All-season alps

The new firing mound under construction. With summer facilities planned, Mt Hotham could become a national all-season alpine sports centre.

Flt-Lt Satya Tanner in the inaugaural patrol race after the reopening of the Mt Hotham biathlon range. Photos provided by the ADF Nordic and Biathlon Skiing Association

By Andrew Stackpool

The ADF Nordic and Biathlon Skiing Association is involved in planning a summer facility at Mount Hotham. The construction means the Mt Hotham area could become a national training venue for high altitude sports.

The Army recently upgraded the winter biathlon range at Mt Hotham in the months leading up to the opening of the 2004 ski season. 22 Const Regt carried out extensive drainage works to improve water flow, levelled the firing mounds, upgraded the target scaffolding, added roofing over the targets and completed general maintenance.

Maj Filip Likar, who co-commanded the construction, said the works provided meaningful project work for the soldiers.

The work to provide better race and touring tracks was done with the support of the Mt Hotham Alpine Resorts Management Board and the Australian Biathlon Association. The ADF Sports Council also contributed $12,000 to buy 12 target frames from Norway.

The works were officially opened during the Interservice Nordic Competition.

Since 1993, the ADF has worked with the board, through the ADF’s Biathlon and Nordic Skiing Association, to develop the range to a world-class standard, including upgrading the ski trail structure in and around the biathlon range.

Patron of the association AVM Chris Spence said the work had repayed in part the many years of enthusiastic support from the local community and confirmed the group’s commitment to Mt Hotham.

“Of all the interservice sporting activities, Nordic and biathlon skiing has the closest connection with our endeavours as military professionals,” AVM Spence said.

“This sport includes many of the characteristics and competencies that are essential to our primary duties, including courage, commitment, endurance, fitness, weapon handling and teamwork.

“I was greatly encouraged that the ADF Sports Council provided the grant to purchase the new targets for the range at Mt Hotham. This sends a very positive message that the standing of our sport is recognised.”