ROCK AND PILLAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26749, 19 April 1948, Page 4

ROCK AND PILLAR

- SKI TOW INSTALLED UNIVERSITY CLUB’S EFFORT Intended to make the ski-ing grounds at the Rock and Pillar even more attractive to Dunedin enthusiasts, a portable ski tow was installed at Big Gully, which is about a mile and a-half from the skiers’ hut on top of the range, during the week-end by members of the Otago University Ski Club. As a member of the club told the Daily Times last night: “The Otago Ski Club members, who, with us, are the main users of the Rock and Pillar grounds, provided a new hut, so the tow is our contribution. The new tow is 750 feet long and, unlike the bigger one at Coronet Peak, can be moved about from one slope to another if necessary. The eight horsepower motor is fixed to a sledge at the bottom of the slope and at the top a tripod is set. Ski-iers travelling to the top have to grip the moving rope as there are no rests or straps provided. By means of the tow they will be able •to enjoy many more downhill runs in a day, and it should give a great fillip to the sport. The season generally begins on the King s Birthday, and it is hoped to have the tow in full operation by that date. The grounds at the Rock and Pillar are the nearest easily accessible ones to Dunedin and in recent years the sport has become increasingly popular Before the war small parties of Dunedin ski-iers went regularly to Rock and Pillar, but at that time there was only a small hut at the bottom of the slopes and it was necessary to return from the ski-ing grounds each night. Three years ago, however, the Otago Ski Club built a large hut at the top of the range and it is now possible to stay there for the weeken, That advantage, together now with the provision of a ski tow. makes the Rock and Pillar an attractive resort for a growing band of enthusiasts. In the University club alone there are about 70 active members. A hut is being built at the Rock and Pillar to house the tow equipment during the summer months.