• Top: Thanks to the team at Snowsports School. Pic - Mike @ Topshots.
• Left: The Samsons in the 2007 Mitta to Mount Beauty. Pic - Ken Bell. • Right: Best Dressed went to the Cowley Family. Pic - FCCC.
FROM THE CEO
I feel the need… the need for speed…
That is a great quote from a 32-yearold movie… and with the amazing conditions that we are experiencing thanks to those sunny days and freezing nights producing ripple perfect corduroy conditions for first tracks, “permission to the buzz the tower,” or at least fly past the lift towers is pretty much as close to the real thing as you’ll get without leaving the ground up here at Falls Creek (terrain parks and heli shuttles excluded).
What’s more, brilliant spring skiing conditions on a snow pack that is still well above the 30-year average and, as the season closes out, we’ve got the fourth best average depth since 1988.
So, pack the fat skis or powder boards away and sharpen up the edges on the skinnies…
EXPLORE THE HIGH PLAINS OUTSIDE OF THE TRACKS
RENT OUR BACKCOUNTRY GEAR OR BOOK A TOUR!
Contact & booking: fallscreekxc@ymca.org.au (03) 5758 3408
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
Snow Clearing
Waste Management
dial up the buckles to the next level and hang on for fast turns.
Car Parking
Water Supply
Visitor Information Services
This is a great segue into another favourite topic of mine, safety on the slopes.
2017 GRAVITY ENDURO NATIONAL
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.
Any sport is risky, that’s why we love doing them, for the rush! However, strapping a plank or two sticks on your feet and hurtling yourself down a hill takes a bit more expertise than you’d think. So, this week I’m writing about skiing or boarding responsibly and in control.
Dad’s in the 40, 45 and 50yr old bracket… it will most likely be on Wombats Ramble and this year the amazing ski patrol team responded in under three minutes! The good news is that the overwhelming number of incidents aren’t serious. As a percentage, or accidents per 1000 visitor days go, Falls Creek is incredibly safe.
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.
One of my weekly tasks is the reviewing of our ski patrol statistics. Regular readers will know, I love a good stat and the team in ski patrol have a plethora of them. They collect incident details to an actuarial standard! The depth of information provides a powerful tool and insights into what is happening on the mountain (and off it).
By international ski resort comparisons, we are almost the gold standard, with an incident rate half that of the industry. To put this into perspective, of the 450,000 people who ski over the season, less than 2,000 will require ski patrol assistance and less than 1000 of them will need medical attention. Compared to base jumping, rock climbing, white water kayaking, cave diving, buzkashi (google it), bull riding, bull fighting, jousting (?) and… cheerleading (yep!) … Snowsports are a walk in the park!
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.
This year, August 12th has been the highest response day, with the ski patrol team attending to 43 incidents, just two short of the all-time record of 46 in July 2016. If you’re a 15 - 24 year old snowboarder, statistically you are more likely to see a ski patroller in action up close and personal between 10am and 12noon… then skiing
All sports have risks, that’s why we get addicted to them, the rush, the experience, exhilaration, the friendships and let’s be honest, the gear… who hasn’t already flicked through next year’s gear reviews and created their wish-list.
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
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.
For Further Information:
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
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
Accommodation Transfer
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.
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Cedarwood Apartments
Service
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
Point game fastest slowest before bit without permitted. final taking heading heading and Sound The Saturday: 10am Tent From Hoot
Sunday: activation. GE
In fact, it’s the gear that can make a huge difference to any sport and with snow sports, you can accessorise to the extreme depending on your ability level, appetite for risk, pain threshold and fashion sense… (note: ladybird and tortoise ‘tooshie’ cushions aren’t fashion though!).
An important point to remember, when on snow, the person in front of you always has the right of way. Whilst we don’t have eyes in the back of heads, a good set of googles will undoubtedly make a huge difference in seeing where you’re going, the person in front and the undulations in the terrain.
The helmet debate… the stats say it all… according to the annual helmet survey conducted by the ASAA, skiers continue to value their heads more than snow boarders… at Falls Creek 70% of skiers and 30% of snowboarders wear a helmet, which is in line with the national average.
Interestingly, head and neck injuries have fallen in incident rates from 3rd to 6th in terms of incident type in the last 14 years. Kind of makes sense really, they are an essential piece of gear and why it is recommended to wear one. A great read on the topic here: https://www.snowsbest.com/ helmet-report/
The 10 commandments of the alpine responsibility code are also a worthwhile read. Whilst effectively common sense – in a nut shell it says – stay in control, know how to stop, take lessons to learn, avoid people below, don’t stop in the middle of runs (or unload areas), always look up hill prior to entering a run, use the safety bar, read the signs, don’t ski/board under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if you are in an accident or witness one then alert ski patrol and stay at the scene. Respect gets respect – from the lift lines, to the slopes, through the park and resort.
My final comment is, if you’re new to the sport or just want to improve, grab a lesson. Seriously, knowing the basics will make the experience so much better and, teaching you some of the tools to begin mastering the techniques needed will more than likely reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.
Foodie Tip of the Week: So many options, so many spring deals… in the final weeks of the season check out: www.fallscreek. com.au/whatsonguide. The Guide is a great starting place to find all the deals and events.
Now, get out there and have some Spring skiing fun… •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
• 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, Learn to Board and Coffee Club
Our Ski Patrol do a fabulous job of taking care of everyone on the mountain. Pic - Courtesy Ski Patrol
FROM THE GM
Our Hero Pass Holders
With season 2018 almost at a close we’ve been celebrating some of our most frequent visitors, our Hero Pass holders and rewarding them in some small ways to thank them for their loyalty. Every year these people commit early and pledge their love for Falls Creek by securing their early bird season pass and we wanted to show our appreciation.
