Mt Hotham Falls Creek News - 01/07/2021

JULY ISSUE, 2021

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He’s only two, but Ollie just loves to board BEING born and bred on the mountains comes with some perks...just ask Ollie Howard.

The two year old had his first snowboard experience last season, and already Ollie is starting to find his feet on his own snowboard at Falls Creek this season.

Of course, it helps when your father is a snowboard instructor.

More on Ollie and his family on page 8.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

FALLS HISTORY P2,3 Mountain identities add their voices to preserve history

$3M SNOW BOOST P6 State Government backs more snowmaking for Dinner Plain

Steve’s fightback Aussie ski legend’s return to slopes part of ongoing recovery from stroke

By BELINDA HARRISON

HOTHAM JOY P11 Briony Johnson shares her love of terrain park and free riding

index ALPINE REAL ESTATE P14 CHAMBER CHAT

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OPENING weekend at Falls Creek helped mark a significant step in Australian ski legend Steve Lee’s ongoing recovery from a debilitating stroke, with the three-time Winter Olympian and World Cup alpine race winner back on the slopes, in a sit-ski.

With the assistance of Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) instructor Charlie Evans and resort co-ordinator Ken Payne, and in the company of family and friends, Steve had several runs down familiar terrain at his home resort, and remains determined to get more time on the snow this season.

“It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, it’s not what I thought I would be doing… but at least I’m in the mountains and with mates,” he said.

Steve’s sister Kerry Dodd said getting back to the mountain he loves and inspiring the next generation of ski enthusiasts has been a focus, but first he had a lot of work to do to even achieve this.

The stroke Steve suffered in September last year left him without movement down the left side of his body, a left neglect affecting his vision and significant cognitive function.

The up side is his speech is great and so is his sense of humour.

“He had (and still has) a lot of work to do and this initial period is seen as the most crucial in improvement and recovery,” Kerry said.

“Steve currently needs 24/7 care and that may be ongoing.

“The renovations to the house in Mt Beauty that the donations through the Australian Sports Federation (ASF) secured for him earlier this year are still some time away from completion, ready for him to move in.

“He is living in a supported unit in Albury and has multiple sessions Monday to Friday which have provided great gain, but fatigues him immensely.”

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Continued page 2

ON THE SLOPES: Steve Lee in the sit-ski with Falls Creek Racing Club former president Riley Scott on opening weekend at Falls Creek.

PAGE 2 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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The making of the mountain: Oral histories from Falls Creek legends/pioneers a welcome addition at Falls Creek Museum

F

alls Creek has long been known as a snow bunny’s paradise, but its origins are thanks to the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and the Kiewa electrical scheme.

The scheme started in the Kiewa River following World War II on land previously only used for summer cattle grazing in the alpine grasslands.

The first ski lodge, named Skyline, was built by workers from the electrical scheme in 1947; the lift - a rope tow was built in 1951 and in 1957 Australia’s first chairlift was constructed.

The Falls Creek Post Office opened in 1958 but they had to wait until 1964 before they had anything more than just telegraph and telephone facilities.

To commemorate the people who made the mountain, and who continue to contribute to its success, volunteers from the Falls Creek Museum are working on a project which documents the memories and lives of these local identities.

Chairperson of the Falls Creek Historical Society and unofficial curator of the museum, Karen Smythe, said the project, whose working title is ‘Oral histories of Falls Creek’, was started a few years ago by former ski patroller, John McDonald.

“John had put together

BY BELINDA HARRISON bharrison@ nemedia.com.au

short videos of an annual ski patrol event in Falls Creek to remember Alex Warender, a ski patroller who had an accident many years ago,” Karen said.

“He (John) presented the museum with a copy of one such video, we got talking and he offered to obtain some oral histories of a few Falls Creek legends/pioneers to start a collection of stories on video.

“I put a post out on Facebook asking people to nominate who they felt should be interviewed and from that, we compiled a list and we hope to get to everyone on it eventually.

“So far we have seven videos made by John and an eighth interview was completed a couple of weeks ago with help from Chris Hocking.

“The interviews are married up with archival footage from the museum to really bring the stories and memories to life.”

Karen’s passion for the project, the historical society, museum and the mountain itself is evident, having initiated the museum's restoration when she moved to Falls Creek in 2015.

“When we first moved here I saw there was a mu-

AUSSIE HISTORY: Uniforms worn by athletes who have represented Australia and Falls Creek specifically at Winter Olympics are among items on display at the Falls Creek Museum (inset). PHOTOS: Karen Smythe

seum in town and thought I could volunteer one day a week,” she said.

“I got in touch with thencommittee members Diana Patterson and the late Lyn Gibbs and found out that the museum was closed as it had had to move from its previous premises.

“Falls Creek Resort Management had given the museum a new space but everything was in boxes.

“I felt that the village needed a museum to preserve

and share the wonderful history so I started cataloguing the collection and put together some working bees to establish the space.”

Karen’s passion rubbed off on other locals and by 2016, a community-built museum had been re-established.

A total of eight volunteers are now on the committee and a rotating roster of 10 volunteers work in the museum during the winter months.

In an attempt to engage with a cross-section of ages,

the museum and historical society welcome tour groups and school students to visit any time during the year, with volunteers available to take them through the museum and highlight the numerous interesting items.

