What is Pascal’s Wager you say?
Google it… because its way to complicated to explain fullythough I am going to use the premise of it in a discussion about climate change. Briefly, the premise of the ‘Wager,’ is founded in probability theory, with some decision theory thrown in, plus a healthy debate about God (or your chosen faith really) and whether God is or is not.
The ‘Wager’ and logic behind it can be applied to the debate around climate change too. The game of the ‘Wager’ asks humanity to analyse a position, where any action taken can be spectacularly consequential, but our understanding of those consequences is flawed, or imperfect. In the ‘Wager,’ the use of reason and logic justifies taking action and ultimately it makes senses to do so. But, without full and complete knowledge we are effectively forced to gamble (hence ‘Wager’)… Confused? What does this have to do with climate change?
Well, think of it this way. The debate and theories around climate change are
nothing if not emotive, akin to talking about politics, where no-one can claim, aside from their beliefs, to be necessarily right or wrong, nonetheless everyone has an opinion!
So, if climate change does result in catastrophic global warming, the steps being proposed, and effort taken now to address it will be worthwhile. The consequences of not doing anything, given what we know, suggest it’s reasonable to assume forecast change will be disruptive, to say the least. Therefore, reason suggests that any sensible person would decide to act. Much like the reasons behind why insurance exists, to parlay the risk.
Hence, the use of the ‘Wager’ principle to draw the parallel. To believe or not to believe… this is the question. It triggers an individual’s subjective validation and cognitive bias. That means, a person will consider a statement or information if it has personal meaning or significance to them and they will ignore and dismiss information that conflicts with them.
Hence, the analogy to God and religion and Pascal’s original theory. Whether you can prove or disprove the existence of God, it would make sense to wager that ‘s/he’ (she
12noon – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday
Volunteers Needed Ph: Margy 03 5758 1200
Panabode Building, Slalom Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: E4. Look for the Harvey Kat.
For Further Information:
or he) does exist, because there’s a lot to gain if it turns out ‘s/he’ does and not much lost if ‘s/he’ doesn’t.
As any regular reader of this column will know, I’m a numbers man. I love a good statistic and when I can’t make sense of something, I revert to the irrefutable (at least in my opinion). So, I went to the snow stats oracle, Neil Tappe. Tappie has collated all the facts and figures on the long term snow accumulation and average snow depth at Falls Creek going back 85 years.
I figured I could look at that 85 years of snow data and use this history to prove that the anthropogenic contribution to the currently observed rise in the earth’s temperature and the correlation with carbon dioxide levels rising would in fact show snow fall declining over the most polluted period in human history.
With Tappie’s help I punched in the data he had from the old State Electricity Commissions records that justified the building of a dam up here on the Bogong High Plans, then added the Falls Creek Ski Patrol data from more recent times (1984). Then I created a pretty chart, added in a line of best fit (linear trendline) through it all and voilà…I’d have my answer.
I was thinking, “this should show me if snow has increased or decreased and at what rate.” Effectively a line, where the slope angle would represent whether the average snow depth over the last 85 years had in fact risen or fallen.
Guess what… the line is FLAT! That can’t be right I thought, so I threw in a polynomial trend line, which more accurately represents movements from year to year. It’s got a few curves, but in more recent times, it’s in fact trending upwards.
Visitor Information Centre
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located in the Resort Management Office, up stairs on the corner of Slalom Street and Bogong High Plains Road. Open 8am – 5pm daily for Visitor Information and Gym Memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1202. (Map Ref: E4)
Resort Entry
Resort Entry is located at Howman’s Gap, approx. 4km before reaching Falls Creek. Day and Night passes are $56.50 on arrival per day, (or $51.50 on line). If arriving after 5pm and departing prior to midnight on the same day, entry is free. Visitors over 65 years of age receive a discount.
Season Passes are available at $555 (or $475 on line).
An ‘All Resorts’ permit, valid at all Victorian Snow Resorts is available for $787.00. Enquire at the Visitor Information Centre desk.
Resort Entry Fees fund the essential services of:
• Ski patrol • Car Parking
• Snow Clearing • Water
Resort Entry Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.fallscreek.com.au
Child Care – Hours & Rates
Falls Creek Child Care is located in the St Falls complex, at the base of the Halley’s Comet chairlift – open from 8:30am to 5pm, seven days a week for children from 12 weeks to five years old.
Hours & Rates
Morning: 8:30am – 12:30pm $90
Afternoon: 1:30pm – 5pm $75
Full Day: 8:30am – 5pm $135
Bookings are strongly recommended as places are limited. Make your booking at: www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
Accommodation Transfer Service
Operating from the Terminal Building on the Bogong High Plains Road, the Accommodatin Transfer Service will move you, your family and your luggage comfortably to your lodge or apartment.
Hours of Operation
Mon – Thurs & Sat: 8am – 10pm
I started to dig a bit deeper. More charts, tables, more interrogation. At this point, the data set however shrank and had reduced to only the last 35 years when the stats were collected by Falls Creek Ski Patrol.
During this time period, the data shows the number of times it has snowed (snow incidents) and for how long (the consecutive snow days) has become quite erratic.
The tables show a dramatic reduction in the maximum consecutive days of snow. For example, the highest recorded number of days straight where snow fall was recorded occurred in 1991 – it snowed for 35 days straight. Whilst the shortest period recorded was in 2003 – where the longest number of days of snow falling was just 3.
Another finding from the more recent data showed that when it does snow, the snow incidents are dumping bigger and bigger amounts when they happen.
This season, the highest recorded snow fall in a 24 hour period dumped 46cm on the resort. That was the fourth highest in the last 35 years. In fact the three bigger totals have all been in the latest decade… 2010 (53cm), 2013 (49cm), 2017 (48cm). Prior to this the only other more substantial fall was 1991 (48cm).
So, over the long term, the average snow depth presents as effectively having stayed the same, but the way it is snowing, and the intensity, appears to be changing.