On September 1st when we painted the resort purple as the 2019 Hero Pass went on sale, we decided to host two little events, a fresh tracks session on Summit and an après event at the renovated Cloud 9.
With some good centimetres falling the night prior, things were looking good for a few powder runs on Summit but then the weather closed in and it wasn’t quite as expected! Despite the snow being heavy and the visibility challenging, we still had a
good turnout and more importantly there were plenty of smiles! Not sure if they were laughing at our wings and capes and Dame Edna eye masks, but they were happy and that’s what’s important!
In the evening we partnered with the team from Traverse Alpine Group to launch their Cloud 9 Après sessions with an exclusive event for our current Hero Pass holders.
Supported by The Stag cool climate wines from St Huberts in the Yarra Valley, my team and I got to get up close and personal with our passionate guests and heard what they really thought about Falls Creek and all that was on offer.
As the wine flowed, the stories came out, and what tales they had to tell!
We met Hero Pass holders who were up to year 10, year 17 and even year 30! We met skiers and boarders who came so frequently, it cost them a mere $20 per day – that
was a gentleman who just clocked over 40 skiing days this season!
We met generations of families and groups of friends who proudly call Falls Creek their mountain and overwhelmingly there is true love for this place some of us are lucky enough to call home.
There were tales of big days and big nights, of learning to ski to mastering their first black run, it was lovely to hear all of their stories and share their experiences over a glass of pinot and a slice of pizza.
As we look towards the end of the season, we will be inviting our Hero Pass holders to once again join us up at Cloud 9 this Saturday 22nd from 4pm to reflect on the season to date and all of the highlights.
With all runs still open and the village still predominantly ski in ski out, spirits are high - as is the confidence that 2019 is going to be another cracker! Good things come in three don’t they! Enjoy it out there!!! •
Sharon Raguse, GM
Falls Creek Ski Lifts P/L
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
Members Camp
The DWA Members Camp was the last camp for the 2018 season, so it is, without a doubt, a little sad that the season has come to an end for the weekend camps. However, during the remaining two weeks at Falls Creek DWA personnel are still active mid-week with Peter Hull assisting individual disabled skiers and boarders who will take the school holiday opportunity to visit and enjoy the great conditions.
The DWA Members camp last weekend again had a mixture of sit-ski, snowboarding and skiing participants ready to have fun and enjoy the best of spring skiing here at the resort. Falls Creek Snowsports School assisted the DWA guides with Ski and Snowboard Instructors Kerry, Fiona, Tom and Peps to deliver solid practical instructing that then allowed the DWA guides to assist and aid the participants during the day.
Ethan took to the sit ski after recent surgery as he was not able to snowboard on this camp as he has done on previous camps this year. In the sit ski Ethan accepted the challenge of out-riggers attached to his arms and continued to manage speed control and turn shape with DWA guide Hagan down a variety of runs ending up at Ruined Castle. Trevor continued learning snowboarding skills with Fiona and on Sunday enjoyed consolidating what he had learnt with DWA guide Chris.
Adaptive skiing requires intense upper body strength, dexterity and reaction times, and can provide one of the most exhilarating experiences available. So, it was only natural that that DWA participant Andrew still wanted to find a way to continue to enjoy
a sport he loved. Kerry assisted DWA guide Mark with Andrew and patiently went back to the beginning introducing balance and the ability to stand once again on skis without falling.
Edward, Harry and Tyler – all on skiscontinued to improve down Drovers during a beautiful Sunday. With Edward having the opportunity to also ski with sister Annabella and mum Elizabeth. Then with the sun out on Sunday the compulsory family snow ball fight began - completing the weekend in raucous laughter.
DWA members take with them their memories from the camps and we know that the memories will last a life time and always bring a smile back to them. Adaptive skiing, sit-skiing, snowboarding has produced a vital and active community. DWA guides understand the difficulty and demands of their sport and are eager to help newcomers get invested in the activity. DWA and the adaptive ski world have developed a variety of techniques and technologies that can help newcomers break into the skiing world with a minimum of difficulty. Therefore, anyone who is interested should start looking immediately and enjoy themselves, and while this season is coming to an end there is always next year. The camps will be planned and scheduled and available for disabled participants to enrol in March 2019. DWA are always available to help and assist. Further information is available on the website: www.disabledwintersport.com.au. • Ken Payne.
J.B.’S
RENOWNED FOR SWISS FONDUES Renowned for Swiss fondues and CzechBohemian - German food! Fondue Specials – every Wednesday JB's extensive menu is available every day! PUBLIC BAR: 12noon – 2:30pm and 4:30pm to Close! Dinner: 5:30pm – 9pm 9 PARALLEL ST Ph: 03 5758 3278 Map Ref: H2
A special thanks to Ken Payne for taking on the role with DWA this year and also for providing the regular informative reports on the camps for each paper. Ed.
SPECIALS
AVAILABLE ALL SEASON
Book your ‘End of Season’ Party Now!
We are open from 7am to 11pm. Bookings: 03 5758 3673 BREAKFAST
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
EARLY BIRD DINNER KIDS $18.50 ADULTS $25
Daily special available from 4:30pm to 6:15pm. Full a la carte menu also available
our Degustation Menu… 9 Course w matching wines - $175 per head! Closed Monday 24th Final Night of the season is Sat 29th Sep.
