• Top: Great start to the 2017 event! Pic – Ken Bell
• Left: Last Friday’s BLT was a fabulous event. Pic - Lachy Keevers • Right: We love our Hoppet! Pic - Ken Bell
FROM THE CEO
The Evolution of Skiing
As an avid skier and backcountry enthusiast, it has been interesting to watch the progression of skiing since the introduction of parabolic (or carving skis) and ‘fat’ skis and how that has influenced industry participation too.
The first of the ‘shaped’ skis hit the shops around 1993, and the revolution began, thanks to the Elan SCX. By the late 90’s there were all sorts of shapes and sizes with fats, mid fats, carver shapes, the ‘learn to carve’ shapes, etc… at which point old school straight skis were done for (hooray!). (…and there went my old 203 Rossi’s! Ed)
Tip rocker, flat tail, side cut, reverse side cut, sidewall, camber, reverse camber, rocker, twin rocker, flip core… all entered the skier vocabulary and have become a necessary part
of the après lexicon and fireside banter.
2017
For anyone who didn’t grow up learning on ‘straight skis’ …trust me, learning to ski now is so much easier. That’s not a ‘in my day’ comment, it’s a fact!
Round One - Falls Creek
The National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
We can thank the snowboard industry for leading the charge, as the shaping of snow boards and the use of new production techniques flowed over to ski manufacturing. Then throw in Shane McConkey, a legend of the sport for so many reasons (not to mention Saucer Boy), but more so for coining the term ‘free-skiing’ and introducing the world to ‘fat skis.’ The latter by mounting a set of ski bindings to water skis and trialling how they floated in powder snow. McConkey was instrumental in launching, in 2006, the K2 Pontoons, and the fat ski revolution took off.
Follow the groomer live from your phone with XCY App
Sign up : fallscreekxc@ymca org au (03)57583408
Always ski where the fresh tracks are !
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 at $54 on arrival per day, (or $49.50 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 $525 (or $450 on line).
An ‘All Resorts’ permit, valid at all Victorian Snow Resorts is available for $740.00 Enquire at Visitor Information desk.
Resort Entry Fees fund essential services of:
Ski patrol • Car Parking
Snow Clearing
Waste Management
Water Supply
Visitor Information Services
GRAVITY ENDURO NATIONAL SERIES
Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August. The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.
Free-ski products and industry participation - that is those skiers who identify as ‘freeskiers’ represents half of the US downhill ski industry. Many of whom similarly identify with having participated in some form of lift-accessed backcountry skiing too (or perhaps a Steve Lee Backcountry Tour… to join them, go to: www.fallscreek.com.au/ listing/backcountry-tours-with-steve-lee/)
This phenomenon of where people ski is having just as significant an impact on what people ski. The boom in free-ski and backcountry specific gear is another revolution changing the market and contributing to the growth in industry participation and product development. All has lead to new ways of experiencing the lunacy that is strapping two planks, or one, to your feet and hurtling yourself down a mountain. It’s addictive.
This past week at Falls Creek, the resort hosted the FIS Alpine ANC ski cross and slalom racing event. What a great spectacle and post watching the Winter Olympics and now having seen skier cross in person, it’s my new favourite contact sport… talk about tough!
Continuing on from this week’s event, in resort this weekend, Ski & Snowboard Australia, - through the SSA Futures program - is running talent identification training for up and coming park rats and free-skiers, such is the ongoing growth in these disciplines.
Round One of the GE National Series will be staged this weekend, beginning with practice sessions from 11am Friday. During the course of the weekend, several of the trails will be closed to general riders although Blue Dirt will have shuttles running on Friday from 11am to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Cost is $50 per day or $90 for 2 days. Go to www.bluedirt. com.au to book. On Sunday the trails will be closed to the general public, but will progressively open as the different sections of the event are completed. Pretty Valley Road will also have closures and be subject to delays should anyone be travelling back from the horse yards or Pretty Valley Pondage. Now this Gravity Enduro is a different sort of mountain bike racing to what we know as Downhill or Cross Country. The Gravity Enduro is both. The athletes will start with a warm up ride from Slalom Plaza, out the Bogong High Plains Road, up the Pretty Valley Road and then across to the Trig
Whilst the popularity of traditional downhill is firmly entrenched, the generations of mogul riders, slope stylers,
Open by Appointment For Groups, Clubs etc
Opening Hours
11am – 3pm Tuesday - Sunday
Panabode Building, Slalom Street, Falls Creek
Phone: 03 5758 1200
Map Ref: E4. Look for the Harvey Kat.
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
For Further Information:
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
Ph: 03 5758 1200
Accommodation
Child Care – Hours & Rates
Alpha Lodge
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.
Open 365 days a year. Self cater accommodation $56 p/p p/n twin/dbl. $42 p/p p/n bunk room. Parallel Street. Ph: 5758 3488 or visit: www.alphaskilodge.com.au
Hours & Rates
Altitude Apartments
Morning: 8:30am – 12:30pm $85
Afternoon: 1:30pm – 5pm $60
Full Day: 8:30am – 5pm $130
Spacious fully self-contained accommodation open all year round. Bike storage and free wi-fi. On site bar & restaurant - Be Foodstore. Ph: 03 5758 3811 Wb: www.altitudefallscreek.com.au
Bookings are strongly recommended as places are limited. Make your booking at: www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
Attunga Lodge
you’re some weekend. No time Gravity
QT Hotel Falls Creek
Apartment style luxury rooms, Pool & Jacuzzi, Sauna & Steam Room. On-site restaurant and bar. Open all year round - available for group bookings and functions. Ph: 03 5732 8000 Wb: www.qtfallscreek.com.au
Snowski Apartments
Under Five: Free Luggage Allowance
Two pieces of luggage, one pair of skis & boots or snowboard & boots and one piece of hand luggage per person.
Self contained accommodation open all year round with on-site management. Located in the Village Bowl. Ph: 5758 3356, or visit www.snowskiapartments.com.au
Summit Ridge Lodge
Excess Luggage: $7 per item.
Ticket Sales – On Mountain & On Line
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Accommodation Transfer Service
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Cedarwood Apartments
Viking Lodge
Fully self contained apartment accommodation Schuss Street Ph: 5758 3393.
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
Falls Creek Country Club
Mon – Thurs & Sat: 8am – 10pm Friday: 8am – 12 midnight Sunday: 8am – 10pm
Fully self contained accommodation from $135 /dbl/night. Ph: 5758 3391 or www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au. Bogong High Plains Road.
A Taxi Service is available in the Village during these hours. Ph: 03 5758 1203
Gebi’s Apartments
Fully self-contained comfortable apartments, located at the entrance to Falls Creek. Ph: 1800 45 35 25.
Nelse Alpine Lodge
Open for Accommodation, with Dinner, Bed and Break-
From 28.06.18 until 10.09.18 all visitors will be required to use the Accommodation Transfer Service. Visitor vehicles will not be permitted into the village during this period. Falls Creek Resort Management
Self-catering accommodation, all rooms with en suites. On site manager and secure bike storage and workshop. Free Wi-Fi. Ph. 03 5758 3247.
Dining & Bar
Enquiries: Ph: 03 5758 1200
BE Foodstore
Open for dining and
Point game fastest slowest before bit without permitted. final taking heading heading and Sound The Saturday: 10am Tent From Hoot
Sunday: activation.
GE
If
big mountain huckers, skier cross and aerial athletes is rapidly catching up. You Tube and GoPro - through their channels and the extreme sport tribe - are as much to do with driving this as the ski manufacturing industry is for making the sport ‘easier!’