What’s my point? Whilst only the tip of the iceberg (pun intended) in this debate, doing nothing on climate change isn’t an option. If there is a 1% chance that the planet is
heading toward a truly major disaster and delay in our actions means reaching a point of no return, our inaction is reckless. There is no planet B.
The FC Resort Board is a partner with Protect Our Winters (POW), is a party to the Victorian Governments Take Two initiative and carbon reduction strategy, whilst also having the highest rate of landfill
diversion, via our organics and recycling program of any Victorian alpine resort. Whilst we’ve more to do, we all need to do our bit.
Now…get out there, enjoy the spring conditions, put a few turns in and let’s protect our winters. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
Our Falls Creek Snowsports School offers an extensive variety of ski and snowboard programs, catering to children and adults of all abilities. We’re here to drive your passion for snowsports, develop your skills and get the most out of your on-snow experience!
Paw Patrol Snowclub (3 - 5 years)
Full & half day programs – see your child’s love of skiing grow as their skills progress! Specialised lessons include professional full-time staff, full day or half day options, delicious lunchtime meals, progress cards and all in a word class learning environment. A favourite of the Nickelodeon Paw Patrol puppies!
• Full day: 09:15am – 2:50pm • Half day: 9:15am – 1:00pm
• PM lesson only: 1:15pm – 2:50pm
Registration from 09:15am and 1:15pm, with lessons commencing at 10:00am and 1:30pm.
Junior Workshop (6 – 14 years)
Full day programs – book your child in for a full day of adventure and watch as they learn to master skiing or snowboarding! Specialised lessons include constant supervision, full day lessons, delicious lunchtime meals and progress cards.
Full day: 09:30am – 2:50pm. Registration from 09:30am, with lessons commencing at 10:00am.
Ride Tribe (13 – 17 years)
This year, our full day ride tribe program will commence at blue level and up. This dedicated teen program is designed to further develop the skills and confident of our teenage skiers and snowboarders. High-end Ride Tribe groups will hit
the parks, freeride the mountain and most importantly, have a tonne of fun with other ripping teenagers. The program includes constant supervision, full day lessons and delicious lunchtime meals. Full day: 09:30am – 2:50pm
Registration from 09:30am, with lessons commencing at 10:00am.
Adult Programs (15+)
Develop your skiing or snowboarding skills in our group lessons, designed to cater for adults of all ability levels. NEW FOR 2019. Adult group lesson start at 10:00am
The AM Group Lesson features extended sessions and is available daily from 10:00am – 12:30pm.
The PM Super Session guarantees a maximum of five participants and is available daily from 1:30pm – 2:50pm. Enquire about our number of speciality programs, including our Mim Sodergren Women’s Program!
Brand new to snowsports?
If you have never skied or snowboarded before, the Falls Creek Learn to Ski or Learn to Board lessons are for you. With a group lesson in either the morning or afternoon, plus exclusive all-day access to the Halley’s Comet, Mousetrap, Boardwalk and Drover’s Chair beginner lifts, you will find your skills developing in no time! Lessons are available for adults and children and commence at 10:00am and 1:00pm daily.
“ALL DAY”
As a first timer, we want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. Join our Full Day First Timer program and enjoy the guidance and support of your instructor all day, and even over lunch. Get past your second session in the afternoon, and really get moving within Falls Creek’s world class beginner terrain.
Private Lessons
For the ultimate in personalised instruction, you can’t go past a private lesson. Receive expert, individualised instruction in a session specially designed to cater to your individual needs and preferences. Advance bookings are essential, so get in quick! For all advance lesson bookings and enquiries, please email snowsports@fallscreek.net.
Booking Details
Save time on arrival and pre-book any of our group programs* online at our Falls Creek E-store: https://shop. skifalls.com.au, or
Skiing on the Bogong High Plains grew in popularity in the early 1930’s. Access then for the enthusiasts was “…to catch the 8:35am train from Flinders Street to Bairnsdale. - ...car to Omeo, arriving at 9:15pm the same evening.” From Omeo, it was by car to Glen Wills or to Shannon Vale, where packhorses were used to reach the snow line. In 1945 the packhorse trip to Cope Hut would have cost 12 shillings and sixpence per skier.
The initiation of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme was to change access. Plans for dams necessitated the construction of a road which was to follow the packhorse tails blazed by the Ropers - mountain cattlemen who held leases in Rocky Valley in the 1920s. By the early 1940’s, skiing had become a popular pastime for workers based at Bogong Village, then the administrative headquarters of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Scheme. Due to WWII, private vehicles were a rarity and petrol was rationed so enthusiasts had to walk and ski 20 kilometres to their skiing base. Taking up to four hours, they were, according to SEC worker Fred Vines, “generally considered to be mad!” Another Bogong based worker, Patricia Dunn, recalled “the problem of shouldering our skis and stocks up the mountain each weekend was a weighty one, but we solved that by finding a hollow log near Howman’s Gap into which we pushed our gear so we could pick it up again on the following weekend. This went well until we
discovered that a wombat had made a meal of the raw-hide bindings and we were left with only metal parts. From then on we either took the bindings home with us or carried a spare set.”
According to Fred Vine, “For many people that first trip on skis to Rocky Valley was their last. It was a strenuous hike in good weather, but in poor weather conditions, skiing was cursed by some as pure masochism.” Particularly hazardous were the last kilometres to the Rocky Valley Dam workers huts, as large snow drifts built up round and above what is now Windy Corner. On more than one occasion conditions forced then to turn back at this point.
The first residents at Falls Creek in 1946, Skippy and Toni St Elmo, skied down to Howman’s Gap once a week to collect their mail and fresh food supplies. Skippy was to become a keen ski racer, and she recalled “one Friday we were delighted and thrilled to meet a few skiers who were going to the Bogong Lodge for a week. The girls gave Toni a look when I, as I had learnt to do, slung the heavy pack onto my shoulders.
Toni, meanwhile, carried the mail in a small hip bag. They were not to know I was training (for ski racing).”