Full a la carte menu with vegetarian, gluten free and children’s options. Finalist: Best Restaurant 2017 Contemporary Australian – Victorian Regional –Restaurant & Catering Awards. Schuss Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: K3 Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Pete the Snow Dragon is always happy to support our DWA clients. Pic - Courtesy DWA
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
Time to Mix It Up
At this time of year, I get a bit more excited. I am constantly checking the local weather to see what the snow is doing because there are a few more options now when deciding on heading out for a ski. This week I am going to explore and give you an insight into the possibilities Spring brings in terms of XC skiing.
Regular Trail Blazing
Like I said in the trail report, the trails are still in fantastic shape for this time of year, and if you are a traditionalist, want to keep working on your style and keep the speed up, then there is 50km of groomed corduroy available each day. However, because it’s spring, make sure you get your session done before midday as after that, as you probably know, it turns to slush. A friend of mine said once, after midday it becomes surfing rather than skiing and I agree.
Crust Skiing
A magical thing happens around midSeptember; it’s called crust, and it gets me out of bed in the morning. When the top layer of snow melts during the day and
Our New Frying Pan…
• Rustic, industrial and chic.
• Bar and grill in the heart of Falls Creek’s famous Village Bowl.
• FRIDAY – $10 Cocktails!
then freezes overnight, we are met with a nice hard layer of snow meaning, the once helpless skinny skis, can now take us anywhere the heart desires. The best too, is when there is minimal wind so as to not create windblown ice patches. If this process of melt and freeze continues over days, heading out, off the groomed trails on a pair of skates (just a bit faster than the classic option) on a hard yet stable surface is the best way to go really far across undulating terrain. Some ideal trips with skates and crust snow is doing the Spion Kopje loop, a long lap around the Rocky Valley Lake and coming through Pretty Valley, or even just exploring Heathy Spur area. It is also great for beginners as you can start easily heading out towards Langford’s and around Watchbed creek. I have a friend who took his mum for the first time offtrack last weekend, and his mum is a good skier but not a wizard of any sorts, sorry Melissa!
Crust in the Afternoon
Just like frying an egg, you can take it off quite quickly and it will be very gooey, or you let it sit there and get it nice a compact (I prefer this type of fried egg). Well the crust is the opposite to this during spring, it starts nice and hard and fast, and you might think surely this is what you want? Well, yes, but I’ll give you a real insiders tip, plan your trip so that by the end of your ski so that you are heading back down at around 11am because at this time the crust is just lightly melted, so as to create the perfect
lubricant for some awesome telemark turns! I call the time 11am-midday the golden hour where I search for the downhills to bust out some sexy telemark turns, it feels so good. Yes, on XC skis! This happy hour is when the XC boards shine for this stuff. Even if you are just starting I recommend trying out some stylish parallel turns, it’s when XC yells out to downhill and says “hey, I can do this too!”
Backcountry Tour
• SATURDAY - DJ Mystery Machine on stage!
WINTER EDITION FOUR
• SUNDAY - $12 Bloody Mary’s and Caipiroskas!!
AD PROOF
• MONDAY - $20 burger and beer special!
• TUESDAY - Taco Tuesday & $10 Margaritas
• WEDNESDAY - $1 chicken wings & $10 pints!
THURSDAY - $8 tinnies!
LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE BOWL AT THE BOTTOM OF SUMMIT 03 5711 9100 MAP REFERENCE O2
Saturday: Cloud 9 Cocktail Bar open to watch the sunset until 6pm. Ski home for night skiing!! An exciting new leisure experience at the top of the mountain!
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE 2015
If you go to the house of a self-acclaimed mountain expert, you would hope they have these three items; Touring bindings, skins, and a goggle tan (however through repeated ‘slow tanning’ sessions where sunscreen is a major player). I have a friend Finlay Clarke - who was here last year. He has all this equipment and might one day be a mountain expert if he gets his act together. There are a variety of places to go, heading out to Ropers Lookout (a quick and easy one), Mount McKay, and Rocky Knolls (beyond Ruined Castle) to name a few. He will say you can head out in all conditions with soft powder days a favourite as well as slightly softened crusty sessions. The trick though with this Backcountry gear, is to choose journeys centred around a ‘gnarly’ or ‘sick’ downhill descent as opposed to a long undulating marathon. The skins allow you to hike up steep slopes and once you take them off and are staring down a shaft or cornice, you want to be both licking your lips and excited knowing you have some proper downhill skis underfoot. One for the thrill seekers, from McKay, you can see a Europeanesque shaped mountain called Mount Feathertop. As the legend goes, if you can ski down that cornice, you will one day bask with the greatest snow gods up in heaven.
Trail Report
... boasting a bistro, wood-fired pizza, waffle station, bar and café!
Wood-fired Rotisserie, Deli and kitchen providing:
• Café & Deli selections
• Bistro meals
• Wood Fire Pizza
• Waffle delights
Ph: 03 5711 9109
At the top of Halley’s Comet Chairlift Open Daily: 8:30am to 5pm.
At the moment we have about a metre and a half of snow on average. For the XC trails
that is more than enough to still have all possible trails open and ready to ski. The average cover of the trails is ‘excellent’ and the average condition is ‘spring.’ What does spring mean? It means that the trails are optimum up until about 11am before the classic spring daily melt starts and by 3pm it’s almost like you’re surfing on snow. That said though, around 50km of trails are regularly groomed. My personal favourites at the moment; On the national team camp last week we skied out towards Pretty Valley and the groomer (who is on fire) made a large loop around Pretty Valley and then down to Pretty Valley dam. Honestly I had never skied some of that loop before and it was perfect! If you like to stay centralised, we also did some hard L5 skate intervals from Horseyards straight up little Canada, those crazy trails there were pretty cool too. So there’s lots on offer at the moment, and not many excuses.
