he National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
As we head into the heart of winter, by definition, and based on how much snow-fall we get, it starts to get a little on the chilly side.
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.
guaranteed to keep your core toasty, and that is the base layers you choose.
Layering is critical to combat the cold, but the base layer is the most important element, it is both the first and last line of defence. So, the choice of fabric is critical. Wool or Synthetic should be your only choice, NEVER cotton! Cotton is a tremendously versatile fabric, but it’s the worst fabric in the cold and when wet. Cotton can absorb up to 27 times its weight in water, hence not the best thing to have clinging to you on a cold day.
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.
As a lifelong snow tragic, I’ve pretty much worn every piece of kit in an attempt to stay warm and protected from the elements when enjoying my time on the snow. The icy arctic winds fresh from the Hudson Bay that batter the slopes of Mont Tremblant contributed to my worst ‘coldest ever’ skiing experience (think Scott’s Chair on a bad day, then times by 10). And then, when skiing the deepest of powder snow in the Japanese back country, this requires a different type of clothing to keep that champagne powder out of every possible opening, as it has a tendency to find its way in to even the best cinched jacket or pants. Nonetheless, there’s one key element
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
But to those of you thinking, if it’s cold I won’t be sweating, so why does this matter?… Well, with the exception of very few parts of your body (google it), or your suffer from anhidrosis, your body constantly expires moisture, how much depends on a range of factors, i.e if you’re nervous or anxious, you’ll sweat, if you’re exercising you’ll sweat, sleeping (most people) sweat, the list goes on.
So back to the cotton debate and why it shouldn’t be a choice of fabric when skiing. The French refer to cotton as ‘the fabric of death’ (le tissu de la mort). Not only does cotton hold water, but a further compounding factor is also that water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air can. So, when all those cotton fibres have filled up with water, an insulating cotton garment loses the trapped air space that made it warm when dry, thereby exposing you more significantly to radiant heat loss.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
So, ditch the cotton t-shirt, even the cotton mid layer… its terrible at insulating when wet. Buy wool or synthetic base layers. Trust me.
In addition to ‘feeling cold to the bone’, the next thing a lot of people complain about is cold feet. The same goes, wool or synthetic socks, the range is so extensive now, that every fetish can be catered to for your little piggies. As a last-ditch effort to keep your feet warm, there’s always boot heaters (but IMO – that’s cheating).
Point on the Frying Pan Spur. The aim of the game is to ride each section no faster than the fastest time allowed, and no slower than the set slowest time. Then they do the competitive bit, before riding to the start of the next competitive bit without beating or exceeding the times permitted. At the time of going to print, the final course had not been set, but they look like taking in High Voltage and Wishing Well, then heading to Flowtown, completing that before heading to Thunderbolt and then to Generator and Vortex before finishing in Slalom Plaza. Sound like a pretty easy day!!
The weekend’s program sort of goes like this.
Whilst I’ve not stooped to that level, I do
Locate right beside the bottom station of Halley’s Comet Chairlift! Spend some time and take in the fabulous history that has earned this community so much respect!
Saturday: 9am to 16:00 is compulsory practice. 10am to 18:30 is rider registration and Info Tent open. 17:00 to 17:30 is rider briefing. From 18:00 on there is a social evening at Last Hoot Restaurant and Bar in Slalom Plaza.
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum.
4 Slalom Street, southern end of the Panabode building.
Phone: 03 5758 1202 for further information
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Alpha Lodge
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
Altitude Apartments
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
Attunga Lodge
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Cedarwood Apartments
Fully self contained apartment accommodation Schuss Street Ph: 5758 3393.
Falls Creek Country Club
Fully self contained accommodation from $135 /dbl/night. Ph: 5758 3391 or www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au.
Bogong High Plains Road.
Gebi’s Apartments
Fully self-contained comfortable apartments, located at the entrance to Falls Creek. Ph: 1800 45 35 25.
Nelse Alpine Lodge
Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open for GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations.
If you’re into biking and would like to enjoy some good action, be at Falls Creek this weekend. Further detail from 03 5758 1200. •
Open for Accommodation, with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast options. Group bookings catered for. Comfortable lodge, pool and spa. Fully Licensed. Ph: 03 5758 3263 or Wb: www.nelselodge.com
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
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
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Viking Lodge
Self-catering accommodation, all rooms with en suites. On site manager and secure bike storage and workshop. Free Wi-Fi. Ph. 03 5758 3247.