Having said that, getting gnarly (ie. Jumping off stuff that is very difficult, or slightly nuts!) does take plenty of practise and broken bits… so if the above has inspired you to do something RAD… can I suggest: 1. get some lessons first, 2. get ambulance cover, 3. check your health insurance cover, 4. buy or rent the right gear, 5. get squishy bum pants with plenty of padding and a back brace, 6. invest in a mouth guard, and 7. be nice to ski patrol & the medical centre staff (both of whom will not appreciate me writing this column), oh… and wear a helmet (to reinforce this point, watch ‘The Crash Reel’ and you’ll know what I mean). Importantly, have fun, and build up gradually… you’ll need to learn to ski properly before you can fly.
Foodie Tip of the Week: Falls Creek Hotel… what better spot than to sit down, inside or out, take in the Summit and get the best steak sandwich on the mountain. The hotel is an institution, from Harvey Hour (ask a local about this) to its ripper lunch menu and spectacular location. Drop in for lunch, you’ll be glad you did!
If you’re around in the resort at the end of the month, make sure you get registered for the Kangaroo Hoppet – another snow sport spectacle with the toughest and fittest endurance athletes on the planet. Plus, get down to the night sprints in the Village Bowl on Thursday August 23rd… before the Night Show, for some explosive action on skinny skis.
Now get out there and find a few booters…! PS: if parts of the language used above makes no sense… go here: www.learntofreeride.com/lingo_results.cfm/ •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
New Range of Salomon Ski & Snowboard Boots now in stock!!
• Expert Master Boot Fitters on site to fit you up!
• Open Daily: 8am – 6pm.
• Free Pick-Up & Delivery for all ski and snowboard rental!
In the Village Bowl at the Falls Creek Hotel Map (Ref: M2)
Be part of the team!
As a member of the Falls Creek Race Club, young members can...
• Learn life skills in a wonderful rewarding environment.
• Make friends for life – with opportunities to travel the world.
• Learn to ski and board in a family friendly surroundings. Programs from primary to late teens – including tertiary tuition for full-time athletes.
‘An integral part of Falls Creek and its history!’ Wb: www.fallscreekraceclub.com.au Em: ski@fcrc.com.au
Adventure your way with Falls Creek Snowsports School!
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, half or full day lessons, delicious lunchtime meals, progress cards and the chance to meet the Paw Patrol puppies!
• Full day: 9:15am – 2:50pm.
• Half day: 9:15am – 12:50pm.
• PM lesson only: 1:15pm – 2:50pm.
Registration from 9:15am and 1:15pm, with lessons commencing at 10:00am and 1:30pm.
Spongebob Squarepants Junior Workshop (6 – 12 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, all-day lift access, delicious lunchtime meals and progress cards.
Full day: 9:45am – 2:50pm Registration from 9:45am, with lessons commencing at 10:00am.
TMNT Ride Tribe (13 – 17 years)
Full day programs – book your child in for a full day of inspiration as they engage with exciting and challenging
purpose built programs that cater to teenagers. Specialised lessons include constant supervision, full day lessons, all-day lift access, delicious lunchtime meals and progress cards.
Full day: 9:45am – 2:50pm
Registration from 9:45am, with lessons commencing at 10:00am.
Adult Programs (18+)
Develop your skiing or snowboarding skills in our group lessons specifically designed to cater for adults of all ability levels.
The AM Group Lesson features extended sessions and is available daily from 10:30am – 12:50pm.
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 Coffee Club and 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 10:30am and 1:30pm daily.
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 let us guide you through your choices at any resort ticket office, rental store, or the Snowsports School Office in Cloud 9. For any enquiries, please contact us at (03) 5758 1000. ‘All trails lead you home at Falls Creek!’
*Learn to Ski,
Lots of Back Country to be enjoyed on the Bogong High Plains – including the fabulous Mt. Feathertop. Pic – Cam Walker
FROM THE GM
Not much happens at Falls Creek…
After a spectacular first half of the season, snow depths are now above the 10 year average and nearing the 2m mark, and unbelievably the good stuff just keeps coming! Talking about the good stuff, the weeks ahead promise a fantastic line up of activity and I wanted to highlight some of the great events happening in resort this month to help deepen your love of snow!
SSA Futures Camp & Slopestyle EventFriday 17th & Saturday 18th August.
SSA Futures Camp is a Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA) athlete development and talent identification program. SSA Futures has a vision to enhance the opportunities and resources for athletes in the SSA athlete pathway, and for the first time there’s a camp this season at Falls Creek. The two day camp is run by the SSA with world class coaches, athletes, mentors and pro
riders and all will be in resort.
Following the camp the Falls Creek SSA Park Series Slopestyle Event (Sunday 19th August) provides the participating athletes the perfect platform to execute the new skills learned during the program.
Nitro Good Times Weekend
Built for good times, Falls Creek Terrain Park sponsor Nitro is calling all snowboarders to Falls Creek for two weekends this August. Saturday 18thSunday 19th August.
Come and shred with some of the best snowboarders in the world who ride for Nitro, and if you sign up they will ride with you! Grab your mates or come solo and meet fellow shredders who love a good time and pick up some new tips and tricks from the likes of Torgier Bergrem and Austin Smith.
Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th August
‘She Shreds’ is a fun social event for our lady riders and giving a chance to be
inspired by some of the Olympic, X Games and World Cup Series Champions. Share a chair, have a beer, cut some laps and chill out with some amazing women!
Silverstar Academy – Saturday 18th until Friday 31st August.
SilverStar Academy returns to Falls Creek with legend of Canadian skier Norman Kreutz heading up two exciting new programs. With snow in his DNA and unparalleled dedication, it’s no surprise Norman has seen enormous success in helping others build their confidence and a love for the sport.
As undoubtedly the most respected ‘trainer of trainers’ in Canada and with more than 40 years’ experience, Norman has been a mentor to many and now you have the chance to join that esteemed group. As part of our sister resort benefits, we’re offering Falls Creek guests the opportunity to learn from the best, supported by Falls Creek’s leading ski instructors.
Launching for the first time in 2018, join in the Masters program, a specialised program developed for skiers over 50. Get more longevity and enjoyment out of your skiing, learning how to adapt your style as your body ages and learn what equipment can help you get the most out of your
Fancy a Special Cake?
Located in the High Country, local ingredients and materials. Beautiful, elegant & unique cakes to suit your celebration and dietary requirements!
turns. The Masters program will take place on 18th &19th August, and again, 25th & 26th August.
For adrenalin junkies who want to take their skiing to the next level and take on back country, the second program is a MAX 4 Performance program. With a maximum teaching ratio of 4:1, this intensive training program will have you carving through the Maze and prepping you for a back country tour with Steve Lee. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity. 22nd to 24th August, and again on 29th to 31st August.
Volcom Attunga – Official Australian Screening
Some may recall the giant Volcom stone made of snow over in front of Dickie Knees last year - this is what that feature was built for. Bringing together some of the best snowboarders in the world including Scotty James, Pat Moore and Terje Hakonsen, the film follows the journey of three leading Norwegian snowboarders through their careers and their journey to Falls Creek where they are joined by some
Fully licensed restaurant
of the world’s best. The official Australian screening is not to be missed, especially as some of the stars will be in resort for the event! Monday 20th at the Frying Pan Inn.
Rudi Pendl Cup – Thursday 30th August
In place of the usual Night Show, this much loved local event is held in memory of one of the resort’s Austrian friends who was renowned for embracing snow, dance, cooking and all things Falls Creek since his arrival in 1977. The Rudi Pendl Honorary Night GS Race pays tribute to one of Falls Creek’s most loved residents and someone who left a significant legacy on our Snowsports School and everyone who worked there.