The AUSXC Season Launch
The biggest skiing party fundraiser in the Southern Hemisphere is going to be held on Friday the 12th of October in Melbourne at the Middle Park Bowls Club. Many of you would know that this event has traditionally been held generously by the Montgomery family, however the Middle Park Bowls Club have offered their best services to the team and cannot wait to host everyone. It is the celebration of a fantastic season of racing down under as well as being the official launch for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere Winter. There will be entertainment, a presentation of the new 2018/19 National Team including the Junior/U23/ Continental Cup and World Cup Teams and of course a cracking loud and silent auction to raise money for the team. More information on www.ausxc.com. Hope to see everyone there. Tickets are available at skiandsnowboard.org.au/events/23756/ • Seve de Campo
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
Driving Tip
Slow down and give way!
Welcome to Winter 2018! Now Open Seven Days a Week
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
Members of the National Team with coach Valerio Leccardi. From left, Valerio, Mark Pollock, Nic Blackwell, Seve de Campo and Ella Jackson. Pic - Kat Paul
MITTA TO MOUNT BEAUTY
Here’s The Challenge
This year Team Mount Beauty is encouraging locals to participate in the iconic Mitta to Mount Beauty Mountain Bike Challenge by offering a big discount to all shire residents who have not entered in the last three years. The Mitta is the longest continually running mountain bike event in Australia – now in its 27th year. The event, sometimes known as the Pub to Pub starts at the Mitta pub at 10am on the last Sunday in October - this year the 28th, and makes its way via minor roads, and gravel tracks to finish at the West Peak pub in Mount Beauty.
In the very early days the ride started outside ‘The Laurel’ Hotel in the main street of Mitta Mitta and finished outside
The Bakery in Mount Beauty. The Laurel has been completely refurbished and now is more commonly referred to as The Mitta Pub – a great place for lunch!
Entering for the event now will inspire you to get out on the bike and start putting in the k’s. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to the MTBA website and sign up for an eight week free trial membership and race licence – this will give you a race licence number and insurance for the event. mtba .org.au/membership
Step 2. Go to the Team Mount Beauty website: tmb.org.au/events/mitta-to-mtbeauty.
Read all about the event, and follow the links to enter via ‘EntryZone.’ You will see the normal full prices displayed there, but will receive a $20 discount by applying the promo code ‘MM_Resident2018’ just before paying by card.
This promo code and the free trial licence will reduce your entry cost from $93 to $40 for over 17s and from $45 to $5 for under 17s. If you wish to use the bus to get you over to Mitta on the morning of the event, instead of driving with friends and family, you will need to check and pay the $25 additional bus cost.
Step 3. Get on your bike!
If you think you’re the type that can manage 50km on dirt, then be one of the 100 extra locals in this year’s event and respond to the ‘Mitta to Mt Beauty’ Challenge.’ Questions may be asked of Team Mt Beauty members you may know, or ask Bob Flower (who is already signed up for the event!).
The Mitta is an iconic event and is a pointto-point mountain bike race from Mitta Mitta to Mount Beauty, via Scrubby Creek and Trappers Gap.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
Despite having the reputation as a “gutbuster” the event continues to grow in popularity from humble beginnings in 1992. Local cyclist Tony Retra developed the idea of the Mitta Mitta to Mount Beauty after competing in the Briagalong to Dargo and back, some time ago! The first event attracted some roadies, a few xc skiers, and some very keen locals and was won by Tony. Word soon spread amongst the mountain bike fraternity that if you wanted a challenge – try the ‘Mitta.’ Notable mountain bikers have won the event, including Rob Eva (1993, 1995), and the fastest time belongs to Murray Spink (2002) with a time of 1.45.46.
The 27th Edition of this Original ‘Dirty Road Race’ is round 4 of the Falls Creek Victorian Mtb Championship Series. This year’s event will be from pub-to-pub starting in the Beer Garden of the Mitta Pub & finishing on the lawn of the new West Peak Hotel in Mount Beauty and a revised route will offering more dirt and no highway. The Mitta Mitta to Mount Beauty is a unique and scenic riding experience and the 2018 event will not disappoint! •
Tony Keeble in 2009. Pic - Ken Bell
ARTIST RESIDENCY
Local Opportunities Exist
Renowned Yorta Yorta possum skin cloak-maker, print-maker, sculptor, weaver and painter, Dr Treahna Hamm will visit Falls Creek in October this year to work with a small group of local women to create outdoor sculptures.
of Victoria and the National Museum of Australia,” Lindy said. “She won the 1996 National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Heritage Art Award for her work ‘Remains to be Seen’ and was one of three lead artists on the Possum Skin Cloak project for Regional Arts Victoria. This project engaged traditional language
Fund grant through Regional Arts Victoria,
WINTER EDITION SEVENTEEN
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the deep listening Aboriginal concept of listening to the environment, in order to create the sculptures through unique and tangible processes using holistic awareness,” Treahna said.
“When local knowledge and stories are shared, this builds a strong foundation for collaborating to create artworks. Together, a sense of identity of place and connection to the local landscape can emerge.”
Chair of the Resort Management Board’s Arts and Cultural Development Committee, Lindy Allen said it is a real coup to have a visiting artist of Treahna’s standing spending two weeks in the resort. “Treahna’s work is held in the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre For historical & geological exhibits. Now open Sundays
10:30am - 2:30pm Bogong Alpine Village Group Bookings - Phone 03 5754 3318
3.0 CM x 1 COL $35.70 SEASON CONTRACT
weeks from Monday 1st October to Friday 12th October, 2018. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact Elise Armitage at FCRM by email at arts@ fallscreek.com.au.
FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2017
An exhibition of the work created will be opened by Federal Member for the seat of Indi, Cathy McGowan AO, in Falls Creek on Saturday 13th October and the collection will be housed at Falls Creek Museum. •
The home of fabulous food… Specialty coffee, organic teas, super smoothies, shakes & fresh juices! The region’s best craft beers on tap + extensive wine list & cocktail menu! Fuel up the mornings… Recharge the days… Relax the evenings… Super convenient location at the base of Eagle Chair!
Carvery Roast
An example of Dr Treahna Hamm’s excellent work. Pic - Courtesy FCRM
OUR COMMUNITY
And Its People
Jarmila Tyrril is one of those amazing people who regularly achieves such incredible feats they have stopped seeing their accomplishments as unusual. Extraordinary has become ordinary, and what they consider normal, most people can barely comprehend.
Here at Falls Creek, Jarmila has recently become the first person in the world to complete the Everest Challenge on skis. To complete an Everest Challenge an individual must ascend and descend one hill as many times as needed to equal the 8,848m vertical height of Mt Everest in one go. It’s basically climbing Mount Everest in a day, except you are not on Everest.
Jarmila, 45, already holds the female world record for the challenge on a bicycle, after she cycled up and down Mount Baw
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Baw continuously for almost 14 hours in February 2017. The Baw Baw road has an average gradient of 15%, meaning there is no rest. If you stop pedalling you’d go backwards, and the white knuckled descents don’t provide must respite either.
Mountains are where Jarmila feels at home. Her story starts in a small mountain town in Slovakia, where everyone skied. Even as young as 12, her father trusted her enough to let her venture out alone into the mountains, entering some pretty treacherous terrain.
In Slovakia she studied German and Russian, but it was an expedition to the Himalayas in 1995 that prompted her to learn English. Thanks to an impeccable academic record, in 1996 she secured a visa to study nursing in Sydney.
Always interested in mountain sports, Jarmila moved to the Blue Mountains and started rock climbing and then moved to Mount Arapiles in western Victoria. However, climbing had started to take a toll on her body; her shoulders were getting
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!”
overused from pushing herself up harder and harder grades. She took a break and was introduced to cycling, and discovered a new obsession.
While the Grampians were great for rock climbing, the cycling there was too flat so she moved to Bright in 2016. She committed herself to training and started racing, regularly finishing on the podium in tour races around Victoria and Europe. By the end of 2017 she was again exhausting herself due to long hours in the saddle, so she looked to another sport as a way of cross training.
At first, Jarmila thought skiing would be a good way to stay fit while she eased off cycling for the winter, but she fell in love with it. This winter she’s been travelling to Falls Creek from Bright up to five times a week to ski. She never uses chairlifts, but has backcountry skis that use skins and freeheeled bindings, or she skis cross-country up to 40km a day.
It wasn’t long before Jarmila conceived the idea of doing the Everest Challenge on skis. As far as she knew, no one in the world had attempted the challenge on snow. Her training increased, she checked the weather and set a date.
At 3:45am on Wednesday 22nd August, she started her attempt, ascending and descending the Après Vous ski run. She said
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.
she was feeling strong right up to lunchtime. By that stage, she had ascended 5,000 vertical metres. She was a little over halfway, but completely ‘smashed,’ and started to suffer. “I had to remind myself - Jarmila, you knew you were going to go through the pain.”
Jarmila tells the story as though detached from the hours of pain she experienced on the day. She seems to use her body as a tool, for her spirit to test just how capable it is under stress, to satisfy a curiosity she can’t quite explain.
It was 7.30pm, in the dark, when she finished. Local skier Steve Lee had come out, skied a couple of descents and used his snowmobile lights to guide her. Friend and ski buddy Andy Kromar was also there at the finish.
Afterwards there was champagne – just one glass – before spending the night at Falls Creek. She didn’t sleep that night, because she was ‘still buzzing’ from the challenge. She says that it’s ‘normal’ – that’s happened to her before. Despite 16 hours of skiing and a sleepless night, Jarmila got up the next morning and drove to work in Bright. She hadn’t even told her workplace about the challenge.
At work one of the doctors noticed her wind-burnt face and asked if she’d been skiing. She told him about the challenge. He was interested, but she doesn’t think he fully understood the scale of the achievement. “I’d climbed Mount Everest. It’s a lot, almost 9,000m.”
For Jarmila, there’s no limit to what she could do next. She is currently contemplating climbing K2, a cycling race in Taiwan, and ski-tour racing in
Hard Waste Collection
alls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day. Please see our Hard Waste Collection for to
GOTHIC
Sunday 28th May 5pm
Europe. “It’s all about the mountains, it’s my passion, the steepness - I love it all.”
Congratulations and well done Jarmila! • Struan Jones
Mount Beauty Information Centre Auditorium. BYO drinks and nibbles. Tickets: Mount BeautyNewsagency Ph: 5754 4204
$25, $20 (members), $10 (students)
Travelling to Falls Creek this winter?
Leave the worries of hiring and fitting chains, coping with anti-freeze and icy roads behind you!
Park your car in the secure car-park in Tawonga South and ride our comfortable warm coach to Falls Creek!
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
The Good News… Refuse and Recycling
Falls Creek is one of the first resorts to recycle organic matter! We recycle:-
Spa
Open 8am to 8pm seven days by appointment.
WHERE WHEN HOW WHO
• Cardboard – baled and sold for re-manufacture.
• Co-mingles – plastic, glass and paper – in the clear plastic bags with the RED print.
• 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.
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 Wholefood café Open 7:30am to 4:30pm.
Daily departures from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty will have you on the slopes sooner – without the fuss!!
Lifts P/L Ph: 03 5758 1000 *Conditions apply
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!