BE Foodstore
Open for dining and drinks from 9am 7 days during Easter, then 5 days. In the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5758 3222. Refer ad this edition.
Last Hoot Café
Open daily from 4pm for drinks & meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5758 3088. Refer ad this edition.
Stingray Restaurant @ QT
Open daily 8am - 8pm for drinks & meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5732 8000. Refer ad this edition.
Mountain biking, road cycling, hiking and all other activities, visit the Visitor Information Centre (above the Slalom Street Day Shelter) for maps and info. Open 9am - 5pm weekdays. Ph: 03 5758 1202.
For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level, St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon - Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old and is run by fully qualified educators and is eligible for government rebates.Booking is essential. Phone 03 5758 1244 or visit www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am
admit to having some neoprene boot covers that have been used when backcountry hiking in
If you’re thinking what about my favourite rugby top or cotton hoodie that I wear? Honestly, it will work so long as it doesn’t get wet, but I’d recommend you go grab yourself the best mid layer you can afford. Fleece is the most affordable, but other options are goose down (though a little non-PC right now), merino wool, or synthetic down. Thickness and comfort of the mid layer is a personal choice, but take function over form, warmth over glamour. So, if you’ve made it this far through the article and you’ve just realised your kit won’t cut the mustard, Falls Creek has a host of retail venues that can solve this dilemma - just head here: https://www. fallscreek.com.au/plan-your-trip-winter/ equipment-rental/
The Falls Creek Hotel is iconic for a number of reasons (ask any local) but it has a balcony that overlooks the Summit, which
on a sunny day can’t be rivalled for a long lunch and some old fashioned après style entertainment. Adding to its compelling attraction is a ripper menu and without question, the BEST Prime Cut Steak sando on the hill (if not the North East). The menu caters to all with Buddha Bowls, Crispy Skin Salmon Avocado Teriyaki Bowls, Chicken Parmi, or Chicken Schnitty Burger, Fish & Chips…this list goes Note: The Hotel is only open for lunch, because its lucky in-house guests the place to themselves for dinner… what better reason to also stay there! Very reasonable bar prices too and great attentive staff, will make any lunch there memorable. Bookings essential (Open Table on their website; www.fallscreekhotel.com.au). Now, get out there and carve some corduroy. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
Once you’re warm and toasty, the next fabulous thing about skiing is the absolutely incredible scenery –whether it be the magnificent Kiewa Valley or the snow covered Hakuba Valley from Goryu. Left: Falls Creek June 18 2021. Pic – Chris Hocking. Right: The Hakuba Valley from the top of Goryu.
I’m writing this on the 25th June and it’s a wild woolly day out there on the first day of school holidays. Here’s hoping that the temperature continues to drop and stay low for the school holidays so the snow-makers can get those guns going and replace what Mother Nature took away with drizzle and rain last week. It’s still a fantastic start to the season, but we want to replace what we’ve lost if possible!
We’re not quite back to our pre-COVID programs, but we’re getting there. We’ve been able to cater for those members wanting Holidays Programs. Our holiday programs are an essential part of our Club and provide many a Race Clubber with their first taste of competition for their discipline, as well as what Snowsport club programs involve.
Our season programs also begin this week, so we will see lots of Sky Blue and Camo Blue Race Club jackets out on the hill again
Tuesday to Sunday from 4.30pm Bookings Essential
which will be thrilling after the stop-start nature of 2021.
We’re keeping things a little lower key than pre-2020, but we ran our annual secondhand sale at the Race Club Clubhouse over Queens Birthday weekend and on Sun 26th June. If there is enough demand, we may run a third and final sale date towards the end of the holidays.
Save the date of Thursday 7th July in your diaries as we’re hosting Social Drinks from 6-8pm at Nelse Lodge. $45 per head, includes canapes and a cocktail on arrival.
This is an adults get together, so best to book a babysitter if you kids are young. Tickets on sale via Trybooking. Please see the latest Club newsletter for the booking link. Ticket sales will close at midnight on Tues 5th June or if the event sells out prior.
