Prior to the formation of the Alpine Resorts Commission (ARC) in 1983, Victoria’s snowfields were managed by a conglomerate of competing government agencies including the Victorian Railways, National Parks Service, Lands Department, State Electricity Commission and the Forests Commission Victoria.
The Forests Commission first developed a substantial interest in the development of Mt Buller as a major ski field from the early 1940s. The challenge of establishing roads, communications, water and sewerage, accommodation and other services in a remote location was well suited to its experience and skills. The road to the Mt Stirling ski fields was built by the FCV in the 1940s.
Downhill skiing at Mt Baw Baw and snow play as well as cross country skiing at Mt Donna Buang, Mt Erica, Mt Stirling, Mt Wills and Lake Mountain near Marysville were also administered directly by the Commission, or through their Committees of Management.
Photo: Hugh Brown, District Forester, Mansfield on skis. https://www.highcountryhistory.org.au/
https://www.victoriasforestryheritage.org.au/community/recreation/555-above-the-snowline.html
Victoria’s Forests & Bushfire Heritage 