Andrew Ph: Em:
Steve Killalea from Milestone Chemicals - just one of the many
Jarmila in action on the slopes around Falls. Pic - Jarmila
Great Success
LFundraising Pays Off!
Iocal lad Ben McIlroy is an up and coming Enduro mountain bike racer. Over the last two years he has progressed to be the fastest junior rider in Australia winning both the National Series and the National Championships in 2016. On March 26 Ben went and raced his first ever EWS (Enduro World Series) event in Rotorua, New Zealand. Prior to the event Matt Rousu caught up with Ben to chat about the race and his potential future in the mountain bike world.
when I was about 12 I started showing more interest in racing. I went to a few of the Victorian Enduro events but after a couple of years that series kind of fell apart. I then stared racing the national series.
MOUNT BEAUTY UNITED CRICKET CLUB
n a small community such as Mount Beauty most of us know of someone facing a cancer diagnosis or unfortunately have had a brush with cancer ourselves. It is heartening to know that our local community groups have the awareness and desire to make a difference to those who face this battle.
MR: Is this your first overseas race?
Ben: Yep, first overseas race, first EWS (Enduro World Series), so it’s going to be pretty exciting.
MR: Is it excitement or are you nervous?
Ben: I’m probably a bit more nervous than excited. Excited to race overseas, but nervous because it’s such a big event.
MR: Have you heard anything about the tracks over in Rotorua, NZ?
Ben: From what Chris (Panozzo) has said, they’re fast and there aren’t many rocks.
MR: How did you get into riding?
Ben: Pretty much because of my Dad,
This week our local sports group, Mount Beauty United Cricket Club presented a cheque for $2360 to Kristy McMahon, Fundraising Manager of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. The Cricket Club held two main fundraising activities in the past year; ‘Shave-For-A-Mate’ involved members of the club being sponsored to shave their heads in support of one of their own who was diagnosed with cancer. The funds raised would go to the wider community to help in the battle against this disease.
OPTOMETRIST - MOUNT BEAUTY
Kelly Gibbons from Wodonga Eyecare consulting at the new rooms in the Mount Beauty Medical Centre, Tawonga Crescent. Full eye examinations including Glaucoma tests, Diabetes and Macular Degeneration screening. Children welcome. To arrange an appointment: Ph: 02 6056 4000
of
Visits Mount Beauty Fortnightly Next: Fri 10th Nov then Fri 24th Nov
state round at Barjarg, I was still like Under 15s or Under 17s and I knew that he was a fast dude. I wanted to hang out with the fast guys so I wanted to hang out with Chris Panozzo. I remember at Barjarg the shuttles were always a bit delayed, we were hanging out down the bottom for so long that we nearly missed our race runs. When we got to the top, everyone was wondering where we’d been. He was just like “Ah we’ve just been chilling at the bottom.” So that felt pretty cool.
as much riding as I can and stay fit. It’s probably not the best year to be going into my first EWS because Year 12 takes up such a massive chunk of my time.
A Trivia Night was then held at the club which attracted around 60 participants. The entry fee and proceeds from the bar were added to the donation pool to reach the impressive sum donated last Wednesday.
After that he invited me to travel with him to the next round at Narbethong. During that trip we decided not to race any more of the Vic series. I thought that I wouldn’t really continue racing but then Chris invited me to Toowoomba. That was my first national race and from then on we just became mates and he invited me along to all
LOCAL RADIO
MBUCC is a family friendly group with approximately 80 active members which make up three junior sides and three senior teams. Senior games are played on Saturdays from 1pm to about 6pm. They are all in a one-day limited overs format. Under 14 games are played on Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 11am, while Under 12 games are played on Friday evenings from 4:30pm. Training for juniors runs from 4:30pm with Junior Coach Chris Derrick, and senior training is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:.30pm to
Alpine Radio 96.5 FM
In the Kiewa Valley
Alpine Radio 92.9 FM
In the Ovens Valley
Alpine Radio 94.5 FM
7:30pm. The new cricket season starts in mid-October. New and past cricketers are very welcome to join as they are a friendly and welcoming club. For any questions, you can contact Anthony Brewergray (Club Secretary) on 0498 351 966 or at: mtbeauty@club.cricketvictoria.com.au.
MR: Have you got any plans for further studies such as University, or depending on how these two EWS events go, would you like to chance it and try to become a professional racer?
Ben: I haven’t really thought too much about it. Becoming a professional mountain biker would be pretty sick but you sort of do have to have another profession once you come out the other side.
In the Harrietville area
Emergency Services Broadcaster
Mount Beauty Community Radio for good music, local news, snow reports and developing programs. Ph: 5754 4554
Fully licensed restaurant
Renowned Dining and Wines
Email: info@alpineradio.com.au Website: www.alpineradio.com.au Fancy a Clean Laundrette? It is here!
Domestic & commercial use. Our professional team is fully licensed and offers a competitive rate for hire, transport, erect and dismantle of local scaffolding jobs. For a free quote, call 0418 578 500
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
Open until Saturday February 17th. Then closed for three weeks.
Lonely Planet Guide
41 Bogong High Plains Road
Clean, comfortable, well-lit and carpeted - with flat screen TV, folding bench, efficient washing machines, cost effective driers and industrial water filters to give you the cleanest wash possible. Open 8am - 8pm weekdays 9am - 7pm weekends & Public Holidays.
Mount Beauty
Ph: 0400 350 488
Bookings Please! – Gift Vouchers available
Re-Opening Friday March 9th Ph 03 5754 4495
Fully licensed restaurant
Renowned Dining and Wines
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
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!
Age ‘Good Food Guide’ since 1998
Lonely Planet Guide
Bookings please - Gift Vouchers available Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
MR: Do you think you’d be able to develop a career and race at the same time?
