History of Talaria Ski Club
Talaria Ski Club was formed in the 1968/69 summer to provide accommodation on Ben Lomond for Southern skiers. Foundation members came from southern clubs such as Wellington Ski Club, the University Ski Club and the Hobart Walking Club. A broad variety of skills was required to build the lodge and complete several expansion phases, and members were garnered from around the State.
Children soon became an important part of the Club, an experience that positively shaped their formative years, and the associated increase in numbers necessitated the physical growth of the Lodge, and increased membership. Ski swap sales at pre-season barbeques provided equipment at reasonable prices and enabled some families, who would otherwise perhaps not have afforded it, to enjoy skiing. By the late 1970’s into the 1980’s the Lodge was swarming with children digging snow caves, making igloos, tobogganing, riding pomas, hurtling down the slopes, and developing as members of the group.
Although climate change has affected the average amount of snow falling on Ben Lomond , the ski season still comes around each year with about six weeks of useable snow. There is a schedule of programmed events run on the mountain, and a new snowboarding park has proven popular with the younger set. Although Talaria was built to support skiing, it now also provides an excellent base for individuals and families to enjoy a wide variety of activities year round, including bushwalking and mountain biking. The Lodge offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and remains a great place to head with friends to enjoy the mountains at a reasonable cost. Ben Lomond has considerable potential as a non-commercial summer retreat away from the rat race, with plenty of scope for various types of mountain recreation.
Membership of Talaria is relatively inexpensive, and the Club is actively seeking new members. Please feel free to contact us today for further information on becoming a member of the best kept secret on the hill.