Last week on the hill we saw the newest group of rookie instructors (including several #raceclubkids) get put through their paces under the watchful eyes of our local APSI
trainers. I’m very pleased able to welcome past & current Club members Matilda Wise, Ella Green, Mia Green, Mackenzie Whitely, Olivia Miller & Issy Bond as the newest Level 1 members, and Hugo Smith as our newest Level 2 member of the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors cohort! Congratulations and well done! See you up on the slopes. •
Nyree
DWA ran their first round of Adaptive Snowsport Level One Guide Training on the weekend. Our trainers Mark Parfuss, Jane Costello, Kylie Boscolo and Min Melinda Middleton delivered training to these enthusiastic trainees. You may have seen them all working hard together, learning about disability awareness and all different types of adaptive equipment that support their participants on snow. The New Guides enjoyed trying out all the equipment and getting a feel of how the equipment provides assistance to DWA members. The DWA trainees really enjoyed leaning about how a sit ski works, loading a sit ski on a chairlift, guiding a sit ski and how to progress a person using a sit ski to becoming an independent sit skier. DWA are so happy with all their newly requited volunteer guides and would like to congratulate them all on such a successful training weekend.
The team at Disabled Wintersport Australia are looking for Volunteer Guides at Falls Creek. Do you want a unique and rewarding experience on snow? Want to become an Adaptive Snow Sport Volunteer Guide for
DWA. If you’re a Falls Creek regular or local, and an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder, we still have some places in our 2nd round training programs in 9th & 10th July. If you are interested in registering for the Level 1 Adaptive Snow Sport Guide training with DWA send an email to mmiddleton@ disabledwintersport.com.au. •
Established in 1978 as the Australian Disabled Skiers Federation, we are now known as Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). The organisation has assisted thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate in winter sports annually.
From its programs some of the world’s finest alpine skiers have emerged recording victories at the highest level of international competition. The organisation's members range from recreational skiers to Australia’s Winter Paralympians.
DWA is an organisation with a national perspective taking responsibility for development of disability winter sport in Australia. Through building the capability and capacity of a National Sport System, including accountability at the national level, we provide members with technically sound sports programs, policies and service.
For more information visit:
https://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/ •
I’ve been crazy about the snow for as long as I can recall. I can remember looking at photos of a young me lined up with my siblings in horrendous 1970s snow outfits while my mother took the obligatory ‘going to the snow’ family photo. I can’t remember when these photos stopped being unique, but it must have been when I was around five or six when my family become obsessed with skiing and so weekend trips to the snow ceased to be a novelty requiring photographic evidence. Fast forward to my teenage years, and my parents thought Race Club would be a good idea. I think my friends hated them for that, because from that time onward skiing became my primary topic of conversation. Believe me, it can be pretty irritating being at boarding school & rooming with someone with a singular point of interest.
Thriving Café - Priced to Sell
I could go on like this up till our current point in time, but I think you’ve got the drift already. I love the snow. I’ve always loved the snow. I took on the job of Falls Creek Race Club Administrator to give me a valid excuse to spend more time at the snow. Likewise, working as an instructor. In fact, it’s safe to say that with the exception of a 10-year break around my mid-twenties, I’ve spent that most of my life figuring out how to spend as much time on or at the snow as feasible.
I’ve been collecting snow paraphernalia for a long time, and slowly the collection has grown from being small bits and pieces
stored in a shoe box, to a large box on top of my wardrobe, to taking over the wardrobe in the spare room, to taking over the whole spare room. Currently the collection occupies a four-car garage I’ve converted into my Ski Shed. (Love it! Ed)
I’ve collected everything: Ski suits, ski boots, skis, badges, patches, plates, cups, crockery, placemats, signs, adverts, posters, postcards, board games, puzzles, dolls, toys, lights, decanters, toboggans, hats, beanies, headbands, helmets, boot bags, backpacks, ski bags, bum bags, snowshoes, snow boots, ski skates and scarves amongst other things.
After moving from Canberra to Wodonga 18 months ago and realising the sheer volume of what I’d collected (and not wanting to stop collecting), I realised it was time to do something with it. I think my husband hoped I’d call ‘hoarders anonymous’ and get some help, or at least stop volunteering at the Falls Creek Historical Society as that only adds fuel to the already burning fire of my vintage snow obsession. Instead, I decided to turn my love of snow into a business.
I decided to sell a portion of my vintage collection to make way for the constant cycle of new acquisitions and couple my vintage collectables with beautiful brand-new homewares that enhance and complement the vintage products I can bear to part with. And thus was a new business born.
I Dream of Snow is an online store that provides a carefully curated collection of vintage snow items, new snow décor and gift products. Over the years I’d identified a gap in the Australian market and after waiting years for someone to fill the gap, decided to do it myself. I Dream of Snow focuses on:
• Selling new snow décor and gifts that complement the vintage range.
