New huts proposed to offset Doolans Basin ski development

The man behind the mountain Turk huts is proposing two new huts to improve backcountry access to the Doolans/Wye Creek area as a reaction to proposed ski field expansion.

In an outline proposal, Erik Bradshaw has floated the idea of the huts, saying the costs would be carried by the Mountain Turk Club.

In a document sent to club members, Mr Bradshaw, outlines his thinking behind the plan.

"The expansion of The Remarkables Ski Area into the Doolans Basin changes one of New Zealand’s premier back-country ski areas into resort style skiing, depriving ski-tourers and snowboarders of an excellent and accessible backcountry destination.

"As compensation for loss of accessible terrain, the Mountain Turk Club proposes building a 12-20 bunk hut in either the Doolans or Wye Creek areas. A second smaller hut is proposed further south next to Lake Hope. The construction and maintenance will not require any government money and will be funded through club membership and community sponsorship. The Mountain Turk Club has a proven track record of building, installing and maintaining high mountain huts entirely funded by the community.

"The huts will be of year-round value for backcountry skiing, walking, climbing, exploring, astronomy, ice climbing as well as teaching/instruction. This project demonstrates a new approach for backcountry facilities and embraces modern design, community engagement and innovation from the government.

"This proposal will result in a win/win for both the Government and Remarkables Ski Area. It will become an important and popular community asset. The huts will be available for school use (the club doesn’t charge for school age children) and managed by a booking system."

Proposed hut locations.

The proposal goes on to suggest that multiple "Turks" could be built under a shared translucent roof.

"The huts will be a collection of “Turks” sheltering under a shared roof. This provides an ideal combination of shared communal/social space and smaller, more private sleeping spaces with each Turk sleeping 4-6 people. The larger hut at Wye/Doolans will consist of three or four Turks arranged in a semi-circle with cooking and social facilities in the middle. The smaller hut at Lake Hope will consist of 2 Turks with a sheltered space in between.

"The Turk design is a gravity-ballasted structure and has a proven track record in New Zealand and Antarctica. The Turks will be built in the Frankton area and lifted up by helicopter as complete units. This approach eliminates the environmental impact of construction in a fragile alpine environment."

"A separate toilet facility will be constructed with solid material being flown out."

Watch: Our 2020 Crux documentary on Erik Bradshaw and the Turk huts project.