“There’s a lot to see including the history of Falls Creek at Wallace Hut on the High Plains, down to Bogong Village, displays of the first lodge, Olympic skis and outfits from people who

have represented Australia and Falls Creek specifically at the Winter Olympics,” Karen said.

“We even have a chair off the first ski lift in the Southern Hemisphere.

“We try and change the displays every couple of years, so there's always something new for returning visitors and first time visitors to enjoy.”

Continued page 3

Steve’s return to slopes part of ongoing recovery from stroke Ŷ

From page 1

In the past couple of weeks, Steve’s physio has signed off on him being able to walk independently inside his unit, as long as he uses a foot brace and walking stick and does so when he is not too tired.

Kerry said how often and how long Steve can be in the sit-ski is a real balancing act.

“He loves being in the sit-ski but the nature of it tires him out and renders traditional therapies (physio, occupational and speech for example) useless until he’s feeling focused,” she said.

BACK HOME: Steve Lee (above), and with his mum Noelene, sister Kerry and DWA instructor Charlie Evans at Falls Creek on opening weekend.

“It really is a double-edged sword.

“The joy he gets from being here, balanced with the fatigue.

“We are guided by his therapy team in Albury and the specialists from DWA (Disabled Wintersport Australia) who monitor Steve’s fatigue on the hill and adjust what he can handle and how often, but at this stage we hope to have him out there every second weekend, and ideally if not this season into the future - upright.”

The ‘Steve Lee Fightback’ GoFundMe page currently sits at $110,000 and Kerry said that the love and support for Steve had

Mt Hotham Falls Creek News Est. 1997

Serious about targeting the ski industry this Winter?

JULY ISSUE, 2020

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inside

DINNER PLAIN JOY P3 Enjoy Australia’s longest tobogganing run on Cobungra Flat Slope

A WELCOMED WINTER: Scarlett Gavin, 7, Camilla Perry, 4, and Leo Gavin, 3, enjoy a day in the snow at Falls Creek on an unusually quiet Queen’s Birthday weekend.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

OLYMPIC DREAMS P4 Brianna doing the hard yards pursuing cross country skiing

SEASON SAVIOUR P11 Falls Creek lodge comes to rescue for stranded Zimbabwean cricketer

index

Fitness tips

P3

Shuttle service

P9

We’ve got our season THE ski season that almost never was is finally here but those revelling in our local winter wonderlands will have to do things a little differently in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

For Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, the 2019 season marked the start of a new era with an exciting $179 million deal that saw the mountains taken under the wing of Vail Resorts.

But the 2020 season is sure to write its own chapter in the history book for being the one where it only just survived a global pandemic.

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It’s different, but still mountains of fun to enjoy

BY ASHLEIGH PILES apiles@ nemedia.com.au

Ski mountains are special places and usually, at this time of year there would be thousands of visitors making themselves at home, but a shortened season and heightened social distancing restrictions will limit numbers and activities - but not the fun.

The start of the

coronavirus pandemic had almost everyone in the Alpine Shire sweating the start of the pending ski season and as months went by, it looked more and more unlikely to happen.

The mercury plummeted at the start of May and as a wintry blast surged through the Alps, locals and those watching from afar felt a new sense of worry.

Mount Hotham received a once-in-a-decade autumn

dump of more than 80cm of fresh snow, with some of the snowdrifts over a metre deep

by May 1.

The mercury dropped to a low of -4.2C on the mountain on the Sunday morning, almost 4C below average.

More than 30cm of snow fell on Dinner Plain while Mount Buffalo turned into a white sea with 16cm of fresh snow falling on the empty mountain.

But with the Mount

Buffalo and Alpine National parks still closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, people could only enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks from afar.

Closer to Bright, with snowfall as low as 900 metres, locals took the opportunity to admire a snow-capped Mount Porepunkah up close unsure of when the chance to get up to Falls and Hotham would arrive.

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Continued page 2

LARGEST RANGE OF SKI BOOTS IN AUS U Õ>À> Ìii` VÕÃÌ L Ì wÌÌ } LÞ «À viÃà > Þ ÌÀ> i` L Ì wÌÌiÀà U 7 À à « Ü Ì iÜ 7 ÌiÀÃÌi }iÀ iÀVÕÀÞ ÃiÀÛ V } U >à ] ÌiV V> ÕÌiÀÜi>À E >VViÃà À ià U Ài ÃiÀÛ Vi V `i E Ì ÕÀ } }i>À U } - Ü > Ã

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been overwhelming.

“We are so lucky to live in Australia and have the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and that Steve put out so much over the years and that is now being returned to him in his time of need,” she said.

Donations will help with Steve’s ongoing additional therapy, exercise programs, an NDIS approved vehicle and daily expenses.

For those wanting to contribute, go to the Australian Sport Federation (http://bit.ly/SLFightback), or the GoFundMe page (GoFundMe.com/ steveleefightback).

NEXT EDITION: August 2021 Booking deadline: July 15, 2021 GROUP EDITOR: Jeff Zeuschner ADVERTISING: Jenny Zamperoni EDITORIAL: Jeff Zeuschner ADVERTISING SALES EMAIL: jking@nemedia.com.au Telephone 0427 495 309 EDITORIAL EMAIL: JZeuschner@nemedia.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd at the registered office, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.

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Telephone: (03) 5723 0100 YOUR NEWS: Contributed articles, news, artwork and color photographs from readers are most welcome.