• Selling authentic vintage snow items.
• Renting out over 110 vintage snow outfits.
I had a minor crisis when I did the ‘sell or keep’ sort of my ski/snow clothing and the only pile that was growing was the ‘to keep’ pile. ALL of it sparked joy. I didn’t want to permanently part with any of my outfits.
I’d already lent several outfits to friends and family for ‘retro ski days’ over the years. So, it seemed a simple process from there to decide to rent out the vintage ski/ snow outfits to others, to share the joy so to speak, while enabling me to technically keep it all. If only building the website to deal with rentals had been similarly simple!
Once I finish loading the outfits onto the website, ‘I Dream of Snow’ will offer the only vintage and retro snow clothing for rent in Australia. Renting clothing is a great way for people to have access to ‘new,’ or in this case vintage, clothing at a fraction of the cost. It is environmentally friendly as
it is re-using and re-purposing an existing item that has already been manufactured. Circular fashion not fast fashion.
So, if you are hunting for that perfect alpine piece to go into your Falls Creek apartment, or to keep the your snow dreams bubbling near the surface when you’re back home, or looking for a one-piece suit for a Retro Ski Day, visit www.idreamofsnow.com and dive into my snowy world. I can pretty much guarantee I’ve got something for almost everybody.
Have a great week and see you out on the hill! •
Cheers, Nyree www.idreamofsnow.com
Creative looks in all aspects of Hairdressing ~ Barbering ~ Professional Makeups with Eco Friendly Sustainable Products. By Appointment only Mb: 0427 349 169
Located within the Astra Day Spa ASTRA 5 Sitzmark St Falls Creek Athairxshell Athairxshell HMUA
A skeleton timetable will operate until Friday 25th June – when the full timetable will come in to operation. Refer to our website for further details. www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au
But remember, the same convenient service applies! Leave the worries of pre-purchasing Resort Entry, Hiring and fitting Chains, coping with Anti-Freeze and Icy slippery roads behind you.
Park your car in the Secure Car-Park in Tawonga South and enjoy the comfort of our modern warm coaches and experienced drivers for your holiday at Falls Creek. Check the Website for services from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty
Group bookings and private transfers are also available for the entire 2021 winter
will be Wednesday Day.
In the mid 1950s Lorna Clarke set off to London intent using her skills as a seamstress to work in the field of high fashion. Earning good money, making designer gowns, Lorna spent her holidays skiing at St Anton am Arlberg, an Austrian village in the Tyrolean Alps. This was at a time when improvements in ski and boot design had allowed for significant changes in technique. Austrian, Professor Stephan Kruckenhauser, is credited with introducing a new style of skiing which was both graceful and elegant. The technique, referred to as “Wedeln,” involves hip movement and heel thrust from the waist down allowing for successive high-speed turns with both skis parallel.
many exhibitors
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 wine and a light BBQ will be provided, but we ask that you bring other beverages and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. Friends are welcome to pass this invite on and it is understood that members of Lyn’s family will be in attendance. •
Lorna had enjoyed ski racing at Falls Creek and evidently embraced the new techniques taught to her by her ski instructor, who also happened to be an examiner for the Austrian Ski Instructor’s course. Motivated to become an instructor it appeared
Trade Fair @ Falls Creek
require contact this would visitor general personnel for a to above please http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. there. • Bedding Suppliers, Linen, Manchester and Window Furnishing suppliers, Wine and Spirit merchants, Wholesale Food Suppliers, Chemical, Cleaning and Toiletry suppliers and equipment suppliers. Prepare for the season and save money. Visit the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Further details from: Mb: 0400 350 488. •
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
Fancy a lift to your restaurant tonight?
Kiewa Valley.
Oversnow Taxi Service Available Carries up to 10 people.
Pick up available from all accommodation venues on the mountain.
$100 one way or $180 return Last taxi 9:30pm.
Reservations essential, please call 03 5758 1203
A very early pioneer of Falls Creek, Toni St Elmo with Lorna Clarke in the canteen prior to their ski trip to Hotham. Pic – Courtesy the Skippy St Elmo collection
Lorna’s ability was such that she satisfied the requisite standard which included a timed slalom run. The only barrier to her acceptance in the next Instructor’s School was language! Lorna had eight weeks to learn German. After finding private tuition in London too slow she undertook an intensive two weeks course in Munich. She passed with top marks.
