Thredbo sparks outrage with tobogganing ban
Tobogganing increases the "risk of collision", the resort said. Photo: Chris Hocking
New South Wales ski resort Thredbo has banned tobogganing and associated “snow play” anywhere on its property this winter season, telling its guests the popular pastime is “very dangerous.”
In an announcement on its website, which sparked a backlash on social media today, Thredbo said to “maximise safety for guests, employees, and resort property” it had banned the activity.
“Thredbo acknowledges it is a favourite winter pastime, however it can also be very dangerous,” the statement said.
“An observed trend of guests is taking toboggans and miscellaneous snow sliding equipment onto ski runs has increased the risk of … collision with another sled, vehicle, skier or snowboarder, loss of control of the equipment, falling off of the equipment; and collision with natural and man-made objects.”
It also announced the ban includes other “miscellaneous snow sliding equipment” associated with “snow play.”
Author Nikki Gemmell was among those who took to social media to question the resort’s motives.
Many questioned the difference between tobogganing and skiing or snowboarding.
Is there a money motive to the #Thredbo ban on tobogganing? As a mum of four, it was the only snow activity that didn't break the bank. It was joy, pure (free) joy, for the entire family. Now there's no choice to pay a fortune for the very expensive skiing and snowboarding
— Nikki Gemmell (@NikkiGemmell) May 30, 2018
The resort, a five-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney, said the ban applied to all members of the public, staff, sub-lessees and volunteers.
“No enquiries will be entertained from toboggan or miscellaneous snow sliding equipment users,” it said.
“All staff play a role in the implementation of this policy and subsequent elimination of these risks to our guests.”
The ABC has contacted the resort for clarification on the ban.