Dear Biathlon Family,

Snow Farming and Drainage improvements

Big shout out to the legendary Paul Connor and Greg O’Donohue for taking on range improvements at the Australian Biathlon Arena at Whiskey Flat, Mt Hotham.  The Board has generously contributed considerable funds to this project and look forward to investing further funds in the future.

Below is an excellent update from Paul:

The less than ideal winter season in 2024 highlighted areas for improvement at the Range that would assist in better snow retention and drainage of low lying areas where the snow melts away and creates mini lakes.

Greg O'Donoghue is our resident expert on snow farming and snow retention techniques and has been busy opening existing drain lines to extend the reach of the drain pipes. This is mostly unseen over winter when we get a good coverage of snow.

Greg does this work mostly unfunded over the summer periods and scrimps and scrapes resources such as obsolete pipes and timber to get snow fencing erected. Greg is by far the most valuable and passionate volunteer we have in the Hotham resort. 

Greg is also supported by Steve Gribble from the Summer works crew for Hotham in getting projects moving forward.

Biathlon Australia recognises the benefits of appropriate snow fences and to this end is providing financial assistance to purchase much needed materials to get snow fencing and  drainage done  as we head into the 2025 season.

Also, we’ve had the mobile light tower in the workshop for a service and repairs so as to have the possibility of running a few night time sprints if conditions are good enough

May the snow gods of 2025 be generous to all of us.  See you up there

Paul Connor

Range Manager