Got a problem with pests? We can help with: • Pre-purchase home inspections • Sniffer dog tracking of Termites • Rodents
Andrew Poulton
Skippy St Elmo, Falls Creek’s first lady, recounted in her memoir just how committed Lorna was to achieving her objectives. Skippy who skied with her at Falls Creek wrote, “Lorna was not a robust young lady and I appreciated her determination, much as I had, to overcome problems with her heath. When I learned
Spiders • Wasps - and all other pests that crawl or fly!
Ph: 1300 559 799 Mb: 0427 914 909
Em: Andrew@bugroffpestbusters.com
her ambition was to ski across the Plains to Hotham I doubted she ever could.” Skippy could draw on her own experience of having made the trip from Hotham to Falls Creek a few years earlier. However, despite her misgivings Skippy was supportive and she suggested that her husband, Toni, could ski with Lorna to Hotham. The following day, Toni and Lorna set out at dawn. It proved to be a testing experience as blizzard conditions slowed progress. It was quite dark and a worried lodge owner, Lindsay Salmon was outside waving a lantern when they finally arrived at Hotham. The journey took the two skiers fourteen hours. By way of contrast, the next day in fine conditions Toni returned in three hours and forty-five minutes.
Our car is like our body. We must look after it all of the time - not just when something fails.
Alpine FM presents two one-hour RPH programs per week, reading from selected local and national newspapers.
RPH Radio reading is the on-air live reading of newspapers, magazines and other publications for people with vision impairment, blindness or other print disability. Tune in on Wednesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 7pm. Serving the local community. 96.5FM in the Kiewa Valley. Streaming on www.alpineradio.com.au and the Community Radio Plus app.
Regular servicing will identify when items are wearing (brake pads, tyres, filters, hoses etc). These and other wearing items can be replaced before they let us down on the road.
Alpine FM acknowledges funding assistance provided by the Community Broadcasting Foundation for RPH programming.
Imagine discovering (too late) that your Brake Pads had worn out - just as you’re heading for the tree.
WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
Regular servicing is important for the good health of your vehicle - and for your good health and safety!
WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)
A Motoring Tip brought to you by: Rick @ Mount Beauty Service Centre, Kiewa Valley Hway, Mount Beauty, Ph: 5754 4261
HOW Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day. 24 hours for Emergencies. WHO General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.
WHAT First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 36 years experience.
“You’ve
Mount Beauty
WHERE Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Sky Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson & Andrew Mason.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
Having mastered German, Lorna returned to Austria to begin the instructor’s course. For two seasons she was based at St Anton, and travelling each day to Galzig then skiing on to St Christoff. As well as mastering new methods of teaching skiers Lorna learnt advanced mountain and rock climbing, glacier work, rescue procedures and first-aid. She was told “you are the first - and the last - Australian who will hold this badge, so make good use of it.”
Lorna returned to Australia in 1960. Her intention was to combine two careers by instructing and making ski clothes. According to an article about a century of ski fashions Lorna instructed at Falls Creek and became a regular contributor to the Ski Club of Victoria’s Schuss magazine. She was also quoted in the Australian Women’s Weekly advising the fashion-conscious skier that “to go out on the slopes wearing a peaked cap or socks outside your ski-pants is way out of style.” •
Article supplied by Diana Patterson, a former FCRM Board member and currently a member of the Falls Creek Historical Society.
A question arises here: Did Lorna Clarke marry and thereby take the married name of Lorna Dunkley who worked at the ski lift company, Alpine Development Holdings, with Mr Bill Bridgeford in the 1960s? Lorna Dunkley was well respected in the Falls Creek community and one of the first commemorations for an individual in the village is the Lorna Dunkley Memorial Day Shelter at the top of Scots Chair. Any further info to this paper please. Ed. •
Dinner from 5:30pm Texas Hold em Poker ∙ 7pm start
Unlike Penfolds Grange, plastics don’t age well. Ski boots are made from plastic and they don’t mature into a fine specimen worth more than the day they were bought. Instead, they have a limited lifetime in which they’re required to attach you to your skis and do their job, hopefully in comfort. Then it’s time to retire them as flowerpots in the garden.
After their expected life span, the plastics start to perish – both within the liner and the shell. Unfortunately, ski boots start to die over time, even if you haven’t skied in them that much. Retail shells and liners last 200 ski days or 5 years – but you feel them start dying at around 150 days – sooner if you’re a pro (instructor, ski patroller, racer, or expert ski bum).
