Blue Cow and Guthega. Snow caves were also created by the younger visitors and enjoyed by everyone. This year saw a number of little people
visiting Telemark. One as young as 18 months enjoyed building snowmen, snowball throwing and trying to eat snow! An epic day was had by 5 year old Max Halvorsen who managed to ski the Rollercoaster by pointing his skis straight down the hill. His dad had to tackle him to get him back under control. Max continues to love skiing, notching up a few black runs and obviously has no fear of speed. No matter what the conditions, restrictions or mode of dress, Telemark continued to fly the flag.

The Covid-19 rules throughout the valley made normal facilities difficult to access which made Telemark even more important for all to be able to base their activities around the lodge and maintain social distancing from the crowds.

Sonja T Sim, Sports Coordinator