Last updated 10Jun19
The Austin A40 ski tow at Mt Franklin
The Austin A40 ski tow is located 80m south-east down the path from the Mt Franklin trig in Namadgi National Park.
Location: GR 55H FA 61154-71611 (MGA94), Tidbinbilla 8627-2S 1:25000
Austin A40 ski tow
Visits: 16 Jan 16, 30 Apr 13, 16 Jan 10 1 May 10, 15 Mar 06
Documentation:
• Signage at site: ‘In keeping with the spirit of resourcefulness and ingenuity, club members used a car to power a ski tow. In 1965 this vehicle had been involved in a robbery and the ensuing police chase resulted in the car rolling. Minus its entire roof and windows it now had potential as a ski tow! With the rope running around one of the back wheels and with the pulley wheel attached to the lift poles, the A40 commenced operation. However, due to problems of gearing and power, together with vandalism, it soon fell into disuse. Today, nature is slowly reclaiming the Slalom Run. Through the process of ecological succession, pioneer species such as mountain wattles are revegetating the disturbed subalpine woodland. In time, the slow growing snow gums will emerge from the protection of the short-lived mountain wattles.’