The liner: new issues start popping up that haven’t been there previously. When this happens it’s just a matter of time until the liner needs replacing, and any fixes tend to be short term. You might notice you get rubbing on the bony parts of your feet
when you didn’t used to, heel lift increases, or cramps and aches that didn’t used to be there.
The shell: the shell starts out with a smooth movement from beginning to the end range of forward motion (the forward flex). As the plastic gets older and brittle, it loses its bounce and the flex pattern changes. It now starts to feel ‘empty’ until the end of travel and then it stops, like a bad clutch – it’s on/ off.
A few things will impact how long your boots last. How hard you ski, how much you weigh, how well you look after your boots and whether you dry them out properly. The extra movement allowed by a boot that’s too big or by not having ski orthotics will also reduce how long your boots will last, as it puts excessive wear and tear on the liner. You might wonder what’s wrong with skiing in an old boot? And to a degree, it’s not a major issue. You need to be aware that the niggles won’t be able to be fully resolved and will reoccur. The real problem comes when the plastics are at the point of exploding under force. Just like last year when a guy was skiing in a 20-year-old boot, the sole of
the shell fell off mid-mogul and the ski kept going down the hill without him. He limped back into the shop with a very wet sock, lucky to not have skewered anyone with his runaway ski.
So how well do you know your boots? Do you know your ski day count? Do you scratch a mark in them for every day? Or do you note the subtle differences in flex as you drive the boot into another perfect turn?
Either way, a new boot should be a new beginning – a great chance to reassess your skiing, get a lesson and push things to the next level. •
Bogong Information Centre Guide
Four hours per fortnight - rotational Sunday roster AGL are currently seeking a local who is interested in a 12 month* contract based at the AGL Hydro Information Centre in Bogong Village.
Duties include:
• Opening/closing the centre.
• Setting up interactive displays.
• Admin work including recording attendance.
The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the AGL Hydro scheme and Centre displays along with great communication skills and ability to work well and interact with people. Training will also be available. If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you
Please contact Sarah Kelly on 03 8633 6397 or send your updated resume to: sarah.kelly@chandlermacleod.com
* possibility for this to be extended for the right candidate
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 05 * 08.07.22
* Throwdown One, Panorama. Snow Trek & Travel High Plains Tour. (C)
Ed 06 * 15.07.22 * Mim Skiing Program for Ladies. Vic Junior XC Championships (C)
Ed 07 * 22.07.22
* SA & NSW Interschool Races. Birkebeiner Classic (C)
Ed 08 * 29.07.22 * Australian Open XC skiing Championships. Mim Ski Program. (C)
DISTRIBUTION:
• All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
ONLINE:
• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/
WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
ADVERTISING RATES:
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CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when
DIR.: • $5.90
Snow Ski 32, four bedroom, three bathroom. It is beautifully renovated and offers amazing views. It is in holiday rental this year and will be sold fully refurnished.
Ideally located in Falls Creek's village bowl, the always popular Snow Ski Apartments enjoy convenient access to resort facilities and arguably the best ski-in/ski-out access in the resort.
Snow Ski apartment 32 is a four bedroom, three bathroom apartment sleeping eight people, split over two levels. The apartment was recently fully renovated over the 2020/21 summer and with new furniture and appliances, making this the ultimate turn-key solution.
The lower floor features a beautiful lounge room, complimented by large windows with mechanical blinds that open onto the balcony, perfect for outdoor entertaining and taking in the stunning views. The first of four bedrooms is located on this floor with bunk beds with room to put in a desk for work & study. There is also a split bathroom adjacent to the bedroom containing laundry facilities and a well thought-out drying cupboard on entry to the apartment.
Upstairs is where you find the remaining
FOR SALE
One brand new pair of ASICS Tennis shoes, size 46 Euro (11.5 US). Worn once. Too tight for me. Retail Price: $159.95. Will sell for $120. Ph: 0400 350 488. Orbea AVANT M20 DISC road bike, Carbon frame, size 60, colour- Carbon-Blue. $1,950. * Nello Viper 51 kayak. $1,500. * Ph: 0408 466 790.
