Overview
In news that's miffed more than a few snow bunnies just days out from the start of the ski season, New South Wales ski resort Thredbo has announced an all-out tobogganing ban on its property.
A statement published on Thredbo's website says that "to maximise safety for guests, employees, and resort property, Thredbo prohibits the use of toboggans and other miscellaneous snow sliding equipment that is associated with 'Snow Play' within our leasehold area".
The statement pointed out the "inherent risk" of sliding around on a toboggan, due to limited control, and suggested that too many punters have been breaking the rules, taking the snow sliding equipment beyond the designated tobogganing areas and out onto ski runs.
It doesn't look like there'll be any back-tracking on the resort's decision either, with the statement confirming that "no enquiries will be entertained from toboggan or miscellaneous snow sliding equipment users".
While fellow NSW ski resort Perisher hasn't formally mentioned any changes to its snow play offering, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that tobogganing is currently prohibited there as well. If that's the case, it looks like you'll have to travel to interstate to get your tobogganing kicks this winter.
The ACT's Selwyn Snow Resort and Corin Forest, and Victorian ski resorts Mount Hotham and Falls Creek don't appear to have made any changes to their tobogganing and snow play policies.
Victoria's Mount Buller and Mount Stirling have gone one step further, confirming they won't be following Thredbo's lead. "Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management has no plans to ban tobogganing in existing authorised areas on Mt Buller or Mt Stirling," said the group's CEO, Mark Bennetts. "Tobogganing is a great family activity, and we look forward to welcoming all guests to our resorts to enjoy a day in the snow".