In the post-war years, interest in skiing at Falls Creek grew, especially from the towns of the North Eastern Victoria. This resulted in the Chief Engineer, H.H.C. Williams, of the Hydro Scheme, to introduce a permit to use the road with, “applications to travel beyond Mount Beauty in private cars made direct to the Electricity Commission.” According to Skippy, “Williams gave instructions that a permit had to be applied for at the office of the SEC in Mount Beauty and presented at the gate-house, a mile up the road. No club, to my knowledge was informed of this arrangement. When the Albury Ski Club members arrived at the gate they were told it was necessary to produce a permit. It is understood the fact that all SEC operations closed down for the weekend had been completely overlooked. The gate?? Oh I almost forgot to mention it! Someone dismantled it and threw it over the bank!
It was a few years later, in 1958, that it was reported in Schuss magazine that “Access to Falls Creek has been facilitated for the coming winter. Permits can now be obtained at the Gatehouse without prior notification, although an authority from the club secretary or a booking voucher should be produced. The road will be kept open to Howman’s but cars staying longer than the weekend will need to be parked at Turnback Creek.” However, would-be skiers still had to walk or ski from Howman’s Gap to Falls Creek. Carrying their gear and food this trip would take one to one and a half hours.
Various locals saw this as a business opportunity. In 1955, Bob Hymans trialled the use of a horse and sled to overcome the problem of transporting stores and personal gear - but it was not a success. At the same time Cec Dobson (builder of Winterhaven) resorted to manhauling from Howman’s, using old skis attached to platforms to carry the loads. Reportedly, it was while hauling a load, he encountered Ory Frueauf (builder of Snowhaven) who volunteered to assist. This became the start of a partnership which in 1956, saw them run an oversnow service to Falls Creek. Luggage was weighed on a fish scale and was 4 pence a pound per pack
weight. It was loaded onto a sled behind a track-driven tractor, ‘Leaping Lena’, while guests walked from Howman’s Gap. A year later the SEC began clearing the road and the long walk became a memory of the past. In 1960 access to Falls Creek was further improved, the area immediately below the Village “enlarged almost beyond recognition” to provide for an immense number of cars and buses - (the Gully Car-park).
By 1960 the foundations of the village had been laid. A village management advisory committee had been established and Falls Creek was acknowledged as a destination for tourists. Its place on the map of Victoria was further confirmed with the opening of the Bogong High Plains Road to Shannon Vale by the Country Roads Board, in conjunction with the State Electricity Commission, the Tourism Development Authority and the Forests Commission on the 3rd December, 1966. •
DWA Members Camp Two was the last DWA camp for the 2019 season. As the picture depicts everyone had the best time on the snow with a beautiful Falls Creek Saturday and a Sunday that reminded us how the weather can change.
The weekend encompassed DWA members who excelled in snowboarding, skiing and sit skiing. The Falls Creek lift crew on Halley’s Comet Lift once again brought out their professionalism and experience to assist DWA with sit ski loading a Tessier Sit Ski which assisted in delivering an outstanding experience to Catie who once was an aerial skier before her stroke. Thanks team, your efforts were appreciated by all.
On the other lifts supporting Drovers, Highway 83, Main Street, Ruined Castle and Summit DWA snowboarders Ethan and
Bar Open from 12 noon with Bar Snacks available all day.
From 12 noon Saturday 28th September Join the team - wrap up the season & help raise money for our SES! BBQ on the Balcony AFL Grand Final - Live on the Big Screen!
www fallscreekhotel.com.au
Ph: 03 5758 3282
23 Falls Creek Rd, Falls Creek. Map Ref: M2
Jason enjoyed their personal challenges on the snowboard while Daniel revisited skiing after several years of being absent from the sport. Daniel managed to progress from run to run and had an outstanding weekend.
Ethan was seen everywhere and performing at maximum as he managed his prosthesis with his snowboard, an exceptional task alone to say the least. In theory there are no set rules for members who wear a prosthesis. Dominant steering factors such as, fore and aft movements, toe and heel movements, centre balance and weightbearing issues are taken into consideration. With snowboarding, if the set-up does not work, then it is necessary to try the other foot as the lead. DWA go with what works for the member and checks with the member to learn how their prosthesis works, as there are many different types of prostheses and setups.
Like all sports, snowboarding with a prothesis will be a steady and progressive journey with changes to body position, mechanics and snowboarding style over several periods. A DWA Guide or Instructor will take as much time as necessary to guide or instruct at the member’s pace. Ethan and Jason have benefitted from DWA Guides and Ski School Instructors over the last two years and this can be seen in their personal progressions.
I know that Ethan and Jason will be returning next year and maybe a trip to Mount Hotham by helicopter can be organised through local support. Let’s see guys?
As the season closes for DWA I would like to sincerely thank the following groups and organisations that have assisted DWA throughout the year:
• DWA Guides - who without their continued support, the DWA Members goals would not be achieved.
• Falls Creek Lift Crew who are always ready to assist and help with their professionalism and a smile.
• The Falls Creek Ski School who are great instructors and fit in with all our members requirements.
• FCRM for assisting with parking, ticketing and mountain access in all the many conditions the mountain delivers.
• Cloud 9 for their continued support with their wheel chair access, allocation of seating space and food that everyone looks forward too during the day.
• QT FIXX for the coffee boost in the morning for the DWA team and Snow Doughnuts at the end of the day.
• Elk Restaurant for their continued support and staff meals on Sunday night.
• YMCA at Howman’s Gap for delivery of excellent dinners on Friday and Saturday evening.
• Ken Bell for his continued support and promotion of DWA throughout 2019 through this paper.
DWA Will See you all again in 2020. • Ken Payne
Falls Creek’s home of fabulous food, specialty coffee, super smoothies, shakes & fresh juices plus eats and all day treats made with love!