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Photos courtesy of Mt Hotham Ski Company & Falls Creek Resort Management.

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 3

keeping Falls’ history alive Ŷ

From page 2

The 10 to 12 minute films for the oral history project will also be available for viewing in the museum via an iPad once they are completed and they will complement the videos and photos they already have playing on digital screens.

“It is all part of recording valuable history but also providing a new media format to attract a younger demographic to the museum,” said Karen “We don’t really have an end date (for the project) as there are so many people to interview who have amazing stories.

“As long as John has the energy and the desire to keep interviewing we will keep doing so.

“He is doing all of this pro bono in support for the museum, which we are so grateful for.”

With each interviewee having a different perspective of Falls Creek and village life, the stories vary, however they are all united in one common theme: their love for the village.

Long time Falls Creek resident and current fire chief at the Falls Creek CFA, Rock DeMarchi, has had many jobs throughout his time on the mountain but is perhaps most well-known by the locals for his instrumental

defence of the village in the 2003 bushfires.

Editor of This Week in Falls Creek newspaper, Ken Bell, has lived in Mt Beauty and worked on the hill for more than 40 years and was happy to share how the newspaper started.

“The paper was a way to let staff know what was happening in the village so they could let the guests know,” Karen explained.

The Lee family - whose surname is famous in Falls Creek and the various arms of the ski industry - have also taken part in the project.

Noelene and her husband ran Attunga Lodge for many years, and their children Kerry, Steve and Tracey have all had careers in the ski industry; Tracey was a junior racer, Steve represented Australia in the Olympics and Kerry is an accomplished ski instructor and teacher and still works at Falls Creek.

Three of the next generation of Lees are also working on the mountain during winter.

George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962 and built the original Koki Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds.

He graduated in the early days of sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter

TRAILBLAZER: George Shirling, an early pioneer of Falls Creek, still has the deed to his first lodge and has taken part in the museum’s project.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

Olympic team who went to Albertville, France, in 1992.

Others who have been interviewed include former Pretty Valley Lodge owner and operator John Steven; Lyn Greene who now runs the post office and is a former lodge owner; and Ron McCallum, who was an early designer and builder of the ski lifts.

The Falls Creek Museum

ROAD SAFETY BEGINS WITH YOUR TYRES No matter how many safety features your vehicle has, it’s the tyres that determine how it drives and handles on snow and ice.

and Historical Society is keeping an eye out for available grants to assist them with the oral history project, but would like to hear from anyone who can help them with other digitisation projects or volunteer at the museum over the winter months.

“In the past we have been successful with grants for a heritage and environmental walk, a digital walk featuring

the primary school children and an honour board for Falls Creek residents who served in the forces, although that is yet to be realised, and we have future projects planned including the publishing of Skippy St Elmo’s diaries,” said Karen.

“Skippy was the first woman of Falls Creek and has an amazing story to share.”

The museum and historical society are always looking for new members as well as memorabilia related to Falls Creek and their AGM will be held on July 24, with anyone welcome to attend.

The Falls Creek Museum is located in Slalom Street and is open 11am to 3pm Tuesday to Sunday - phone (03) 5758 1200.

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PAGE 4 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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Mt Hotham freshens up image as ‘peak’ experience for visitors MT HOTHAM Resort Management Board (RMB) has appointed Victorian ski industry veteran Katie Bowker as senior manager marketing and communications.

With a career that includes marketing roles at Mt Buller and Tourism North East, Ms Bowker is bringing energy and fresh ideas to the marketing of Mt Hotham as a destination.

“It’s time to refresh the image of Mt Hotham, and we’re going to be focusing on Hotham’s ‘peak’ attributes,” she said.

“We’re at the top of a mountain, we offer experiences that you can’t have anywhere else in Victoria, and we want to share it with the world!”

Mt Hotham is the only alpine resort in the southern hemisphere that is located at a mountain’s summit, and the only resort where you can literally step out of your car, into your skis, and head off down a run.

Ms Bowker said that the RMB is particularly keen to promote the benefits of visit-

ing in non-peak times, such as mid-week (more space on the groomers!) and the Spring period.

“Spring is a particularly great time to ride at Hotham, with warmer temperatures but a significant snow base, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who likes to ride in a t-shirt,” she said.

Spring is also when venues throw open their outdoor areas, allowing lunch and apres in the sun while watching the action on the slopes.

Ms Bowker encourages anyone thinking about a snow escape to book in advance, as regulars have been keen to get back to riding after a shortened 2020 season and accommodation is filling up.

“The midweek period is a good one, if you’re able to take a few days off, as the lift queues are shorter and you can squeeze in even more runs to get you onto the Hotham leaderboard,” she said.

For more information about what is happening at Mt Hotham, check the website: www.mthotham.com.au

Volunteer guides are welcome TO support Mt Hotham resort’s accessible ethos, Disabled Wintersports $XVWUDOLD ZLOO DJDLQ RIIHU WKHLU PHPEHUV D UDQJH RI VHUYLFHV LQFOXGLQJ YRO unteer guides, specialised adaptive equipment, discounted lift tickets and GLVDELOLW\ VSHFLILF LQIRUPDWLRQ IRU YLVLWLQJ WKH PRXQWDLQ These programs are run with significant community support, including RMB and Lift Co, and the Mt Hotham community. :KLOVW WKH SURJUDP SURYLGHV DQ LQFUHGLEOH RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU GLIIHUHQW O\ DEOHG VNLHUV DQG ERDUGHUV PRUH KHOS LV DOZD\V QHHGHG ([SHULHQFHG VNLHUV DQG ERDUGHUV ORRNLQJ IRU D QHZ ZD\ WR H[SORUH WKH mountain, help others and make new friends are encouraged to consider being a volunteer guide, by contacting Philip Knight on 0412 270 764.