All race entry fees will be donated to Merlin’s Magic Wand, official charity of Falls Creek Ski Lifts which aims to provide snow experiences for seriously ill and disadvantaged children and their families.
J.B.’S RESTAURANT
RENOWNED FOR SWISS FONDUES
Memorial drinks will be held in the Frying Pan to pay respects to Rudi – all are most welcome!
For more information on how you can #adventureyourway, just contact our office on 03 5758 1000 or jump online at: skifalls.com.au. •
Sharon Raguse, GM Falls Creek Ski LiftsP/L
Driving Tip
Clear all the snow off your vehicle before you drive down the hill!
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!
Renowned Dining and Wines
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
Open until Saturday February 17th. Then closed for three weeks.
Lonely Planet Guide
Renowned for Swiss fondues and CzechBohemian - German food! Fondue Specials – every Wednesday
JB's extensive menu is available every day!
JB's Bar Specials
JB's Bar is giving away Jägermeister hoodie! Drop in for a Jäger shot and be in the draw!
Bookings Please! – Gift Vouchers available
Re-Opening Friday March 9th Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
PUBLIC BAR: 12noon – 2:30pm and 4:30pm to Close! Dinner: 5:30pm – 9pm
AVAILABLE ALL SEASON
We are open from 7am to 11pm. Bookings: 03 5758 3673 BREAKFAST $14
The biggest and the best Bacon& Egg Toastie with coffee From 7am to 11am. Full breakfast menu also available.
Daily special available from 11:30am
Full a la carte menu also available
Daily special available from 4:30pm to 6:15pm. Full a la carte menu also available
17 Slalom St, (03) 5758 3263
ar Open from 3:30pm daily. Welcome! y our Apres ski drinks, t-togethers and daily specials! t open for bookings off ering ced hearty Winter cuisine
In at 5:30 and out by 7pm and get a 15% discount off the total bill! Full a la carte menu with vegetarian, gluten free and children’s options.
Ridge Restaurant • Experience • Taste • Enjoy!
Best Restaurant 2017 Contemporary Australian – Victorian Regional –Restaurant & Catering Awards.
Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: K3 Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Winter’s Calling!
Blankets are warmer! Get everything ready for winter now at...
University, then made the move to medicine. After her first degree, she moved to Sydney University to study medical science. For a short while she focused on auditory neuroscience, a field so specialised her colleagues couldn’t understand what it was she was doing all day, even after she’d tried to explain.
That experience was isolating, and pushed her instead into general medicine. “I didn’t really enjoy being stuck in a lab all the time and I wanted to work with other people and have contact with other people.”
Skye has a calm and quiet demeanour. I can imagine her treating a skier who comes in with their leg around the wrong way with the same composed manner as she would tell a child to say “ahhh!”
I asked her what makes a good doctor at Falls Creek. “You have to be able to tackle a broad range of emergency presentations, and have extra skills with sports medicine. It isn’t possible to walk into an environment like Falls Creek Medical Centre and have the competence required without undergoing additional training.” Falls Creek is awash with medical and
emergency practitioners. There are ski patrollers, the SES search and rescue team, paramedics are on hand, and ambulance community officers live amongst us like x-men and x-women. There’s also the CFA volunteers and Victoria Police. But when all is said and done and everyone is dusted off, patients are taken to the Medical Centre, and it’s the doctors there that take the greatest weight of responsibility.
“It’s a very rewarding job. I mean your job is to help people in a whole variety of ways. The variety can be stressful at times, because you want to do everything perfectly and you want to be the best at everything, but that variety keeps it interesting and challenging as well.”
Continued Page Seven
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE 2015 Our New Frying Pan…
• Rustic, industrial and chic.
• Bar and grill in the heart of Falls Creek’s famous Village Bowl.
• FRIDAY – $10 Cocktails!
• SATURDAY – The DJs are back! FVLL Switch from 9pm!!
• SUNDAY – Après Recovery session with Scotty from 12noon
MONDAY - Volcom Premier of Attunga & Volcom Trivia plus Volcom pro riders!!!
• TUESDAY - $5 tacos & $10 margaritas!
WEDNESDAY – Trivia with Sammy from 6pm. $1 chicken wings, $10 pints!
• THURSDAY - The Falls Creek Summit Night Show followed by ‘DJ Mystery Machine’ in the Friers!!!
Dr Skye Delaney. Pic - Struan Jones
“And with five-thousand people on the hill, there’s also normal general practice things such as pregnant women, heart attacks and strokes, and we have to be able to manage all of that. So we make a big effort to keep our skills current, and that little medical centre has to be equipped as a full trauma and emergency department. The amount of equipment in there, and the skills that go along with being able to use it, is pretty amazing.”
Coming from a big city, I asked her how she made the move to a small town clinic. She described her up-bringing in Sydney as spending a lot of time ‘trying to get out of Sydney’ and into the bush. Then, as a student, she did a placement in Canada.
“It was in a little town of about six thousand people in a ski resort, and I worked with the doctors there. I thought it was a fantastic life, and the medicine was really interesting. Living in a small town really appealed to me, and being in the mountains was an added bonus.”
And there isn’t much in the mountains that Skye doesn’t do. She skis crosscountry, downhill and backcountry. She rides mountain bikes, hikes, runs, swims, practices yoga, and whenever space in her calendar opens up, she loves to travel with her young family. Her two sons, Jesse and Jamie attend the Falls Creek Primary where they are ‘living the dream’ - skiing 2-3 afternoons a week. Her husband Damian Heman is also in medicine, and conveniently completing a rural internship at Falls Creek. So there are no plans to leave.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
A doctor’s training is never finished, and Skye has recently completed another ultrasound course, and has special interests in antenatal care and skin cancers. “The best doctors are always learning, because things change, and you want to stay on top of it.”
She credits long-time doctors Libby Garoni, Jeff Robinson, and Mark Zagorski for mentoring younger GPs at the clinic, including herself. “We’re really lucky to have the doctors and staff that we have at Mount Beauty and Falls Creek. It’s attracted more and more great doctors to the practice, and everybody is really motivated. They really care about their job. It’s an excellent practice.”
(No doubt about that! Ed). Thanks for your time Skye. •
Struan Jones
Telemark Ski Lessons
One of the most unique and distinctive styles of skiing is telemark skiing.
Telemarking is a technique that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing. It’s downhill skiing with a free heel, bending and lunging into each turn. The free heels are excellent for backcountry touring, and with skill, you can get down any downhill slope just fine.
Telemark skiing is named after the telemark region of Norway, where in 1868 a Norwegian farmer first realised the technique to compete in ski races. The style enjoyed a good run until the Austrians popularised parallel turns in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1970s that telemarking experienced a revival.
Lessons in the technique are available with instructors Pete Holmes and Geza Kovaks at Falls Creek Cross Country at Windy Corner. With some instruction and practice, any locked-heel downhiller can improve their skiing by learning to telemark, and any cross-country skiers can more confidently make graceful turns downhill.
Enquire at Falls Creek Cross Country or call 5758 3408. •
to Winter
From 10am
For relaxed long lunches, exceptional dinners, coffee, snacks and drinks!