The region’s best craft beers & cider on tap + extensive wine & cocktail menu
Fuel up the mornings - recharge the days relax the evenings
Super convenient location at the base of Eagle Chair
Open daily from 8am til late for breakfast, lunch & dinner Be sure to pop in and sample local goodness with super friendly service See us on Facebook & Instagram For reser vations call 03 5758 3222
With the changing of the seasons clients often ask me how best to store their ski and snowboard boots. Whilst a snow tragic may wish to place them as the centrepiece of their table –what better conversation starter can you offer to a dinner party? – I’m inclined to suggest you save the time you’d spend dusting these puppies for booking flights for your next adventure. So, let’s look at what will distress your boots, and what will give them a comfortable bed for their hibernation.
Taking liners in and out of your boots all season will wear them out faster than a cheap set of tyres on your BMW X6. The seams and foams don’t like the constant stress and the glue holding them all together will perish faster. But come the end of the season, it’s a good idea to pull out your liners for 24 hours and make sure everything’s all dry before putting them away. If you see a bit of mould give them a rub with a cloth and a little bit of spray and wipe (a mild dish detergent is fine to use too, just don’t do it in a way that leaves your boot sopping wet). A garden in your boot will not enhance your pulling power in the singles line next season.
Do you remember that time you couldn’t be bothered buckling up your boots one afternoon and the next morning the buckles didn’t reach? That’s because the plastics in the shell will always go back to their original form. Do yourself a favour and buckle them up baby! Keep their shape and your fit intact.
Summit Ridge continues to impress with sensational food and wines in a cosy mountain lodge. Curl up in the comfy couches by the large open fireplace and enjoy the warm ambience that makes Summit Ridge a favourite of locals and visitors alike!
Partnering great food with an extensive wine list, we offer our traditional favourites of duck, aged eye fillet, pork belly and barramundi. Also available: gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options and a children’s menu. Our superb seven course degustation menu is still available nightly with vegetarian and vegan options.
A boot bag will keep boots free from dust, moths and if you live on the east coast, cockroaches. If you live in a really humid environment, consider a vacuum sealed bag. Mould and mildew will eat away at your liners and make them perish. And stink. Like a fine wine, the plastics in boots don’t like it too hot, or too cold, they like it juuuuust right. Australia has a great climate for bbq’s but storing ski boots in the attic or the garage will not do you any favours. The extremes of heat and temperature changes can cause the plastics in the shell to change and warp. Any shell expansions you had done for extra space will retract and you’ll need to do it all again. Under your bed is a pretty good spot, or in the cupboard under the stairs (do we have basements in Australia?).
Enjoy the spring skiing – who doesn’t love skiing in sunshine, drinking on the deck and getting ice burn because you thought it would be a good idea to ski in a t-shirt and shorts? Look after your gear so it will love you back when you need it the most.
“It’s in bag” – yes – the correct storage of your boots and gear is important. Pic – Courtesy Ortho Ski
We’ll see you all next year for more snow fun, or if you’re a trail runner, mountain biker or cyclist, we might catch you up here for the summer sports. •
Krista
Sturday and Ray Wills, Ortho Ski
Bar open from 4pm and Restaurant open daily for dinner from 5:30pm. Last Night of Service for 2019 will be 28th September. Thankyou for your support.
For reservations call 03 5758 3800 or Em: ski@summitridge.com.au
For reservations call 03 5758 3800 or Em: ski@summitridge.com.au
Schuss Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: K3
Schuss Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: K3
McKayos has very quickly earned its reputation as an institution. A pilgrimage of shredders who love to ride and riders who love to shred. It’s not a bucket list item, it’s the one you first want to prove you can do it, then you keep coming back because it’s so damn fun. Snow, Dirt, Road - it’s been our mantra from Day One. The mass start snow start can bring the hectic for sure (if you let it), once through the money-shot start it’s then 1000m descending over 15km through the ski village and then awesome alpine National Park. There’s nothing like it. We’ll release the full course in due time but for now, plan for Blue single-track (about 4km) and fire trail with a bit of up and a bit of down. It’s well achievable to the nonsender and rewarding as anything out there.
OUTSIDE BBQ MENU & BEER SPECIAL EVERY AFTERNOON from 3PM - 5PM * Weather dependent!
TOASTIE, MUFFIN & COFFEE $15
GRILLED SATAY CHICKEN SKEWERS $5
TUESDAY
CHU CHI & BEER $20 CHEF SELECTION DINNER $39 PP
TAKE AWAY AVAILABLE 10% discount on pick up orders 3 SITZMARK ST, FALLS CREEK PH: 03 5758 3863 * Conditions apply
2018 was huge with 259 riders. 2019 we’re going for next level. Join the revolution, do the McKayos in 2019. You’ve got this.
• Single Gravity Enduro Mountain Bike stage. • Mass start. • Entries open to Individual competitors only. • Categories from Elite to Junior (including e-bike category). • Winners will be determined by first individual rider to complete the course. • Official timing provided. • Competitors will be shuttled back to Falls Creek upon finishing the stage.
• Full face helmets mandatory (XC/Enduro bikes recommended). • Event will conclude with the presentations and an official After Party – come Oktoberfest!
Updated Details
• We’ve sold well over 300 entries & expect to sell out to the 350 max any day. • Last year’s number of 259 has been broken already.
• This is the 3rd year running we’ve hit September with big snow levels, looking like a good outcome for a course with lots of snow.
Got a p robl em with p ests ? We can help with:
• Sniffer dog tracking of Termites
• Rodents • Spiders
• Wasps - and all other pests that crawl or fly!
got this! – or you will when you get back on your bike.
• Snow blowers have been moving down packhorse trail for days to get the trail clear of snow down to Howman’s Gap.
• We’re organising a venue in Stingray at Slalom Plaza where spectators can watch a live stream of the start line.
• Bright Brewery have joined to sponsor the event with all riders being given one of their mountain crafted beers first thing over the finish line.
• Afterwards, presentations will be held back at Falls Creek, leading into Oktoberfest in the village bowl where plenty more Bright Brewery beers will be on offer to the thirsty masses.