Traverse Hotham’s Villages Traverse TRAVERSE Hotham is launching a new tour for the 2021 season – the “Villages 7UDYHUVHµ D IXOO GD\ H[SHULHQFH IRU DGXOWV and children over the age of 12 years.

Regular participants of the annual “Pub to Pub” cross country ski race already know the start from either Hotham or Dinner Plain and showshoe to the other village, enjoying the snowgum forests, open grassy plains and wetland bogs of national significance.

Included is a hearty gourmet lunch with locally sourced ingredients and snacks, VQRZVKRHV KLUH DQG EXV WUDQVIHU UHWXUQ WR VWDUW

$YDLODEOH )ULGD\V DQG 6XQGD\V VXEMHFW WR VXIILFLHQW VQRZ

Reminder about tyre chains in resort RECENT changes to legislation have created some confusion about the use of snow tyres in the Mt Hotham resort during winter.

While visitors can fit snow tyres, they still must be able to fit chains if directed within the Mt Hotham resort. $OO YHKLFOHV PXVW FDUU\ GLDPRQG pattern chains when entering the resort. $OO YHKLFOHV PXVW ILW GLDPRQG pattern chains as directed by ‘fit chains’ signage.

([HPSWLRQV IRU ILWWLQJ FKDLQV LH :' H[HPSWLRQ DUH GHWHUPLQHG E\ road conditions on an ongoing basis. )LWWLQJ ZLQWHU VQRZ W\UHV GRHV QRW negate the requirement to carry or fit chains as directed.

Some vehicles cannot be fitted with chains so we encourage guests to FKHFN WKLV EHIRUH WUDYHOOLQJ VR WKDW DOWHU nate resort access can be arranged.

For more information please check the Hotham website.

Events are returning to Falls Creek this month JULY will see the return of events and activities to Falls Creek.

From Tuesday, July 6 kids (and big kids) can enjoy children’s activities, fire pits and marshmallow toasting at the weekly Twilight Tuesday event.

Taking place in the village bowl the event is free and may even get a very special visit from Pete the Snow Dragon!

For those still on a sugar high and looking to burn energy Falls Creek is

pleased to be the host venue for the 2021 Snow Australia School Nordic Competition.

Taking place on the trails in and around the Nordic Bowl courses will be amended for each age group.

The Schools Cross Country Nordic Event is open to all schools in Australia and all ski levels.

Entry fee is $45 to participate which includes entry into the Schools Cross Country Freestyle/Classic event, with an

option for competitors to separately attend a following short period of biathlon instruction and a Schools Biathlon Event.

The biathlon event is organised by Biathlon East Australia and the Telemark Nordic Ski Club at Falls Creek.

To register head to Snow Australia at snow.org.au SPECIAL GUEST: Pete the Snow Dragon (left) may pop in for the Twilight Tuesday event at Falls Creek’s village bowl.

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 5

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PAGE 6 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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$3m boost for Dinner Plain snowmaking DINNER Plain’s snowmaking capabilities will be significantly bolstered through a $3 million State Government funding injection.

Attorney General and Northern Victorian upper house MP Jaclyn Symes confirmed the support for the Dinner Plain Snowmaking project last month.

The project is being funded under the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund - Stimulus Round.

Ms Symes said the project will see the installation of new snowmaking infrastructure at Dinner Plain that will enable consistent snow levels to be maintained during periods of low snow fall, creating a predictable and extended snow play season from midJune to late-September.

She said the project will “significantly boost the local Dinner Plain economy, enhance the liveability for residents and visitors and strengthen the resilience of the community”.

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring our region has the support it needs to move beyond last year’s challenges and thrive into the future, helping to make it an even better place to live, work, visit and invest,” Ms Symes added.

“This project will mean even more to locals in the future and we are working hard now to deliver improved facilities and provide the much-needed economic boost our state needs.”

Alpine Shire Council, which administers Din-

ner Plain village, advocated strongly for the funding and is delighted with the ongoing support from the government.

“It is gratifying to see this advocacy continue to pay off and all levels of government recognising how vital these key projects are to the future of the region,” a council spokesperson said.

“This project will help us shore up snow supply from mid-June to late-September, supporting spring toboganning and establishing Dinner Plain as the country’s premier family-friendly snow destination.

“Since the 2019/20 bushfires, council has received $10 million in funding, advocating for key infrastructure to support local communities to recover and thrive.”

MORE SNOWMAKING: Dinner Plain visitors will benefit from a $3 million State Government grant for more snowmaking capabilities.

PHOTO: Nathan Fenton

Cobungra Platter slope has a dual purpose DINNER Plain has reshaped 2021 operations on its ski run to bring bigger thrills and a higher quality of product to its overall snowplay offering.