Plus, we have a great balcony to enjoy the action in Slalom Plaza! Every Day Specials Large Pizza & Dry long neck beer - $35
Saturdays & Wednesdays $15 Pizza & Beer For Menu and further info, visit: www.snowlands.com/thelasthoot Slalom Plaza (opp Halley’s Comet) Ph: 03 5758 3088 Map Ref: F3
For Menu and further Information visit: www.snowlands.com.au/thelasthoot
Slalom Plaza (start of the bike trails) Ph: 03 5758 3088
Our Fabulous 28th Event
On behalf of the Organising Committee it is a great pleasure to welcome all participants and supporters to Falls Creek for the 2018 Kangaroo Hoppet. With skiers from a record equalling 24 nations already entered - the resort will really be living up to the tagline ‘The Fourth Saturday in August –When the World Comes to Falls Creek’. A special welcome this year to our first skiers from Mongolia and Lichtenstein. Regardless of whether you have travelled 1km or 15,000km to be with us I hope that you all enjoy the warm hospitality and atmosphere that the Hoppet, with a lot of help from our friends in the local communities, manages to deliver to our skiing friends from around the world each year at Falls Creek.
International Night Sprints
Want fast and furious racing? Want to see serious thrills and spills? Well then look no further than the 2018 International Night Sprints on Thursday Night, the 23rd. With some of the fittest and fastest athletes in the world coming up to Falls Creek for the Kangaroo Hoppet, the 2018 International Night Sprints is the perfect opportunity to size up your bet for who will take the line honours in the 28th Running of the Kangaroo Hoppet. So what exactly will be happening? Racing will kick off in front of the newly revamped Frying Pan Inn in the Village Bowl at 6:20 on Thursday Evening (just before the fantastic Falls Creek Night Show). The races will be run in a ‘sprint’ format, which will see up to four skiers race head to head in a knockout format leading all the way to a final which will have the big dollars on the line.
Travelling, meeting old friends, making new ones and enjoying skiing is what the founders of Worldloppet had in mind 40 years ago when they met in Uppsala (SWE) to form the federation, and the Worldloppet Master award was established as a goal to encourage achievement of this aim. I think it fairly unlikely that they envisaged how successful this award would become, or that skiers would take on the challenge of achieving multiple awards, certainly not to the extent of French skier Hannes Larsson who has 34 Worldloppet medals in his collection. There are seventy six Australian skiers on the Worldloppet Master Honour Roll, lead by Marg Hayes with seven awards closely followed by her partner Bruce Wharrie with six.
While welcoming skiers and friends to the
Who to look out for?
Will it be Barbara ‘just-a-sec’ Jezersek, one of Australia’s most successful Nordic athletes taking home the cream, or will some international foe still her thunder? In the men’s, will home grown Olympian and all round Nice-Guy Phil Bellingham notch another win on his home turf or will some up and coming hunk steal the old cogger’s thunder?
None the less, I know for a fact that it will be exhilarating racing which will through up some interesting results. So why not come down, cheer on the fittest on the planet, have beverage and then hang around for the night show? You won’t be disappointed! • Rob Jones Hoppet Waxing
The National Team is running a waxing service again, with support from the YMCA
event, I would like also take the liberty of speaking on your behalf to acknowledge and thank the groups without whom there would not be an event – our major sponsor AGL Energy, supporting sponsors Brazen Brownies, Fischer, and XTM; our major partner Falls Creek Alpine Resort, supporting partners 4Site, Alpine Shire, Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre, Falls Creek SES and Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club together with the members of our organising committees, race office staff and our small army of volunteers from the local and cross country skiing communities.
Have a great day. •
Allan Marsland OAM Chairman Kangaroo Hoppet
Falls Creek Cross Country Centre. Skis can be dropped off at the Nordic Centre at Windy Corner between Monday August 20 and midday on Friday August 24, and picked up from the same place on the Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. All money goes towards the XC Towards 2022 fundraising campaign supporting Australian athletes preparing for both the 2019 Seefeld World Championships and the 2019 World Junior/U23 Championship. There are two options, $40 or $70, both include structure and a High Fluor underlayer, and the $70 job includes a Fluor Powder as the final layer. Not only is it for a good cause, but some of the nation’s best wax tech will be able to perform some wizardry on your skis to help you achieve your Hoppet goals for 2018. For any questions contact Rob on 0452 117 253. •
KANGAROO HOPPET WEEK 2018
Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office
Open Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th August
Located next to the Visitor Information Centre in ‘The Auditorium’ on the left as you approach Mount Beauty.
This is your One Stop Hoppet Shop and you can:
• Collect race numbers.
• Check out the range of Hoppet clothing and souvenir items.
• Check out the Hoppet Dozen featuring wines from the King Valley and Alpine Valleys wine regions.
• Worldloppet Passports available for purchase.
• 32Gi Pop-up store. For all your training and racing energy requirements.
• Enter the race. Late entries accepted until 4pm Friday 24th August.
• Catch up with friends and check out who is here this year.
THE PROGRAM
Australian National Cross Country Sprint Championships (F)
Saturday 18th August
9:30am. Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
A great opportunity to see who is in form for the International Night Sprints next Thursday.
Australian National 5/10km (C)
Cross Country Championships
Sunday 19th August
10am. Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
Falls Creek International Night Sprints
Thursday 23rd August - Falls Creek
Village Bowl
6pm. Outside the Frying Pan Inn (at the bottom of the Summit Chairlift)
Australia’s top sprinters take on the rest of the world in an exciting series of knockout sprints. Get a complimentary ride up the Gully Chairlift to the Village Bowl. Stay on after for the Summit Night Show Spectacular and Fireworks.
Falls Creek Summit Night Show Spectacular & Fireworks
Thursday 23rd August
7:30pm in the Village Bowl
Worldloppet Masters & Passport Holders’ Reception
Friday 24th August
From 5pm at Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre. A unique chance for Worldloppet Masters and Worldloppet Passport holders from around the world to meet and see who has made it to Australia this year.
Stay on for a $25 three course meal if you wish. Pre-booking is required for the meal. Ph: 03 5758 3228 or email howmansgap@ymca.org.au
2017 Kangaroo Hoppet Men’s winners, from left, Phil Bellingham AUS (2nd), Miles Havlick USA (1st) and Valerio Lecardi SUI (3rd). Pic – Mike @ Top Shots
THE MAIN EVENT
Saturday 25th August 2018
Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
9:30am Kangaroo Hoppet 42km
9:40am Australian Birkebeiner 21km
9:50am Joey Hoppet 7km
Presentation Ceremony
11:45amHoppet Finish Area
Post Race Social Evening and Awards Presentation.
From 6:30pm. Mount Beauty Community Centre
Kiewa Crescent, Mount Beauty – next to the Bakery.
Official Ceremonies at 7:30pm with presentations to the winners of all events, age class, school and workplace awards, AGL athlete scholarships and new Australian Worldloppet Masters. Special award badges for those who have taken part in ten Hoppets, and gold medallions to those who have completed twenty Hoppets. Spot prizes from Brazen Brownies, XTM and Fischer and the draw for the Silverstar Masters Training Camp prize.
Grab a great curry from the Spice Trailer, enjoy a coffee, a soft drink, a beer or a wine and relax for an enjoyable evening – from 6:30pm
When you come off the mountain and need a meal or just somewhere to hang out over a drink or snack, there are a number of choices, including Flour+Water, Roi’s Restaurant, The Mount Beauty Bakery, TakeOut, Treats, Templar Lodge, Sweetwater Brewery, West Peak Hotel, Settlers Tavern, Stockpot Restaurant and Swiss & Chips.
Hoppet 28 - The Morning After Sunday 26th August
Appreciate Your Achievement! Hoppet Race Office
In The Auditorium, at the Mount Beauty Information Centre.
• Check results and event photos from Top Shots at the Race Office.
• Last chance for Hoppet shopping. Relax with friends over a coffee and brunch at Flour+Water, The Bakery, Wonderland Emporium, Treats, Stockpot, and then maybe check out the local wineries on the way home.
Hit The Slopes
Sunday 26th August
Falls Creek Ski Lifts. Swap your skinny skis for fat skis or a snowboard.