“With snow in winter and bikes in summer, Falls Creek is a true year-round resort. Having an event like McKayos is the perfect crossover to tie the two seasons together.”
Closing Night - Friday 28th Sep - from 5pm
Andrew Poulton
Ph: 1300 559 799 Mb: 0427 914 909 Em: Andrew@bugroffpestbusters.com
“Registrations are selling out faster than we could have predicted. If you thought last year’s event was huge this one is going to blow you away with 100 more riders on the course” said Nathan Fenton of Falls Creek Resort Management. More details in next week’s paper. •
Closing Night - Friday 28th Sep - from 5pm
Teton Gravity Research is screening their latest film Winterland presented by The North Face.
Straight off the back of the world premiere in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Saturday 14th September, Teton Gravity Research is touring their latest skiing & snowboarding film, Winterland, across Australia & New Zealand, making a stop in Falls Creek before the winter finishes.
Teton Gravity Research is the world’s leading action sports media company with films featuring Jeremy Jones, Travis Rice, Sage Cattabrigga-Alosa, Sam Smoothy and many more.
Frying Pan Inn, Wednesday 25 September @ 7:30pm. Children welcome. Tickets available via EventBrite.com search. There are some great major tour prizes to be won and prizes on the night too!
Teton Gravity Research’s Winterland presented by The North Face, is a film that celebrates our athletes’ connection to the roots of skiing and snowboarding while showcasing the pure joy and adventure associated with these sports. By exploring the history, places, and people in the world of skiing and snowboarding, we learn how intimately connected we are with those who came before. From the first Norse skier over 4,000 years ago, to riding first descents on unnamed peaks, this connectivity is palpable to those who love the mountains.
At its core, TGR’s Winterland is a celebration of ski and snowboard culture.
We can only stand as tall as those who came before, these pirates of the past, who followed their own joy and passions. This story of adventure and passion is far from over, a new crop of modern day pioneers are eager to etch their names in the annals of history. We follow these individuals as they leave their own mark on these fabled locations and chase the ghosts of the greats who came before them. In the end, we find that each of their experiences reflects a part of the whole. That their season is far more than the sum of its parts.
“A celebration of the best skiing today with a nod to the legends and legendary places which helped shape the path. The technology might change and the style, the mountains skiers ride may be bigger or further out, but the rush, excitement and pure fun remains eternal - bonding past and present and future riders.” Featured Athletes: Angel Collinson, Cam Riley, Christina Lustenberger, Clayton Vila, Cody Townsend, Colter Hincliffe, Elyse Saugstad, Fabian Lentsch, Griffin Post, Hadley Hammer, Ian McIntosh, Jeremy Jones, Johnny Collinson,
Kai Jones, Mari Carter, Nick McNutt, Nicky Keefer, Robin Van Gyn, Sage Cattabriga Alosa, Sam Smoothy, Sean Jordan, Tim Durtschi and Todd Ligare. •
I’ve been skiing around the beautifully groomed trails here at Falls Creek for the past few weeks and it is safe to say that the spring conditions are well and truly upon us. The snow base has been kind enough to allow the groomers to groom all the way out to Cope Hut and beyond to the point where the road drops hard down to Omeo and the lovely spot where Nick Grimmer got married in fact. I have skied places here I’ve never skied before. The sun has been beating down as hard as it possibly can, which has been divine. I managed to go for a shirtless ski last week in positive 10 degrees weather and I felt like for a split second I was at the beach, which was special. Make sure you put sunscreen on though when you go.
The national team head coach Valerio Leccardi has been flat out organising training camps, overseas trips, and general administration tasks these last few weeks. The senior team has just had their annual
spring training camp at Falls Creek. The men training around 27 hours with three intervals session last week with the women mid to low 20 hours. The Junior Development team has a training camp next week with the Junior National Team the week after. To round off Valerio’s monster month of coaching, the Senior Team have their second annual testing camp mid-October at the AIS in Canberra. Throw in the AUSXC Season Launch Party in Melbourne as well on Friday the 18th.
This week I’ll share a little bit about the grand plans of the Australian Cross Country Ski Team for the all-important Northern Hemisphere season. All this information will be shared and celebrated in greater depth at the AUSXC Season Launch Cocktail Night in Melbourne on Friday 18th. FYI - The Senior Team heads overseas mid-November to Davos, Switzerland. Without a European passport, this season most team members are just making the most of the Schengen Visa which only allows you to stay and race in Europe for up to 90 days, after that you go to Swiss jail. Those heading over in November include Howman’s Gap hero Mark Pollock, Casey Wright, Kat Paul and Ella Jackson. These athletes will be trying to get in shape for the Davos World Cup weekend in mid-December before competing on the European Continental Cup circuit for the majority of the season after that.
Resident local Phil Bellingham joins the team for the World Cup action in Davos mid-December before setting his next sights on the World Cup City Sprint in Dresden
Germany in January. There he will be joined by Mark Pollock and your journo as well as the ladies Kat Paul and Casey Wright. This will be a fantastic weekend of racing as this venue is where Phil last made the top 30 in the sprint finals getting his big red bearded face on TV screens across Europe. The Team Sprint event on the Sunday in Dresden is also one to watch as this is a massive opportunity for the AUS team to make the top 10 and make the Team Sprint Final - again lots of TV time.
Most Senior Team members leave Europe around the middle of February. I go over just before the Davos World Cup in the middle of December and therefore can use up my 90day visa to stay until early March and Compete at the U23 World Ski Championships in Oberwiesenthal, Germany. I am currently trying to exploit the fact I have Italian heritage and get an Italian Passport so I can stay in Europe for longer in the future (c’mon dad). After racing a mixture of European Continental Cup races, Norwegian Cup races and the Dresden World Cup, I join the Juniors and other U23 skiers for the Junior/U23 Champs pre-camp in Davos, Switzerland. Members there include Nic Blackwell who has been training hard this year to be in good shape for those championships, a few NSW juniors that we don’t know, my younger brother Fedele de Campo, and Ella Jackson amongst others.