The Cobungra Platter slope is this season operating as a lift-accessed ski slope in the mornings from 9am to 1pm, changing to a dedicated toboggan run in the afternoons, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Nathan Fenton, Dinner Plain marketing and events manager, said by opening up ski terrain

to afternoon sliding, Dinner Plain now offers a slope that measures almost 100 metres long, making it the country’s longest and steepest toboggan run and supported by full snowmaking and grooming operations.

“Dinner Plain now boasts two dedicated toboggan runs, daily lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding and 35kms of groomed cross country ski trails,” he said.

“Unlike other resorts, we don’t charge for entry either.”

Resorts work their way through COVID challenges ALPINE Health is running COVID testing clinics on the mountains.

An appointment is required for both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek clinics, which are open for one hour only, from 11am until noon.

At Mt Hotham the clinic is located next to the village’s medical clinic - to book call 0457 429 175.

The Falls Creek clinic is located next to the Gully chairlift - to book call 0457 422 756.

Residents and staff of both resorts have been told that they must get tested immediately - even if they have been tested recently - should they feel unwell or at the first sign of even very mild symptoms, including fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

“If you have symptoms, get tested at the Mt Hotham or Falls Creek testing clinics or one of the local Alpine Health testing clinics in Bright or Mt Beauty,” a statement from Alpine Health advised.

“Return home immediately and isolate until you get your tests results.”

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER and BELINDA HARRISON

TESTING TIMES: Paige Whelan and Grace McKerral are part of the COVID-19 team at Mt Hotham, with a third person to start this month.

IT’S great to see Melbourne visitors able to rejoin the rest of Victoria visiting our North East alpine resorts of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

The school holidays are critical to ski industry operators and while some COVID restrictions still limit capacity, to see visitation and occupancy as high as it can be is a positive step forward for all concerned.

We can only hope the rollercoaster ride thrown up by COVID’s ongoing challenges are less bumpy in the months ahead and that Mother Nature will step up and start pumping out the natural snowfalls.

At the time of going to press at the end of June the Victorian Government was continuing to recommend that residents of metropolitan Melbourne heading to an alpine resort have a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing Melbourne, or after departing Melbourne but before arriving at the resort, and have received a negative test result.

The government said testing is not required for children under 12 years (unless they’re displaying COVID-19 symptoms).

When this was introduced initially as mandatory for a period in mid-June, it blind-

sided operators and according to Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli, caused confusion, anger and last minute cancellations across the Alpine region and dealt a further blow to the resorts, who had already lost much of their opening weekend business to the snap lockdown and restrictions preventing Melburnians to travel.

“It’s not fair to put these kinds of restraints on (only) Victorian ski resorts - we have done everything requested of us right the way though and have had zero infections regionally,” he said.

“We have an excellent good governmentapproved COVID-safe plan which was developed last year and fine tuned this year and we have worked closely the whole way through with the DHHS and DELWP.” Mr Belli said opening weekend had been stronger than expected after the extension of the Melbourne lockdown as regional and even some interstate visitors took the opportunity to snap up accommodation.

“The bottom line is that we’re open for business and ready for visitors to come and enjoy what we have to offer,” he said.

“You can rest assured we are a COVIDsafe place and we are compliant in every aspect and are the safest resorts in the world given the requirements prior to entry.”

Falls Creek Medical Centre Winter Consultation Hours Daily 10 am to 12 noon and 2.00 to 5.00pm

Due to Infection Control recommendations, no-one will be allowed entry into the Medical Centre without liaising first with the practice.

Please phone 03 5758 3238 to organise your appointment.

Email enquiries@mbmc.com.au Web www.mbmc.com.au This is a private trauma clinic and general practice. Fee for service will apply.

This practice is fully Accredited by Quality Practice Accreditation Pty Ltd and staffed by fully qualified Rural Medical Practitioners

Falls Medical

Creek Centre

Bogong High Plains Road, Falls Creek 3699 Phone (03) 5758 3238

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 7

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PAGE 8 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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Loving the mountain life

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

ZAC Howard considers himself one of the lucky ones, calling Falls Creek home.

The Falls Creek Snowsport School snowboard instructor has been working on-mountain since 2011, and in 2017 he and partner Andge Maiuto, who works for the lift company, made the decision to make Falls Creek their home all year round.

Now with their two year old son Ollie, the family couldn’t be happier with the move.

“We just love everything about the mountain life,” said Zac. “We love the community and we love being outdoors.

“There are probably around 70 people who live all year round in the village, but during the ski season, with the influx of thousands of people, you barely see one another because winter is so busy.”

This season, despite some interruptions, Zac said it had been a full-on start.

And he hopes it continues for the remainder of the season.

“It’s really enjoyable being an instructor,” he said.

“I get to teach people of all abilities, and hopefully there will be some race coaching also.

“Being able to show people a good time and improve their skills provides alot of satisfaction.

“You want people to share in a good experience.”

LOVING THE LIFE: Zac Howard and Andge Maiuto, together with their son Ollie, love living at Falls Creek all year round.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

Zac reckons Falls is perfect for snowboarding, and while he enjoys the terrain park, his favourite past time is getting into untouched snow among the trees.

“People may be surprised at how good some of tree skiing/snowboarding is, particularly up off the Eagle Chair,” he said.

“Being able to get out early after fresh falls is the best.”

One of Zac’s greatest joys is

teaching Ollie to snowboard.

He had his first experience on a board last season, and this year the two year old is up and running.