Wear your Hoppet bib and take advantage of the special ski hire and lift ticket offer for Hoppet participants from Falls Creek Ski Lifts. Details in your race information email and at the Race Office. •
KANGAROO HOPPET WEEK 2018
KANGAROO HOPPET 2018
Who’s Who This Year?
Men. After an eight year drought since Ben Sim took his fourth title in 2009, is it time for an Australian to reclaim top spot on the Hoppet podium? Dual Winter Olympians Phil Bellingham and Callum Watson are back this year looking for top spot on the podium and their first Hoppet wins. Phil, after being denied the top spot by a half boot at last year’s event, and Callum with fourth last year and second in 2015 look like the skiers to beat, as long as Australian National Team coach Valerio Leccardi does not spoil the party. The Swiss Winter Olympian, with three Hoppet wins to his credit and third place last year is very keen to add a fourth title to his CV, and join Ben Sim and Ben Derrick on the select list of folk with four Hoppet wins to their credit.
Looming as the main challenger to Phil and Callum from the next group of developing Australian skiers is Mark Pollock from Albury, and in the mix with him will be Seve de Campo and Liam Burton, former National Junior Team members whose results in the last northern hemisphere winter has seen them move up to World Cup Team standard.
Women. Triple Winter Olympian Barbara Jezersek (twice representing Slovenia and most recently skiing for Australia) is the top ranked woman in Australia and after first place at last year’s Hoppet will be keen to make it a back to back Hoppet double. Dual Winter Olympian Aimee Watson was third at the 2017 Hoppet and despite having a proper job as a vet at Corowa, has been getting in plenty of skiing and cannot be overlooked for a podium spot and the next generation of Australian women vying for a podium place will include Casey Wright, Katerina Paul, Ella Jackson, and Australia’s leading biathlete Jillian Colebourn.
Barbara’s main challenge to achieving back to back Hoppets is French skier Aurelie Dabudyk. Aurelie is a three times FIS Worldloppet Cup Champion and has been based at Falls Creek since early July so she will have plenty of skiing km under her feet as well as a good knowledge of local course conditions. Also in the mix will be Cambria McDermott, from the USA, who is spending the winter in Mount Beauty as Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club’s coach in residence and took first place in the Hotham Pub to Pub race earlier this month and last year’s runner up Iris Pessey (FRA) who is back at Falls
VILLAGE MAP
Creek for another winter working at the Windy Corner XC Ski School. •
AGL Energy Scholarships.
A highlight of the Kangaroo Hoppet for junior and U23 skiers are six AGL Energy Scholarships valued at $500. These are awarded to the first U18 and U14 in the 7km Joey Hoppet, first U23 in the 21km, with a further two $500 awards to the first Australians in the 42km main event.
“AGL Energy is thrilled to be involved in an event such as the Kangaroo Hoppet and it is great to see such high standard of competition from all over the world in Australia’s Falls Creek, and we are pleased to renew this partnership through to 2020’, said AGL Renewables Manger Simon Kelley, “and we are especially proud to sponsor the AGL Athlete Scholarships which provide financial assistance for the future development of the young skiers.”
Former winners of AGL Scholarships include Cross Country Winter Olympians Callum Watson, Aimee Watson, Esther Bottomley, Phil Bellingham and Barbara Jezersek. •
THE 2018 HOPPET DOZEN
Value For Money
The sheltered alpine valleys of north east Victoria have established a reputation for high quality cool climate wines. The Alpine Valleys wine region takes in the Kiewa, Ovens, Buckland and Buffalo River Valleys, while the adjoining King River Valley to the west is a region in its own right. The cool nights and the reliable natural rainfall of the alpine valleys combine with the warm days from being north of the Great Dividing Range to reduce transpiration rates, creating ideal ripening conditions that maximise the natural sugars, esters and acids in the grapes leading to intense fruit flavours.
“The Hoppet Dozen, available only from the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office in Mount Beauty, provides skiers with a unique chance to sample local wines”.
The Hoppet Dozen, available only from the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office in Mount Beauty, provides skiers with a unique chance to sample wines from five regional wineries with the aim of increasing awareness of local wines and encouraging skiers and their friends to visit the cellar doors and sample the full range of wines on offer, either on the way home from the Hoppet, or on their next trip to the region.
Along with the ‘traditional’ varieties Reisling, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Durif and Cabernet Sauvignon, there is a lesser known Italian and Spanish presence in this year’s range. While the Italian wines Prosecco, Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio are now well known, especially to fans of the Alpine and King Valleys, the Vermentino from Boynton’s Feathertop winery, will be new to many and Gapsted’s High Country Tempranillo adds a taste of Spain to the mix.
Vermentino is mainly found in Italian wine and is widely planted in Sardinia, Liguria, where it is known as Pigato, and, under the name Favorita, in Piedmont. Tempranillo has been grown in Spain for over 2000 years and is the main grape variety in Rioja. Tempranillo is now grown around the world and has become the third widest planted grape variety in the world.
White Wines
Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley. NV Sam Miranda Prosecco NV Snowroad Sparkling
2017 Sam Miranda Pinot Grigio Boynton’s Feathertop Winery, Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah.
2017 Vermentino
Gapsted Wines. Great Alpine Rd, Gapsted. 2017 Ballerina Canopy Chardonnay Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines. Bay Creek Lane, Mongans Bridge.
2015 Reisling
Red Wines
Benjella, Hobbs Lane, Mongans Bridge.
2010 Pinot Noir
Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley. 2017 Mountain Range Merlot
2016 Super King (Sangiovese Cabernet)
Boynton’s Feathertop Winery, Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah
2015 Shiraz
Gapsted Wines. Great Alpine Rd, Gapsted. 2017 High Country Tempranillo
2017 Ballerina Canopy Durif
Even if you can’t make it to the Hoppet Office in Race Week, call in to one of these cellar doors on your way home. •
The home of fabulous food… Specialty coffee, organic teas, super smoothies, shakes & fresh juices! All day eats & treats made with love!
Fuel up the mornings… Recharge the days… Relax the evenings… Super convenient location at the base of Eagle Chair!
A range of the region’s fine wines to enjoy! Pic – Ken Bell
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
Royal Talbot Camp
DWA and Royal Talbot at Falls Creek. Royal Talbot is a well know Rehabilitation Centre and is a specialist provider of intensive rehabilitation programs, providing a comprehensive and co-ordinated range of medical, nursing, therapy and support services to people with a wide range of disabilities. Areas of specialty include acquired brain injury rehabilitation, amputee rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, orthopaedic rehabilitation and orthotic and prosthetic services. With DWA the Royal Talbot Camp centred on elite sit-ski athletes who had prior experience in other sport such as wheel chair basketball.
Royal Talbot Camp started with Jeremy Tyndall, James McQuillan and Damon Fent wanting to learn the skills in the
Your One-Stop Shop for all your holiday catering and enjoyment!
8AM - 7PM
adaptive way of skiing. Campbell Message from Royal Talbot lead the group on his own mono sit-ski. DWA guides assisted allowing Jeremy to take a Tessier Mono Ski down the mountain with training and guiding assistance from Campbell of Royal Talbot on a Mono ski and with his experience he could lead the turn shape for Jeremy to follow down Drovers and Highway 83. Damon also was strong and fit and is a person who has played many games of wheel chair basketball but was new to adaptive skiing. Damon took on the challenge of working the sit-ski – by-passing Mouse Trap and heading towards Drovers and Wombats ramble with minimal support. On Sunday Damon continued to improve with clear skies in the early morning being able to see the runs he was riding on Saturday.