Ben: Yeah, looking at someone like Paul
The Cricket Club have close ties to the Mount Beauty Golf Club and both clubs are keen to run a Golf Club vs Cricket Club fundraiser for MND & the Albury Cancer Centre on Grand Final Eve (Friday 28th September). Keep an eye out for announcements from each club – everyone is welcome to join in and support the cause.
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre For historical & geological exhibits. Open: Sundays and Mondays 10:30am - 2:30pm Bogong Alpine Village Group Bookings - Phone 03 5754 3318
Fancy
Fresh
Local
Fruit and Vegetables… … and real Free Range Eggs?
The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre is an amazing facility that the surrounding towns of the North East are lucky to have access to. Donations to the Trust Fund will be used for such things as new life saving cancer equipment, training and development for staff, cancer research through clinical trials and complimentary therapies provided through the Wellness Centre. More information on the Cancer Centre can be found at this web site: www. awh.org.au/cancer-centre/ • Kim McKeown
We also have a local gourmet selection… Sourdoughs, Honeybird Coffee, Beechworth Honey and more!
Iconic NZ products like Whittakers and Cookie Time
Just in - our real Fruit Ice-Cream Machine Kiwi s Market
Open Seven days 8am - 6pm through summer
239 Kiewa Valley Highway
Next to Fallons Caltex and Bus Depot
Ph: 0498 804 096
Facebook.com/kiwi’smarketgarden
From left: Marty Alexander (MBUCC Grounds & Maintenance committee), Kristy McMahon (Fundraising Manager of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund), Anthony Brewergray (Secretary, MBUCC) & Ken Gilmour ((MBUCC Grounds & Maintenance committee). Pic – Kim McKeown
Snowman Winners
The team at Falls Creek Cross Country added to the experience for visitors this winter by creating a Snowman Building competition around Windy Corner. Many great snowmen were built and the exercise proved to be fun fall all.
The Most Creative category went to The Rabbit – built by Nyasha and Sanura Iervasi (with some help from their aunty).
Best Dressed went to the Cowley family and the Yackandandah Primary kids won the staff pick with their creation the ‘Skiing Yak Snowman.’
Overall we had great snowmen and creatures all season - all very creative and lots of fun –with the winners doing a super job. •
Soccer Presentations
The Mount Beauty Soccer Club had their end of year presentation evening earlier this month - Saturday 1st September to be precise - after another very successful year of competitions against the following teams: Bright, Yackandandah, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Benalla & Albury/Wodonga. Note: the Wangaratta, Benalla and Albury/
Wodonga rounds of competition were all mass Gala Days with upwards of eight to ten other regional towns competing on the day. This was all after our trip to Bendigo for the pre-season tournament where we were joined by teams from Melbourne and all other parts of the state.
Here are the achievement awards for our young players:-
U14 Best and Fairest: Cambell Moorman.
Runner Up: Lochlan Angelini.
U11 Best and Fairest: Aundres Brewer.
Runner Up: Will Rose.
U9 Best and Fairest: Lincoln Wilson.
Runner Up: Skye Power.
Fancy a Special Cake?
Located
Charlie Oakley Award: This perpetual trophy is awarded to the standout player for achievement and commitment to the club and fellow team mates – and this year went to: Carmela Perri.
From the President:
I would like to thank all volunteers for your help running the club, also my committee, Erin Angelini and Katrina Vazzoler plus a big thank you to Kevin & Andrea Moorman for their ten year contribution. See you all next year! Ron Crawford. •
Yack Snowman. Pic Courtesy FCCC
Our group of highly talented soccer kids with their awards. Pic – Kylie @ Big Bright Photos.
FALL LINES
Born to Fly
The unchartered emotional waters of Eric Hymans passing on the launch of his story and rebirth of the Summit Masters, sets in motion both nostalgia and recognition for the pioneers of Falls Creek. A special memorial edition of the ‘Born to Fly’ book is being organised for lovers of Falls Creek. Barry from Pretty Valley has ordered 100 copies for his apartments and guests. Along with the Museum and Halley’s Ski Hire also putting their hands up to support this historical work. Definitely worth the read. All guests, staff, accommodation vendors and retail outlets are invited to join in for this limited edition – especially anyone who missed the sold out first print. Quantity discounts. Orders only open for a few days. Contact pea ce now 0413 427 030 or em: pete@epicscope.com.au. •
WHAT’S ON – SEPTEMBER
21st Start Victorian School Holidays.
21st Mount Beauty Men’s Shed Regular Monthly BBQ – 11:30am at the Shed in Tennis Court Avenue – PLUS the Men’s Shed AGM.
28th The Traditional SES BBQ Fun Raiser at the Falls Creek Hotel. 12noon start, BBQ Lunch – a great afternoon – then enjoy the AFL Grand Final between Richmond and Melbourne. Enquiries to 03 5758 3282
28th Team Mount Beauty Ride Day at Big Hill Mountain Bike Park with shuttles and BBQ. RSVPs essential so that we know numbers for hiring buses and ordering food. We’ll also need volunteers to drive the buses or to help with the BBQ. Email info@tmb.org.au to RSVP or volunteer.
28th – 30th Mountain Yoga and Snow Retreat – Three days of luxury and well-being at Diana Lodge. Ph: 03 5758 214
WHAT’S ON – OCTOBER
2nd Team Mount Beauty AGM 6:30 pm for drinks and pizzas. 7:30 pm for AGM. Regular meeting to follow. Sweetwater Brewery. Just a heads up that you don’t need to be a committee member to attend the meetings. Come along, grab a beer and get the inside goss on what’s going on with the club.