“He is very good at straight gliding, but we want to get him onto his heels by the end of the season, and then turning next season,” said Zac. Outside of winter, you’re likely to see Zac and family on their mountain bikes and walking the trails, making

the most of their environment.

“I work at Howman’s Gap during the summer so that keeps me outdoors,” he said.

“We also started up Mountain Ventures some years ago, doing trips into Vietnam and Nepal, although that was scaled back to just tours to Japan.

“We managed to get a tour in at the start of last year but not this year,” he said.

Donations give mountain CFA brigades some life-saving gear GENERGOUS community donations from the 2019/20 bushfires will fund more than 400 defibrillators for CFA brigades, including those at Mt Hotham/ Dinner Plain and Falls Creek.

Thanks to the donations, the CFA and Brigades Donations Trust is allocating $1.04m to purchase the important life-saving equipment which improves the safety of both firefighters and community members at incidents.

The new 426 defibrillators will bring CFA’s total to more than 1700 across the state, ensuring every group vehicle has a defibrillator and every brigade has at least one vehicle with a defibrillator.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it’s important members are prepared if a cardiac emergency occurs.

“Defibrillators save lives – it’s that simple,” he said.

“We have seen our members use them in some emergency situations recently and the early intervention has saved their lives.

“Donations from the community have made these additional defibrillators possible, and we are so grateful and humbled by their support.”

The rollout of the 426 defibrillators is expected to be complete in early July.

EARLY SEASON CELEBRATION: Members of the Hotham Ski Association (HSA) gathered at Snow Monkey's retail store in Collingwood last month for an pre-ski season celebration. HSA president Jon Hutchins said Snow Monkey - which also has an outlet at Hotham - is a great supporter of the association. “All the Mt Hotham lodges (48) are association members, representing around 1260 families, and the support we get from businesses such as Snow Monkey allow us to do some research and other activities for members,” he said. “This includes supporting volunteer organisations such as the DWA (Disabled Wintersports Australia), Volunteer Ski Patrol and CFA.” Pictured are DJ Eddy (left) and HSA committee member Greg Price at the event.

ENJOYING OPENING WEEKEND FALLS: Falls Creek locals Jessie Neale (front) and Alex Pankiw (pictured left) were delighted to see up to a foot of fresh snow blanketing the resort over opening weekend, allowing the approximate 1500 to 2000 visitors to enjoy first runs on a number of intermediate terrain. It was a similar story at Mt Hotham where skiers such as Drew Jolowicz (right) were able to get first runs.

PHOTOS: Chris Hocking

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 9

PAGE 10 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 11

Terrain park all in a day’s work Briony’s passion is free riding

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

BRIONY Johnson loves to snowboard.

She’s been doing it since she was three, happily carrying her board out of Mt Hotham’s Jalanga Ski Lodge, which decades on, she is managing this season.

“It feels like home, having spent so much of my childhood there with my parents,” she said with a cheeky grin.

“I just love being up at Mt Hotham.

“I reckon as a snowboarder, it’s just the best mountain, with such a variety of terrain.”

And terrain is something this semi-professional snowboarder certainly knows about.

Her main job this season, as it has been for three previous seasons, is working as one of six crew members at the Mt Hotham Terrain Park.

“I really love it...I’m an expert at shovelling snow... we do a lot of that, farming snow from one area to another to help provide the best cover possible,” she enthused, shovel in hand, knee deep in the white stuff.

“We’ve been really busy so far this season...our main focus has been on the little park at the rear deck of the

Hotham Hotel, but with more snow falling we’ll have the main terrain park opened.

“It runs almost the full length of the Summit Chair and caters for all abilities with its ramps, jump lines, boxed features and big and small rails.

“We help prepare and maintain all the features for use in the park, managing the day to day operations.

“It varies from shovelling snow from one area to another to roping off areas, putting up signage, and also ensuring safety in the terrain park, which includes making sure users abide by the alpine safety rules.”

While Briony enjoys the park, free riding is where it’s at for this talented snowboarder.

“I’ve been doing free ride competitions for the last few years in New Zealand and Japan,” she said.

“Free riding doesn’t have the same profile as freestyle, boardercross, slopestyle or alpine racing, but I just love it because of the creativity involved.

“I can see it growing in popularity.”

For the uninitiated, free riding takes place on uninhibited steep mountain faces, with no set courses and no time limits.

FREE RIDING: A QUICK INSIGHT RIDERS are judged on five criteria.

Difficulty of Line It’s all about the path chosen down the mountain. What’s the danger factor, how unique, imaginative, is the route and does it tickle people’s imagination?

Control This is key in big-mountain riding. Possess it and you’re golden but lose it and you can die.

Fluidity This is all about rewarding those who can ride from start to finish with no hesitation, no stoppage and no confusion. It’s all about flow.

Jumps For many, this is what makes freeride competitions so exciting, because nothing is man-made. Style and aggression play a part, as do the height, what happens in the air and the landing.

Technique Judges will ask themselves if a control issue occurred because of a lack of technique but otherwise, if a rider is in control, they can have their own technique and won’t be penalised.

ALL SMILES: Briony Johnson just loves being at Mt Hotham, working at the terrain park, managing a lodge and getting out snowboarding at every opportunity.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

“Basically you have to study the face and choose your lines to make the best impression on the descent,” explained Briony.

“You are judged on five main criteria, being air

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and style, technique, line of choice, control and fluidity.