James McQuillan who had previously played with Albury Tigers, showed his ability in being able to continue to push through the challenges that the slopes presented during the day. James wanted to explore the untracked powder and showed the ability to learn hockey stops while then
MOTORING TIPS
Drive to the Conditions
mishap - like losing your steering because your front wheels lock-up when you put the brakes on - and you slide in to a ditch (at best).
Get rid of all the snow from your car - it’s dangerous!
Carr y chains (for your drive wheels), gloves (for your hands), mat (to kneel on), torch (to see) and knowledge (to know how and when to fit chains).
A Motoring Tip brought to you by: Rick @ Mount Beauty Service Centre, Kiewa Valley Hway, Mount Beauty, Ph: 5754 4261
FALLS CREEK MEDICAL SERVICES MOUNT BEAUTY
Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6) Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day.
24 hours for Emergencies.
General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.
First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 33 years experience.
WHERE WHEN HOW WHO WHAT
Tawonga Crescent. 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton & Lauren Tanzen. Fully accredited General Practice with 39 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
“You’ve only got one head – put a lid on it!”
progressing into a controlled short turn pattern down Drovers with minimal support. There was also the unexpected close misses of a few obstacles and some guiding technical ‘saves’ that brought a few smiles to all. While there are challenges for all participants with adaptive skiing, learning is always a large part of the weekend but the importance of having fun and enjoyment with partners and friends must not be over looked. Partners were both skiing and snowboarding on the weekend and involved with the various runs. The experience of meeting other friends also happened as James and Kathryn ran into close friends skiing and riding at Falls Creek, while Sarah and Jeremy enjoyed the day and the company at dinner. Well done to all, see you back here again real soon.
If you would like to know more about adaptive skiing or boarding, or how you can volunteer, go to: www.disabledwintersport. com.au. • Ken Payne
Falls Creek Alpine Association (Inc.)
We are a not-for-profit organisation representing individuals, apartment owners, club lodges and commercial operators on alpine issues to FCRM and the Victorian government.
Visit www.fcaa.org.au to join and discover the benefits.
Sit-skiiers and sun - A great combination. Pic – Courtesy DWA
The Living Bin
It is believed that more than half of the waste tipped at landfill from the Alpine Resorts is food waste. When food waste goes into landfill it releases harmful gases which contribute to climate change – which in the long run means: no more snow! But this can be avoided – food waste can instead be turned into useful products, such as compost which improves soil condition and reduces the need for water by up to 30%.
“The Living Bin” is an organic waste recovery program which began as a trial back in the winter season of 2010, as part of Sustainability Victoria’s “Towards Zero Waste” grants. The success of the trial has seen the program continue running in Falls Creek (along with other major alpine resorts in north-east Victoria) since 2011, collecting food waste and transporting it to a local processing facility, where it is transformed into a valuable composting product.
The program is run by 4SITE Australia with the support of North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group, and since 2013 has succeeded in diverting between 20 and 44 tonnes of organic waste from Falls Creek from landfill each year. This is a substantial amount, but is nevertheless estimated to be just a mere 10 to 15% of the total organic waste produced by the resort. Falls Creek Resort Management is therefore continuing to work with stakeholders and the community to educate, encourage, support and facilitate increased participation in the program and to minimise waste to landfill.
Lilli Pilli DAY SPA & TEA HOUSE
Wholefood café
Open 7:30am to 4:30pm.
‘Grab & Go’ Juice and Smoothie Bar
Day Spa
- Open 8am to 8pm seven days by appointment.
Bookings: Mb: 0439 551 051
10 Slalom St, Falls Creek
Hard Waste Collection
Falls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day.
Each year we see more and more participants join the program. Falls Creek Primary School have been responsibly separating their waste for a number of years now, but this season the Grade 6 students are taking on the additional role of Environmental Warriors. This project will see them research the existing Living Bin program and waste collection services and present their findings to younger students, as well as brainstorm ideas for future wastereduction initiatives in Falls Creek, which they will present to Falls Creek Resort Management. We are thrilled to have these young local minds backing the program and are excited to see what they come up with – we will be checking in with them for a progress report in the coming weeks, so watch this space!
Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. • Summer Debrief
It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.
Therefore you are invited to join the relevant Resort Management personnel and other members of the community for a summer season debrief meeting.
This meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th April from 9:30am to around 11:30am in the Boardroom above Foodworks in QT.
In the meantime, residents and business operators are urged to get on board with the program and encourage their guests to
LOCAL JP’s
do so too – simply by utilising the provided bins and clear bin liners to separate their organic waste from recycling and general waste. If you do not have a Living Bin in your accommodation, please contact your accommodation manager or booking agent to request one.
For more information about organic waste bins and how your business can participate in the Living Bin program at Falls Creek, contact Lauren McKechnie at laurenmckechnie@fallscreek.com.au and help keep our winters cool! •
A Life to Remember
A celebration of Lyn’s Life will take place on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at 12 noon, the afternoon will reflect Lyn’s enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. • for to saving To Village will 10am 3rd, Companies Bedding and and Suppliers, suppliers Prepare Visit details
Bev Bowie Mb: 0401 456 448 Rob Spargo Mb: 0419 544 615
These folk serve the needs of the community as Justices of the Peace.
Sunday 28th May 5pm
They can be contacted on their mobiles normal business and family hours.
Mount Beauty Information Centre Auditorium. BYO drinks and nibbles.
Tickets: Mount BeautyNewsagency Ph: 5754 4204
LOCAL RADIO
Alpine Radio 96.5 FM In the Kiewa Valley Alpine Radio 92.9 FM In the Ovens Valley Alpine Radio 94.5 FM In the Harrietville area
and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. and it is understood that members of Lyn’s
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
Emergency Services Broadcaster Mount Beauty Community Radio for good music, local news, snow reports and developing programs. Ph: 5754 4554
$25, $20 (members), $10 (students)
Email: info@alpineradio.com.au Website: www.alpineradio.com.au
Travelling to Falls Creek this winter?
Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty Phone: 5754 1270
The Good News… Refuse and Recycling
For Information on Advertising or Editorial Contributions please contact: Ken Bell Mob: 0400 350 488 Email: kencbell@bigpond.net.au Kirsten Seaver Email: kseaver@own.net.au
Take advantage of the value packed* Local Pass - exclusively offered to local residents.
Leave the worries of hiring and fitting chains, coping with anti-freeze and icy roads behind you!
$250 per Adult + $45 per Day
$140 per Child + $35 per Day ** More Benefits in 2017**
Park your car in the secure car-park in Tawonga South and ride our comfortable warm coach to Falls Creek!
All orders in by Sunday 30th April.
Daily departures from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty will have you on the slopes sooner – without the fuss!!
Falls Creek is one of the first resorts to recycle organic matter! We recycle:-
• Cardboard – baled and sold for re-manufacture.
• Co-mingles – plastic, glass and paper – in the clear plastic bags with the RED print.
For further information contact: Falls Creek Ski Lifts P/L Ph: 03 5758 1000 *Conditions apply UKVRA presents…
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au Ph: 03 5754 4024
• Organics – anything that has ever lived – food, paper, oyster shells, bones – in the clear plastic bags with the GREEN print – all sent to be composted.
Tawonga Crescent 8:30am - 5:00pm Mon - Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm Saturdays Ph: 5754 3400 for appointments 24 hours for emergencies Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton & Anoop Pem.
Fully accredited General Practice with 37 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
YOUR LOCAL PRACTICESUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY! 2017 LOCAL PASS Affordable skiing in your own backyard!
Falls Creek Garbage is collected seven days a week during winter. If you require supplies of bags, have a question, or see a problem, Phone us on: Mb: 0437 306 799
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
What has been going on?