3rd U3A hosting a free film as part of Seniors Festival. The British comedy ‘Finding Your Feet’ starts at 2pm at the Senior Citizens Clubrooms in Tawonga Crescent. For further details, contact our U3A Secretary, David Wood on Mb: 0419 514 399, or Em: dgwood4@bigpond.com. •
6th Mount Beauty Park Run. 8am Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue. Ph: 03 5754 1118
6th 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.
6th The McKaos - Australia’s only mass start, snow - dirt - road enduro from the summit of McKay to the shore of Lake Guy in Bogong Village. 8am – 12noon. Ph: 03 5758 1200.
7th Official Close of the 2018 Snow Season.
8th Victorian Schools – Term Four begins.
11th Regular Monthly Meeting of the UKV Community Association – 7:30pm in The Auditorium – beside the Visitor Information Centre, Bogong High Plains Road, Mount Beauty. All Welcome. Em: info@ukvcommunity.org.au
13th Mount Beauty Park Run. 8am Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue. Ph: 03 5754 1118 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 17 * 28.09.18 * McKayos Promo, Vic DH Series Rd 1, Mitta to Mt Beauty MTB Ride, (C)
Locally
Carols by Candlelight. School Concerts.
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
Seniors Festival
Hello everyone and in particular – Movie buffs!
The Seniors Festival in Victoria takes place throughout the month of October and in our area the first week of October sees some events to be enjoyed by everyone. Check the web site https://www.seniorsonline.vic. gov.au/festivalsandawards .
In particular the Alpine U3A is hosting a free afternoon movie on Wednesday October 3rd at the Seniors Citizens Hall, Tawonga Crescent, Mount Beauty. This is a free screening and the movie is the excellent British comedy ‘Finding your Feet.’ To add real gloss to the afternoon, the Red Cross is providing a sumptuous afternoon tea by courtesy of the Alpine Seniors and the Alpine U3A. The movie starts at 2pm.
Be early to get a good seat and remember that this is open to all seniors throughout Victoria. See you at the movie.
Continued next page.
kencbell@bigpond.net.au
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Friday 2.00pm prior to
Other Activities in this area for the Seniors Festival are:
Coffee Morning, Friday 5th October, from 10:30am at the Senior Citizens Hall in Tawonga Crescent.
Social Bowls at the Tawonga Bowling Club – every Thursday during October from 2pm to 4pm.
For further details, contact our U3A Secretary, David Wood on: Mb: 0419 514 399, or Em: dgwood4@bigpond.com. •
TMB Spoke Sisters
This mountain bike season, Team Mount Beauty will be coordinating the Spoke Sisters Networking Tour. The aim of the networking sessions will be to connect local female mountain bike leaders who are passionate about increasing female participation in the sport. They will provide an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and skills, which will build stronger relationships and enhance our capacity to undertake future endeavours. The three sessions will involve a morning of shuttles at three local mountain bike parks, followed by a late long lunch in that community.
Day 1: Saturday 17th November 2018 at Big Hill MTB Park, Mount Beauty.
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.
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.
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
FALL LINES
Day 2: Saturday 2nd February 2019 at Woolshed Falls / Beechworth MTB Park, Beechworth.
Day 3: Saturday 13th April 2019 at Nail Can Hill, Albury.
Eligible participants will be members of Team Mount Beauty, Albury-Wodonga MTB Club, Beechworth Chain Gang, Alpine Cycling Club or Yack Tracks.
For more information or to apply, please contact Turi Berg on info@tmb.org.au •
CLASSIFIEDS
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.
FOR SALE
Electric Golf Buggy in VGC - $250; Full set of Drummond Golf Clubs & Bag - $150; Cross Trainer in VGC - $100. Ph: 03 5754 1215 FOR HIRE
Three Tonne Tipper and mini Excavator. Ph: 0427 942 171.
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.
LOCAL RADIO
programs. Ph: 5754 4554 Email: info@alpineradio.com.au Website: www.alpineradio.com.au
FOR SALE BY TENDER
The Falls Creek SES would like to put up for sale by tender a 2004 Polaris Fusion 900cc snowmobile. 4288 kms 180 hrs of operation. no RWC. Tenders close 1st Oct and can be sent to P.O. Box 68, Falls Creek 3699.
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
Carly Emond, Turi Berg and Rachael Whipps will provide an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and skills for local female riders. Pic - Charlie Brown
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Altitude Apartment 5.
This deluxe apartment is approximately 147m2 and offers four large bedrooms, three bathrooms and is modern yet warm with a good sized open plan living and dining area.
Now this apartment is in a brilliant location with the new Eagle Quad Chairlift right next door and sits above the Falls Creek Sports hire and gear shop and the fabulous BE Foodstore Restaurant. It is also surrounded by other fine establishments like the new Flying Pan Inn, Easy Eats and the Falls Creek Hotel. Easy access from the Bogong High Plains Road is via the Gully Chair.
This would be one of the best returning properties in the resort, with a very relaxed management agreement and no restriction on owner use. Your agent has sold a couple of these units recently and believes this property would be an excellent purchase The apartment is fresh and has a lovely spacious feel with good natural light.
All the bedrooms/ bathrooms are upstairs and the lower level features a large open plan living with balcony overlooking the Summit. This apartment features plenty of storage in the apartment and also in the roof space, plus large drying room. In the summer months, (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 the Village Bowl. 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
VILLAGE MAP
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.
Apartment 5 has a strong rental history showing good returns in excess of 5% and is truly special. Call today to arrange an inspection. An information pack is available on request.
Christa Smit (Zirknitzer), Zirky Real Estate, Mb: 0402 277 808 •
Comfortable open plan living with the balcony overlooking the Summit. Pic - Courtesy of the agent