“You really need to have good technique and must be a really strong boarder.”

As someone who loves

the freedom of picking her own lines and pristine terrain, there’s no surprise as to where you’ll find Briony after fresh falls.

“My favourite thing to do is getting out the other side

off Gotcha chair, Keogh’s and Orchard after fresh snowfalls in the morning,” she said.

“For intermediate and advanced boarders there is a lot of fun to be had.”

PAGE 12 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 13

Cross country lifestyle back in vogue in 2021

By BEN DERRICK

WITH a sprinkling of snow on the ground and the nation maintaining COVID normal regulations, much press has been given to the operation of the alpine resorts.

With lifts turning and services being provided as always, the economic and social drivers of the ski resorts will be in full swing.

Many visitors to the alps will be thinking about riding chairlifts and searching for ‘freshies’ amongst the snow gums.

However, there is a growing trend of skiers seeking alternate experiences away from the lift queues by exploring cross country skiing and back country terrain.

While the old-fashioned stigma for the chook-footing adventurers involves wearing knickerbockers and eating scroggin, the advances in technology and trail preparation make XC skiing a far more attractive option for a very large and popular cohort of resort guests.

Falls Creek and Mt Hotham boast outstanding and differing trail networks.

Falls Creek grooms around 65km of trails that are perfectly pitched at beginner and intermediate skier.

The experienced and friendly staff at the Falls Creek XC Centre have a range of gear and expert instructors to get people headed in the right direction, which is generally out into the open spaces of Falls Creek and the Alpine National Park to explore the great sights of the Bogong High Plains.

The trail system at Hotham provides a fun adventure through the trees at Wire Plain as well as the iconic trail that links Mt Hotham to Dinner Plain, which ends right at the Dinner Plain Hotel for a mid-ski refuel.

XC skiing with up-to-date equipment and well-prepared trails is akin to a cross between road cycling and mountain bike riding.

Differing terrain, com-

bined with an even corduroy from grooming, provides a fast, yet adventurous outing for all abilities.

Extending on from the easily accessible touring and entry options, XC skiing in Australia has always enjoyed a healthy racing calendar.

There are events that are good for all abilities with the absolute premier event being the annual Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek, which is Australia’s leg of the prestigious Worldloppet Series and the largest annual snowsports event in the southern hemisphere.

The Hoppet is an event for everyone from the 7km Joey, which is perfect for families and beginners, to the 21km Birkebeiner, taking in the magnificent Bogong High Plains, to the 42km marathon which is the premier XC ski event south of the equator.

For further information visit www.hoppet.com.au Aside from the big events, both Falls Creek and Hotham host regular popular skiing events on weekends

FREE AND EASY: Cross country skiing options abound at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, as well as Dinner Plain where these skiers were enjoying the magic of snow gum countryside.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

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PAGE 14 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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Alpine real estate interest rises Amid COVID’s changing landscape, more people looking to get into market for resort living, but shortage of stock, has prices up

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

THE advent of COVID-19 and its impacts on our lives appears to have only heightened the interest in alpine real estate.

Lachlan Castran, director at Castran, which is a major player in alpine real estate, particularly at Dinner Plain where father John was one of the original developers many decades ago, said interest has certainly grown significantly in the past 12 months, which was helping to drive up prices.

“There is an accute shortage of stock, and time on the market has greatly condensed for both blocks of land, small and large chalets,” Mr Castran said.

“The depth of the market is also very wide, ranging from families looking to get in for their first alpine property to others looking to trade up.”

Castran recently sold one of alpine Australia’s most significant chalets on the highly sought after Big Muster Drive, achieving the highest sales price so far this year at Dinner Plain.

Mr Castran said the agency also recently sold a block at Skyline in Dinner Plain for $500,000.

“It came with finished designs and all the plans and permits for a side by side duplex development,” he said.

“This was a good entry into the market and the build will start soon.

“It will be interesting to see the level of new builds in the stimulated market.

“From industrial land to the height of

Mt Hotham’s most expensive properties the market is strong.

“I think people recognise the uniqueness of having Dinner Plain - a four season resort - in close proximity to a premiere mountain ski resort at Mt Hotham - with easy access on the Great Alpine Road all year round.”

Mr Castran said the agency was getting strong interest in two of the most significant chalets ever to be offered at Mt Hotham.

“Both are brand new, on freehold land... their level of finish, quality of build, size, location and views are outstanding,” he said.

The four bedroom, four bath fully furnished property at 12 Skyline Terrace at Mount Hotham has been designed by one of Melbourne’s leading architectural firms and its asking price of $2.7m includes priceless panoramic views across Australia Drift and Avalanche Gully.

For more details go to https://www. realestate.com.au/property-house-vicmount+hotham-136558206 The brand-new freestanding freehold four-bedroom chalet at 5 Skyline Terrace has an unobstructed view of Hotham Village, the Summit and surrounding mountains, and is priced at $2.5m.

For more details go to https://www. realestate.com.au/property-house-vicmount+hotham-136558198 FOR SALE: Castran has this property (pictured top right) at 12 Skyline Terrace, Mt Hotham, offered for sale at $2.7m; and this property (right) 5 Skyline Terrace, Mt Hotham, offered for sale at $2.5m.