The 25th Ski de Femme held on Saturday the 11th of August and had a probable record number 145 women register, so along with coaches and helpers, about 160 hardy women made it to the Nordic Bowl. A special thanks to the major supporters FCRM, YMCA Cross Country Ski Centre and Brazen Brownies. Other lucky women won sport massages (Impact Massage - Mount Beauty) a Sassy Road voucher, Sweetwater beer packs, Hoppet wine, coffee and treats vouchers from Wonderland Emporium, the Mount Beauty Bakery and the Rose Garden Cafe. So it was a very successful event overall!
On Sunday the day after was the Rocky Valley Rush - a 15km skate event came into fruition from reports this event went well despite rather snowy conditions. In the Women’s 15km field French (soon to be Australian maybe) skier Iris Pessey came in first place ahead of American Birkie Ski Club Coach Cambria McDermott and
Aussie Casey Wright in third place. Casey Wright has just come back from University in Alaska for some skiing down under. She also was one of the ladies leading Ski de Femme last weekend.
In the Men’s 15km start-boy Phil Bellingham took the gold. Whilst Phil is retired from professional racing he still enjoys staying fit and keeping his rig nice and tidy by doing the occasional ski race. Second place was Ben Derrick and third was Kevin Tory. Good work to all other competitors as well.
I will also include that, although this happened in Perisher last weekend, I went to Perisher last Thursday for the annual Sundeck Hotel Cup, 7.5km Handicap Race. This was a Fundraiser for the national team led by Cliff at the Sundeck Hotel and we managed to raise $7,000 in support of the national team. It was a fantastic day and I was really happy with the good community feeling and participation, a highlight was probably 91 year old Pat Edmondson who crossed the line first (handicap obviously but still). This capped off a great XC week in Perisher last week. That’s enough about perisher though.
What’s happening now?
This section is worth a read this week as there is a lot going on for this next period. To kick start us off we have a couple of very large races called the Australian National Championships. These races are also part of the Australian/New Zealand Continental Cup which means if you win this weekend you get points contributing to the overall Conti Cup podium which is quite prestigious. On the Saturday we have a Freestyle Sprint event and on the Sunday we have a 5/10km Classic intervals start event. The competitions are open to anyone who wants to compete but the standard will be national level with all the best skiers from Australia registered to race as well as some international competitors.
Actually fresh off the press, there will be a 20 year old Norwegian Boy competing, a friend of mine and Ausxc athlete Liam Burton’s, Ole Jacob Forsmo is down under for three weeks in order to ‘find some motivation’ before another big year racing in Norway. So look out for his name this weekend and at the Hoppet.
There’s more though because next week is the famous Hoppet week. It’s not just Saturday the 25th which is important but there are events leading up to it which make it a very fun week. As many international racers come to Australia and namely Falls Creek, God’s Country, there will be the annual Hoppet Night Sprints on Thursday night before the Hoppet at 6pm at the Falls Creek Village Bowl right in front of the new and improved Frying Pan. The event will work with sprint heats, a quarter, semi and final with fast paced action packed racing and lots of massive prizes on the line. This would be a good
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
one to come and watch as there is usually a big crowd. Of course then on Saturday in the Kangaroo Hoppet which is a full day of festivities, a true celebration of cross country skiing in Australia. A special article will be done for next week on the Hoppet, so for now all you need to know is that registrations are still open on the Kangaroo Hoppet website and that it is on Saturday the 25th of August in Falls Creek, so sign up everyone, there is a 7km, 21 and 42 km event.
Trail Report
Snow cover is ‘excellent,’ there are almost 40km of groomed trails currently and there is even more snow on the way. It’s buzzing, and although it’s still a few weeks away, I am getting excited because the spring skiing is going to be so good here at Falls Creek. Grooming will be focusing on the Australian National Championships which are held this weekend the 18th and 19th of August so expect trails to be in pristine nick this weekend (be sure though to give way to those competing). “Enjoy the skiing everyone!” • Seve de Campo
Safety Tip
Be aware of snow shedding from the building roofs!
MAJOR PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
For Our Community
Falls Creek is one of Australia’s leading all season alpine resorts, with a long history of engagement with the arts. In response to strong community support for an increase in public art in the resort, Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM) recently undertook an expression of interest calling for submissions from professional artists across Australia for a major public art piece.
With the support and guidance of wellknown Falls Creek ‘local’ and Director of the Melbourne Art Prize Simon Warrender and FCRM Board Member and Chair of the Arts and Culture Development Committee, Lindy Allen, Falls Creek Resort Management convened a Curatorial Panel that consisted of Australia’s leading arts professionals, including Professor Marie Sierra (Deputy Dean and Head of School at University NSW Australia Art & Design),
WHAT’S ON – AUGUST
17th Mount Beauty Men’s Shed Regular Monthly meeting and BBQ. From Midday at the shed in Tennis Court Avenue, Mount Beauty.
17th & 18th SSA Futures Camp & Slopestyle Event – an athlete development program. Ph: 03 5758 1000. 18th TDFNL Rd18. Mitta United V Dederang MB 18th Australian Open Sprint Championships. 9:30am Nordic Bowl.
Ph: Anne Bellingham 03 5754 1815.
18th & 19th Nitro Good Times Fun Weekend. Calling all Snowboarders to Falls Creek to pick up some tricks. Ph: 03 5758 1026.
19th Australian Open Championships 10am Nordic Bowl. Ph: Anne Bellingham 03 5754 1815.
21st. Regular monthly meeting of the Mount Beauty Anxiety Self Help Support Group, 7pm –8:30pm at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. Gold coin donation appreciated. Phone the Anxiety Recovery Centre Vic on 03 9830 0533.
23rd Falls Creek Nights Sprints – the best XC
skiers in action in the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5754 1045.
23rd: Falls Creek fabulous Summit Night Show Spectacular. From 7:30pm on the Summit – features skiing/boarding and equipment demos and a fabulous fireworks display. Ph: 03 5758 1000.
25th 9:30am. 42km Kangaroo Hoppet.9:40am. 21km Australian Birkebeiner. 9:450am. 7km Joey Hoppet. Falls Creek Nordic Bowl. All welcome to spectate and cheer the international stars. Ph: 03 5754 1045.
25th & 26th Nitro Good Times – She Shreds – a fun good times event for all lady riders. Ph: 03 5758 1000.
25th & 26th TDFNL Qualifying Final (Sat) and Elimination Final (Sun)
30th Falls Creek fabulous Summit Night Show Spectacular. From 7:30pm on the Summit – features skiing/boarding and equipment demos and a fabulous fireworks display. Ph: 03 5758 1000. Followed by the Pendl Cup.
WHAT’S ON – SEPTEMBER
1st Mount Beauty Community Market, 9am –1pm top end of Hollonds Street and Kiewa Crescent. For further Info or to book a stall, Ph Bev: 03 5754 4097.
1st Storm the Castle – The fabulous SlopeStyle comp on Ruined Castle. Further details Ph: 30 5758 1026.
1st Falls Creek Light the Night – Supporting the Leukaemia Foundation 5pm to 7pm Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5758 1200
1st – 2nd Back Country Festival, Falls Creek - based around the Falls Creek Nordic Centre. Further details at: https://backcountry-festival.com/whats-on/ 2nd Bandwagon Banked Slalom. For details, 1st & 2nd TDFNL Semi Final 2 on Saturday & Semi Final 1 on Sunday. Venue TBA
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
5th – 9th 10th Annual Gay Ski Week at Falls Creek. Further details from: https://pointsofdifference.com/gswa.