Of course, how can we forget? The Youth Olympians! This season is an especially exciting one as we send athletes to the third ever Youth Olympic Games, held in Lausanne, Switzerland. This is an U18 event held by the Olympic Winter Games Institute and Australia is able to send one male and one female with the possibility
of an additional female, which is exciting. The athletes for this trip have not been announced yet but the coaches have. Dual Winter Olympian Callum Watson will be heading the pre-camp trip in Davos, Switzerland as well as being head coach at the Games. His partner Theresa Riman will serve as team manager for the pre-camp period in Davos.
Finally, the Australian National XC Ski Team is holding the annual ‘Season Launch’ cocktail party on Friday Evening, the 18th of October in Melbourne.
This event serves as a celebration of the Australian Winter season, a send-off to the team going overseas to compete in the Norther Hemisphere on World Cup, Continental Cup and World Juniors/ U23 Championships and as well as being a fundraiser event for such competitions with a silent and loud action. Make sure you mark in this date. It will be held at the Middle Park Bowls Club, 101 Canterbury Road, Albert Park 3206 at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased on skiandsnowboard.org.au/ event/48484/.
I hope to see you there! • Seve de Campo
Fully licensed restaurant
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats ~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi!
Hand-churned fruit ice-cream - to die for!
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats ~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi!Hand-churned fruit ice-cream.
AGE Good Food Guide since 1998
Lonely Planet Guide
Open until Saturday February 17th. Then closed for three weeks.
Bookings Please! – Gift Vouchers available
Re-Opening Friday March 9th Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
This stunning four bed, two bath home is a rare offering in the Kiewa Valley.
Situated high up on the side of the hill, the home overlooks stunning Mt Bogong and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Sitting on approximately 16 acres (6.5 hectares), the home is a private sanctuary designed to capture the beautiful views from every window.
A huge open plan kitchen/dining area, complete with double sided fireplace greets you as you enter the home.
The gourmet kitchen has masses of storage, a beautiful island bench to enjoy your breakfast, freestanding gas range cooker, and a separate provision for a butler’s pantry alongside a large lounge area, centred around the fireplace which also provides hydronic heating to the rest of the house.
A stylish timber staircase leads up to an additional loft style living area, with potential for a rumpus room, theatre room, additional lounge room, and options galore.
Spring is a beautiful season in our valley, and it’s the perfect time for buying or selling a home!
Contact me for a chat about your #realestategoals, you never know what I might have up my sleeve… Phone: 0437 191 892 Email: courtney@mountaincreekpm.com.au
On either side of the main living room are two unique gallery areas with soaring ceilings, a beautiful way to showcase artwork, or converting into additional sitting areas, or a home office space.
The master-suite wing is complete with en suite, spacious walk in robe and leafy views from every window. The en suite features a double walk in shower, with floor to ceiling bi fold glass doors making it the ultimate luxurious bathroom.
The other gallery leads to a second wing with third and fourth bedrooms, separated by the master bathroom, again with walk in shower and top-end finishes.
Outside, a fire pit & seating area overlooks the valley, and a huge Colorbond shed provides storage for all your equipment, cars, and machinery.
Water tanks, firefighting equipment, masses of firewood storage, veggie boxes, a chook pen and dog run are all provided and the allotment backs onto national park, so you can enjoy bush walks or hunting straight from your back door.
Mountain Creek is a picturesque location less than 10 minutes drive to Mount Beauty and Tawonga and the area is extremely tightly held.
Don’t miss your opportunity to snap up this rare & unique property! To arrange an inspection, contact Courtney at Mountain Creek Property Management on Mb: 0437 191 892. Wb: www.mountaincreekpm. com.au. •
How and why to maintain your compliance
To all Stakeholders, the folk at Falls Creek Resort Management have received a number of queries from owners at Falls Creek around what Essential Safety Measures (ESM) are, and why they’re important. This workshop is provided to address these questions, and to assist you with complying with your legal obligations as a property owner at Falls Creek.
To learn all about what and why ESM’s are important, FCRM in collaboration with the CFA is offering an ESM workshop and stakeholders are invited to attend.
Date: Thursday, 26th September 2019. Location: FCRM Board Room, QT\. Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm.
Please RSVP by email to: landmanagement@fallscreek.com.au •
To celebrate 50 years of the International Poma, this paper decided to present two poems about the Inter Poma by Phantom who started work on the lift in the 70’s. The International Poma or “the inter” as it is known rises almost 1000 vertical feet or 300 metres. It runs at 4.3 metres per second making it a very fast lift. Experienced skiers are the main users and because of its speed the stick must be grasped on the run. A small slope to slide down gives a little speed for a skier to grab the pole while moving. If you move off before the operator holds the stick out for you and you have to stop in order to grab it you accelerate from a stand-still to 4.3 metres per second very quickly. Small persons are easily jerked off their feet. Ski poles held point forward are a danger to the operator’s eyes and this is often done by the inexperienced.
When you’re sliding down the Race, Please don’t stab us in the face.
Just place your poles in your right hand, To keep the boys a happy band.
And when you slither down that track, Please don’t snowplough – Don’t hold back. For if you slowly slide and lurk, The cable gives a wicked jerk.
Just one more thing before you go, To ride upon our mighty tow –Don’t come down ‘til the stick’s held out, And please don’t knock the boys about.
Phantom
The roving breezes come and go, On Poma Run.
Molony’s grease-trap stenches flow, And far away one dimly sees, Beyond the raceline and the trees, Upon the track so icy-dry, The Nick Ivanco scraper fly, On Poma Run.
‘Tis many years since first we came, To Poma Run.
More years than we would care to name, Since we, (mere striplings) pulled the sticks, And watched the tourists play their tricks, On Poma Run.
The crew’s a merry-hearted lot, On Poma Run.