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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021 — PAGE 15

Chamber is advocating to keep Hotham afloat

By BELINDA HARRISON

THE Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce has spent the last 18 months advocating for recovery assistance on behalf of their members at Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham.

Chamber president, Steve Belli, said there has been much to do following the 2019-2020 bushfires and COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions which resulted in only four operating days in 2020.

“We have lobbied at state and federal levels for government assistance for bushfire and COVID recovery and have received some bushfire recovery grants,” Mr Belli said.

“But our area needs help to ensure that our businesses survive and are here when visitors return and that has been very difficult when we haven't been able to access certain alpine-specific funding which was announced.”

The Alpine Assistance Package is one such grant which Mr Belli and other business owners were hoping to access.

“Unfortunately, if a business received any other Business Victoria or Licence Venue grant, then that amount is subtracted from the Alpine Assistance Package and in many cases that zeroed out any potential assistance,” he said.

“There has been a new stream of alpine funding released that is supposed to be more accessible however we haven’t received any

HAPPY DAYS: Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli (far right) works hard behind the scenes to ensure Mt Hotham businesses survive long term.

other information about that to date.”

Currently, each resort in Victoria is managed by its own board but from July next year, Alpine Resorts Victoria will become the centralised board managing Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw. “How that looks and what plans are enacted going forward is still to be decided, but the government

has been listening and asking for feedback on what's needed, so that's really good,” Mr Belli said.

In addition to being president of the Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce, Mr Belli is also deputy chair of the Alpine Resort Industry Advisory Group (ARIAG), deputy chair of the Community Recovery Committee - Bushfire - Alpine and owns a number of businesses in the Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain areas.

Calling the area home means that recovery and forward momentum for the community is foremost in Mr Belli's mind and, as well as battling alongside fellow business owners to stay afloat, he is also determined to be a voice for them and the region in his roles on advisory boards and the chamber.

“The chamber is a voice for businesses on the mountain and we collaborate with them to find an approach which benefits us all and makes Mt Hotham a better place to visit.

“We reach out to the community and work closely with government agencies and the Mt Hotham Resort Board to ensure we are compliant with all current requirements as well as encouraging people to visit and giving them things to do when they are here.

“Whilst Mt Hotham looks to build its summer business, we are reliant on the ski season each year to keep things going and the last 18 months have definitely been a challenge.

“But, we’re a resilient bunch - we’re like farmers - we go through peaks and troughs and although we had to park a lot of the activities we had planned for the opening weekend, we are hoping to be able to hold some of these events during the July school holidays if restrictions ease and public gathering numbers are lifted.”

Falls gets support, with much to look forward to

By LISA LOGAN, president of Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce

THE Queen’s Birthday Weekend was a welcome return to some normalcy for the alpine resorts.

We were delighted to welcome many visitors back for the snow season, as it was not since 2019 that we saw the village this busy in winter.

Like many destinations in regional Victoria, we are overwhelmed with the support visitors have given us, with barely a bed available throughout July and August, and the best visitation we have seen in the warmer months.

It is the reward for an alpine industry that has been working so hard to offer safe and functioning resorts.

We have learnt a great deal since last year and we are confident that we can operate appropriately and safely for our guests, staff and community, while offering a great winter experience as we have always done.

Falls Creek Ski Lift was able generate the biggest snowmaking lead ever for the opening, thanks to the $1.88 million investment in snowmaking and grooming upgrades, and a generous top up from mother nature.

Since the bushfires 18 months ago, we have been working with other agencies to strengthen and create resilience for our village.

As a community, we received grants for development of projects such as the expansion of the existing Mountain Bike Park and the lakeside foreshore at Rocky Valley Dam. Both already are drawcards to Falls Creek,

BUSY TIMES: Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Logan.

and will greatly enhance our offerings as an all-seasons destination.

The Business and Chamber of Commerce Groups Grant has enabled members to upskill and support some marketing projects to help drive visitation, as well as fund development of our business: Falls Creek Central Reservations.

This is now evolving to offer live online booking capabilities with an updated website to create a seamless experience for visitors planning their holidays to Falls Creek, while promoting all our members who support its operation.

Investing back into our business, generating more support, providing a collective forum to share ideas and information for business operators, especially at a time of great uncertainly, highlights the benefit of membership with us.

While demand is high, there are still vacancies for September – the time of the season where we expect to still have good snow coverage and real value for first-timers and those who want to experience more for their stay.

During the first two weekends in September will be a new Falls Creek event: Feastival - from family matinees, fun comedy to risqué cabaret, interwoven with gastronomic experiences highlighting regional produce of the High Country at the dining venues that Falls Creek is renowned for.

Many of our restaurants such as Falls Creek Hotel, Astra, Summit Ridge, Feathertop, Nelse and Attunga are offering the same fabulous gastronomic pleasures this season or like Bazaar, Huski Kitchen, Bob Sugar at Elk reinterpreting Asian classics; while the Frying Pan Inn is offering an updated cosy rustic pub.

We now rely on all our visitors and community to continue to keep us all safe so we can continue to have a fabulous 2021 season.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Lisa operates Diana Alpine Lodge at Falls Creek.

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PAGE 16 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — July 2021

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Australia’s GREATEST Snowplay Dinner Plain is the perfect destination for family snow fun. With Australia’s longest dedicated toboggan run, an all-ages ski & snowboard poma and dog-friendly village, this winter it’s time to experience a holiday worth sharing.