Ski Hut or Lind Lodge
Known as Lind Lodge originally or the Ski Hut or Lind Ski Lodge. It was destroyed by Fire January 2020. However a new hut was built to replace it.
Located between Corryong and Omeo about one hour south of Corryong. It is on Scrubby Creek Track about 2 kilometres west of Dunstan's Logging Rd. Accessible by 2WD mostly.
GPS Location
3D Imagery
Of the new hut is provided by the VHCHA and is available here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=9CQBHdv5F6a
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, Minister for Forests, who approved its construction.
Once the lodge was completed, it provided bunk bed style shelter for overnight stays.
At its peak in the mid 1960s the lodge membership grew to between 150 and 200 members. This was due to the large number of people who worked on the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme during this period.
When the scheme was completed, the hut’s membership declined, and the Forests Commission took over the management of the lodge. It was then used to accommodate forestry workers until the mid-1980s.
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. Camping is now welcome but for a small number - there is not enough room for larger groups. Anyone can access it, when you request.
Maintenance
The hut was more recently maintained by volunteers from the Victorian High Country Huts Association, and the Forestry Commission 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.
DWELP https://www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/camping/ski-hut