There’s B.J., Phantom, Mark and Scott,
They hand out pomas through the day, And speed the skiers on their way, Up Poma Run.
We have hard times occasionally, On Poma Run.
For sticks they jam amazingly, And wheels derail but if it’s bad, We swiftly call the Irish Lad, To Poma Run.
The evening stillness brings a peace, To Poma Run.
The mighty roaring pistons cease, Whilst B.J. climbs to grease the rack, Our Nick Ivanco smooths the track, Then with a cheer as swift we can, We ski our bodies to “The Pan” From Poma Run.
And if you hear a rushing sound, On Kiley’s Run.
‘Tis not the hooves upon the ground, Of Kiley’s horse at racing speed, (For Kiley always took the lead). It is the sound of racing skis, Forgive me Banjo if you please.
Phantom •
AGL is committed to making a sustainable and positive contribution within the Mount Beauty and Eildon regions. The Community Fund aims to:
• Deliver community wide benefits from the project, • Support the work of community organisations, • Develop strong relationships with the local and wider communities
Where can I apply?
Applications for the 2019/20 AGL Hydro Community Fund open on 2 September 2019 and close on 30 September 2019. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel and applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications in October 2019. Visit the AGL website agl.com.au/hydro and download the Community Fund Guidelines and Application Form found under the ‘Community Fund’ tab. Alternatively, you can call AGL on 1800 039 600 to request a form to be sent by mail or email. Further Information For further information, please contact
Sally, Tony and the team at Falls Creek Nordic XC Centre created a little bit of a fun event last year, inviting visitors to build a snowman and to send in their photos for judging.
A couple of prizes were offered – which is a $100 voucher to spend at Falls Creek XC or Windy Corner Cafe.
The good part of the competition, as Sally says “the snowman photo display is the best. I love walking past and seeing families gazing at all the great creations and getting inspired.
The young kids point and laugh at their favourites, then drag their parents outside to the spot above the toboggan slope and start building. Sometimes there are four to five teams on the slope gazing out over the high plains, some are massive statues, that would have taken hours to build.”
One prize went Leah and Nick Burl and their two lovely girls who built a very creative snowman skier who has taken a spill on the Bogong High Plains Road. The other was a more traditional snowman enjoying a toboggan ride created by Kelly, Jarone, Jett and Ollie. • A family friendly lodge situated in the beautiful Kiewa Valley offering suites for individuals, couples and families, Valley View is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long day on the slopes. A ski lodge atmosphere at off-mountain prices
BOOKINGS: 0409 033 920 info@valleyviewlodge.com.au www.valleyviewlodge.com.au Located only 30km from Falls Creek! Find us on Facebook!
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 17 * 27.09.19 * The McKaos. Summer Mountain Biking. Ignition in November (C)
SEd 01 * 25.10.19 * Melbourne Cup Weekend. McKaos Wrap. Summer Activities
SEd 02 * 08.11.19 * Remembrance Day Celebrations, Summer Activities. Xmas Shopping
SEd 03 * 22.11.19 * Ignition Mountain Bike Festival. Xmas Shopping, Summer Activities
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges and apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga and Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang and Tawonga and selected venues in Bright and Myrtleford.
ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/
INSERTS: • Not Available
Last week we published a photo of some snow sculpted ducks down at Slalom Plaza. Well Renja at Yogis Ski and Snowboard Shop found the creatures or rather they found us and made what we reckon is a great Yogi Bear sculpture for the front of our shop. Their names are Donald (hence the ducks) and Fred Watson and they come to Falls Creek every year from Cains and hire their skis from Renja at Yogi’s. Hence the photo of the Yogi Bear out the front of the shop. •
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
Email your adverts to us and you don’t pay until you sell the goods – or until your Advert achieves the desired results. Em: kencbell@bigpond.net.au
FOR SALE
RM Williams Cuban Heel Boots, Bushman Tan, with added rubber protective sole. Almost brand new. Size 9 G. Retail $309.95 will sell for $250. Ph: 0400 350 488. CLOTHING REPAIRS
Call Marilyn Sparks, Mb: 0411 335 326. Also on Facebook private message.
FOR HIRE
Three Tonne Tipper and mini Excavator. Ph: 0427 942 171.
ALPINE MOWING & SLASHING
General Garden Maintenance. Large areas slashed. Green waste removal. Stephen Mb: 0419 552 675. ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS Call Kerry 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village(below Milch Café) Ground Fl, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St, Falls Creek. Ph: 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@altitudephysiotherapy.com.au. Wb: www.altitudephysiotherapy.com.au
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125. BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service, please call Justin on 0458 220 879.
CAKE MAKING & DECORATING
Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: studioecakestawonga@bigpond.com
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Property Maintenance. Let us look after your home. We do bathrooms, decks, pergolas and all handyman needs. Call Dave 0466 990 862.
And to add to the collection, David Wruck up at Attunga Lodge has a bit much time on his hands as he was able to get out the front and produced this marvellous array of snow sculptures. •
A little gathering of folk and some wild-life enjoying the fresh snow outside Attunga Lodge. Pic –David Wruck
FOR SALE
One brand new pair of ASICS Tennis shoes, size 46 Euro (11.5 US). Worn once. Too tight for me. Retail Price: $159.95. Will sell for $120. Ph: 0400 350 488
WORK WANTED
Administration all-rounder looking for part-time/ casual work. Proficient with both MYOB and Xero. ABN and references available. Mb: 0478 729 259. Em:raymondroberts255@yahoo.com
MISSING BOOK
A copy of Dr. Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis on the Bogong High Plains was left in the care of Bill and Yvonne Sutton. It has been lent to some-one and not returned. If any knows anything please contact Bill or Ph Ken Bell on 0400 350 488.
CIVIL CELEBRANT - HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies - All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
ELECTRICAL
All Electrical Services. Ph: 0418 698 491. Reg No: 7923. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Altitude Electrical - no job too big or small. Domestic, commercial & industrial. Contact Ben Svarc 0419 801 109.
