Lind Lodge (Ski Hut)
Known as Lind Lodge or the Ski Hut or Lind Ski Lodge. Destroyed by Fire January 2020.
Located between Corryong and Omeo
GPS Location is
History
SKI HUT was built in 1951 as a Ski Lodge for locals. The Upper Murray Ski Club was formed that year. Much of the club's early skiing took place at what was known as The Six Mile Plateau on Crown land off the Nariel Pinnibar logging road. Tom Mitchell (from Corryong and his wife were the Australian Ski Champions at the time) was a critical influence in securing permission to erect a club hut on this site in 1951. The hut was named Lind Lodge in appreciation of the Minister for Forests, Sir Albert Lind, who approved its construction.
Corryong timber mill proprietor Julia Hale, who was a keen patron of the club, provided the local hardwood free of charge. The hut was built by club members on weekends over a period of several weeks. On completion it provided shelter and overnight accommodation in bunk beds.
Once the construction of the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme was completed, memberships declined. In 1968 the Upper Murray Ski Club was still financial, yet sold Lind Lodge to the Forests Commission, who maintained it as overnight accommodation for forestry workers until the mid-1980s. Although deteriorated somewhat, it was then made available for general use as a public hut.
The hut was more recently maintained by volunteers from the Victorian High Country Huts Association, and DELWP had improved the campsite with toilets and firepits.
Construction
Corryong timber mill proprietor Julia Hale, who was a keen patron of the club, provided the local hardwood free of charge. The hut was built by club members on weekends over a period of several weeks.
References
John Mitchell - Pers Comm.