6th Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association Inc Annual General Meeting. 7:30pm in The Auditorium at the Visitor Information Centre. All Welcome: Em: ukvcommunity.org.au
8th Regular monthly meeting of the Mount Beauty Diabetes Support Group. 10am. Lakeside Community Centre. All Welcome. Ph: 0427 544 824.
8th & 9th The Summit Masters – Tradition and True Roots returns to the bumps course on the Summit. Ph: 03 5758 1026
Ed 12 * 24.08.18 * Kangaroo Hoppet, Aust. Birkebeiner & Joey Hoppet. Pendl Cup(C)
Ed 13 * 31.08.18 * Hoppet Wrap, Mini Series 4, Storm the Castle. Back Country Festival. (C)
Ed 14 * 07.09.18 * Summit Masters Bumps Comp. The Dreamer Freestyle Series. (C)
Ed 15 * 14.09.18 * Falls Freestyle Series – The Dreamer. McKaos Lead Up. Summer Action. (C)
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club, 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
Professor Chris McAuliffe from the School of Art at Australia National University and previous Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art) and Bryony Nainby (Director of Benalla Art Gallery) who oversaw the commissioning process and guided the Falls Creek Resort Management Board in the selection of finalists for the public art commission.
The resort will now embark on a fundraising campaign to complete and install the work. As part of the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project grant program FCRM is pleased to announce the winning artist for the submission.
Giovanni Veronesi is a Queensland-based artist who is probably best known for his work, ‘The Waratah Studio’, which put Australia on the map by winning Best in Show in the Chelsea Gardens Show’s centenary year in 2013. For Falls Creek, he has designed ‘Flower of the Alpine Sun’, a standalone sculpture 3 metres tall, part alpine flower, part sun.
SCHEDULE & RATES
ADVERTISING RATES:
CLASSIFIEDS: • $4.90 per line.
BUSINESS DIR.: • $5.90 per line.
FORMAT: • Logos and images 300dpi>
“The flower is a metaphor for the landscape’s death and rebirth,” the artist said. “Located in a prominent position in a popular Australian ski resort, which attracts over 750,000 visitors each year, the work offers accessible entry into a reflection on the impending impacts of climate change for this beautiful and delicate all-seasons wonderland.”
The winning work was chosen from 35 submissions from national and international artists. The curatorial panel were focussed on reflecting the aims of the commission which were to create a high quality contemporary artwork that could express the Falls Creek community’s affection for this unique alpine village and their aspirations for its sustainable future. The work also needed to have enduring conceptual relevance and celebrate the ancient, recent and contemporary stories of human occupation and endeavour.
“The resort hopes to enhance the visitor arrivals experience and signal our proud history and commitment to art,” FCRM CEO Stuart Smythe said. “With this exceptional beautiful design by Giovanni Veronesi, we also hope to attract new visitors to the area from across the globe.
If you live in the Victorian High Country and would like to support this exciting
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 touch base with Bill or phone Ken Bell on 0400 350 488.
NEW MOUNTAIN STAFF
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.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs. Services include hems & complete design solutions.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village, (below Milch Café) Ground Fl, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St, Falls Creek. Ph: 03 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.
CIVIL CELEBRANT - HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies - All Types. Ph: 03 5754 4395. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
COMPUTERS & SERVICE
Custom built computers, Upgrades, parts, laptops, troubleshooting, virus removal, data recovery, back-ups. Ph: Michal Trnka 5754 4637 or Mb: 0417 163 601
MAJOR PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
project, please vote for us! Simply visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au, register for a Pick My Project account and vote. Voting opens at 9am on Monday 13 August 2018 and closes at 5pm on Monday 17 September 2018.
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE – SNOWMOBILE
Red BRP V800. New Condition, 1,100kms, regularly serviced, many options. $7795 Ph: 0447 583 255. FOR HIRE
Three Tonne Tipper and mini Excavator. Ph: 0427 942 171. 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 $200. Ph: 0400 350 488.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DRIVING INSTRUCTION
Summit Driver Training. Tawonga based driving instruction and re-assessment. Ph Craig 0427 722 287.
ELECTRICAL
All Electrical Services. Ph: Rick 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 5754 1695.
by @diorama.eu
For further information in relation to this release, please email: arts@fallscreek.com.au or contact Elise Armitage on 03 5758 1200. •
BABYSITTING – FALLS CREEK
Available all day and nights, Fri, Sat and Sun. Any time after 5pm Mon to Thurs. Trustworthy, Fun, Reliable and Responsible. Ph: Molly: 0487 864 679.
HOUSE TO RENT
Three bedroom, massive master bedroom, large bathroom, R/C heating and cooling, quite location, huge yard, gardener and water included. $275 per week. Existing tenant needs to break the lease for personal reasons. Contact Alpine Valley Real Estate Ph: 03 5754 4999
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial.
Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service
Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services, Ph: Laif 0437 023 921.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy. 5A Hollonds St Mt Beauty. Out of hours and home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 5754 1270.
PLUMBING & GASFITTING
David Batson – Servicing Mount Beauty, Tawonga and beyond. No job too big or small! Domestic, commercial or industrial. Ph: 0488 552 239
REMEDIAL MASSAGE/NATUROPATH
38 St Bernard Dv, Tawonga Sth. Ph: 0419 519 275.
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.
Art complimenting the environment. Artwork visualisation
PROPETY OF THE WEEK
Cedarwood Apt 12
This fabulous north facing, ski-in skiout apartment sleeps four people. This one bedroom, one bathroom unit is well located – being one of the highest apartments on the mountain, it has beautiful north facing views overlooking the treetops towards Spion Kopje, the Village Bowl and Falls Creek ski runs. With a separate mezzanine bedroom that can be configured as either two singles or a king, and single bed with trundle downstairs (that can also be used as a king) it is ideal for a family or a group of four adults.
The enormous leather couch, wellappointed laundry, kitchen and dining facilities make this apartment completely self-contained and the balcony with gas
BBQ offers an extra dining experience in summer or winter, so you won’t have to eat out every night (unless you want to!).
The washer and separate dryer means you won’t have soggy clothes when you kit up for a bluebird morning of skiing or snowboarding, and fantastic ski in-ski out access means no clomping around with tired legs after a big day on the slopes!
In the summer months, (that which we describe as everything not winter), the location can be easily accessed by car with adequate parking out front or nearby.
While the quality of your enjoyment of Falls Creek as a winter resort is undoubted, it is the growing suite of summer activities that adds untold value to a purchase in the village.
Over the last decade, much work has gone into developing and securing summer trade. The resort now boasts in excess of 40km of mountain bike trails – with some being accessed from very close to Cedarwood. Add to these the many kilometres of aqueducts and management vehicle tracks and your exploring, whether on foot, on a
horse or on your bike is endless. The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is an iconic Australian walk of international standard being promoted by Parks Victoria.
The afore-mentioned suite of summer activities includes the Alpine Challenge, the Mile High Dragon Boats, the Bicycle Network Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, the Easter Festival as well as regular mountain bike shuttles. And to quote our CEO from an article last season (Edition Six) “Falls Creek has the highest total visitor days of any Alpine Resort in Victoria.”
The Cedarwood complex has a long lease until 2053, a fantastic on-site manager who actively promotes Cedarwood at every opportunity, and is heavily involved in summer cycling events, which means yearround income for investors! The apartment building has extra storage cages for owners and a secure storage area for skis and bikes for visitors.
At $195k, you should start your Falls Creek journey here! Contact the agent, Christa Smit (Zirknitzer) of Zirky Real Estate on Mb: 0402 277 808. •
Comfortable and clean with great views. Pic – Courtesy of the agent