FREIGHT - ALB - MTB - FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty & Falls Creek Mon to Fri incl. Refrigeration Available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.
HAIRDRESSER
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week & evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care & Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa: 0407 541 695.
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial. Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services, Ph: Laif 0437 023 921
Now, as we wind down, but still making sure that we look after our guests, the time has come to plan and enjoy the end of season SES BBQ. And what better day to do it than on AFL Grand Final Day - when Geelong and Richmond play off for the premiership cup.
The Falls Creek Hotel has one of the best balcony’s in the village, with a huge BBQ up one end. The bar inside is chock full of cold refreshments and the great big screen will be erected in time for the 2:30pm opening bounce.
This whole day is also a major fund-raiser for our fabulous SES team who work pretty hard all year round keeping people safe and/or rescuing them when they do get in to trouble.
So, how can you help? Just by being there. At the Falls Creek Hotel – from 12noon on Saturday 28th September. It’s a great day to enjoy a great feed, a wrap of the season, a couple of drinks with the mates and to watch your team get a flogging! There is a small entry fee, but the first drink is on the house. See you all there! •
Do you need linen, TV, or a bedside table, call in to the Hospital Op Shop, 1A Tawonga Crescent. Another option for clothing is the Uniting Church Op Shop on Hollonds Street. Ph: 0419 615 732.
POSITION
Mountain Creek Motel, Tawonga urgently requires to fill the full time position of cook. Only qualified or experienced candidates required. Handsome salary. Apply with your resume to: info@mountaincreekmotel. com.au.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy. 5A Hollonds St Mt Beauty. Out of hours and home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 5754 1270.
REFRIGERATION & ELECTRICAL
Qualified Refrigeration Mechanic & Electrician available to solve problems in the Upper Kiewa Valley and Falls Creek. DC Electrical & Refrigeration. Ph: 0428 737 273.
SOLAR-POWERED SKYLIGHTS
A unique and locally developed product supplied and installed by a fully qualified electrician. Available for all other electrical work. Reg No 20917. Phone Mal: 0419 884 668.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book online. impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-up Units. Ph: 0428 361497 www.alpinewarehousing.com
TAXI & 4WD SERVICE
Mt Beauty Taxi Service. Covers Falls Creek & Albury. Ph: 0409 573 909 or 13 10 08.
Weekly Mount Beauty Park Run. 8am Saturdays. Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue. Ph: 03 5754 1118
20th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Men’s Shed group, AGM, BBQ Lunch and Guest Speaker. From 11:30am. All Welcome. Enquiries to: secretary@ mountbeautymensshed.org.au
20th Start Victorian School Holidays
24th Run Nation Film Festival – A celebration of the human spirit, using running as a medium of storytelling. From 8pm at the Frying Pan Inn. Further detail: 0413 183 804
27th Team Mount Beauty Ride Day on Grand Final Parade Day. All welcome and volunteers needed. Join in and have a great day. Go to tmb.org.au for more details.
5th The McKaos – that crazy mountain bike ride through snow, mud and bitumen – from Mt McKay to Bogong Village. Further details at www.fallscreek.com.au/events or Ph: 03 5758 1200.
5th Mount Beauty Community Market, 9am –1pm. Top end of Hollonds Street and Kiewa Crescent. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! New stall holders welcome. Enquiries or to book a stall, phone Bev: 0419 289 672, or Em: bevbantick@gmail.com.
9th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Probus Club of Mount Beauty. 10am at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. Regular Guest speakers and plenty of healthy activities. All Welcome. Enquiries to: Mb: 0419 514 399.
10th Regular Monthly Meeting of the UKV Community Association. 7:30pm in the Auditorium, beside the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre. All Welcome. For more info, phone: Mb: 0428 226 922.
12th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Diabetes Support Group. 10am Lakeside Community Centre. All Welcome. Ph: 0427 544 824.
15th Regular monthly meeting of the Mount Beauty Self Help Anxiety Support Group 7pm –8:30pm at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph: 03 9830 0533.
18th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Men’s Shed group, AGM, BBQ Lunch and Guest Speaker. From 11:30am. All Welcome. Enquiries to: secretary@ mountbeautymensshed.org.au
2nd Mount Beauty Community Market, 9am –1pm. Top end of Hollonds Street and Kiewa Crescent. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! New stall holders welcome. Enquiries or to book a stall, phone Bev: 0419 289 672, or Em: bevbantick@gmail.com.
3rd Cars, Bikes and Coffee. 8am – 11am at Bicentennial Park by the Lake. Cruise on in, enjoy a coffee and talk cars and bikes. Ph: Mike 0408 123 801.
5th Melbourne Cup Day – a holiday for some – a long weekend for others.
9th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Diabetes Support Group. 10am Lakeside Community Centre. All Welcome. Ph: 0427 544 824.
20th Mount Beauty Men’s Shed Christmas Function. From midday at the Shed in Tennis Court Avenue. Enquiries to: secretary@ mountbeautymensshed.org.au
23rd & 24th Ignition Mountain Bike Festival – the launch of the summer season of mountain on some of the best trails. Live entertainment, Demonstrations, all things mountain bike. www.ignitionmtb.com.au. Mb: 0409 161 903
23rd - 25th The Alpine Challenge – the toughest run around the high plains. Distances of 160km, 100, 60km and 30km. Starts and finishes in Slalom Plaza. Check it out at www. runningwild.net.au
Skis, Boards and Chain hire!
Bike Hire: Road, Mountain Kids and E-Bikes
Fishing Gear: Gold Club Hire 20% OFF all Winter Clothing Stock
Including goggles, gloves, glasses & beanies
Relax with a coffee and cake on the deck or enjoy a healthy smoothy or a cool drink!
HIRE • SALES • REPAIRS • SERVICE Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Ph: 03 5754 1118
Em: info@rockyvalley.com.au
Open: 7am – 7pm to end of September 8am - 6pm on October & Summer