Snowmobile 2004 Polaris Trail Touring. Electric start and electric reverse. Only travelled 240km, always housed undercover at Wang Ski Club and regularly serviced. Comes with service manual and supplement. Located Mount Beauty, all offers considered. Contact Chris 0457 410 933.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village (below Milch Café) Grnd Floor, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St. Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@ altitudephysiotherapy.com.au. Wb: www.altitude.physio
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CAKE MAKING & DECORATING
Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: hello@studioecakes.com.au
CAR DETAILING
Give Steve a call in Tawonga South. Ph: 0423 499 086
three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Following the general theme of the whole apartment, these have been tastefully designed & fitted out, offering a luxurious experience making guests and owners feel absolute comfort after a busy day out on the mountain.
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 more on the way – easily accessed from the Village Bowl. Add to these the many kilometres of aqueducts and management vehicle tracks and your exploring, whether on foot 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 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 “Falls Creek has the highest total visitor days of any Alpine Resort in Victoria.”
Snow Ski has a long head lease expiring 2051. At $1,390,000 this complete property is definitely to be inspected. Please contact Christa Smit (Zirknitzer) at Zirky Real Estate on Mb: 0402 277 808. www.zirkyrealestate.com.au. •
Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.
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.
Children’s Ski Pants. 'Crane Snowextreme' Size 10 & 14 Blue, Size 12 Black. Excellent Condition: $20 ea. Mb: 0419 286 382.
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862.
CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Altitude Electrical – no job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc Mb: 0419 801 109
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. 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 and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695
The are many positions available on the Falls Creek website. Go to this link to access the employment pages: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/employment/ VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. All equipment provided. Bing a drink bottle and towel. $6 per session. All Welcome. A great way to keep fit and socialise at the same time. Class usually followed by coffee at the Dederang Shop. Classes by Narelle Jones (Personal Trainer). Note: Classes do not run in school holidays. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438289293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN
Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
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 Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
SAFETY SCAFFOLD
Mount Beauty and Falls Creek area. Ph: 0418 578 500.
SECURE STORAGE
From 2m x 2m through to 3m x 7m. Ph: 0418 578 500.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
It’s sad – but it keeps happening with evidence already along the roadside before the school holidays are a week old.
This littering makes this community – both off-mountain and in Falls - as mad as hell –and it is something we do not deserve. We love our area and we take care of our area. We have pride in our surroundings and we welcome the people who visit our area and ‘appreciate it!’
We certainly do not welcome people who think it is acceptable throw rubbish out anywhere – on the street, in the towns, in the National Park. If you can bring your take-away food and drink with you, you can take the empty containers (including soiled nappies) back to a rubbish bin or to your bins at home. Nowhere in this country is rubbish acceptable.
One young resident who shall remain nameless has done, over the years, a fantastic job of walking sections of the Falls Creek Road with a garbage bag or three, covering both sides of the road and even going a bit down the slope to pick up someone else’s garbage – usually doing four or five kilometres at a time. He then packs the garbage bags into his trailer and takes them to the tip. A fantastic effort and one that we as a community really appreciate.
But why should we have to. It is because some other half-wit has no sense of selfrespect and absolutely no respect for the area and the environment around them. And these half-wits we do not need – at any time!
Ironically, in the period coming up, Monday 15th to Sunday 21st August is the Keep Australia Beautiful Week – and one of the themes is to ‘Respect Our Roadsides’ Let’s do some follow up on this shall we.
The Victorian Environment Protection Authority has a great App(lication) for your phone that you can download from the App Store or Google Play where you can use your phone to snap a photo of littering, record details and forward the details to the EPA and a fine can be issued – subject to the details being correct.
If you care about this area, download the App and use it while you are a passenger going up and down the hill. •
COVID-19 Restriction changes and weather may impact some of these events. Please check with the organiser for the most up-to-date information.
REGULAR WINTER EVENTS ❆
WEDNESDAY & SATURDAYS
Night Skiing as Wombat's Ramble lights up, 6pm to 8:45pm allowing you to continue your ski and snowboard adventures.
TWILIGHT TUESDAYS
Taking place every Tuesday to late August. 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Village Bowl – a Street Party for kids and adults alike. Fire pits, marshmallows, games and music and possibly even Pete the Snowdragon. Further details: 03 5758 1200.
THURSDAYS
Fireworks Fiesta – 7pm Every Thursday from July 7th to August 25th Grab the kids or a mate and enjoy watching a magical fireworks show under the stars up close to the action at the Village Bowl near the Frying Pan Inn.
JUL 2, 9, 16 Park Run.8am at Bicentennial Park by 26, 30 the lake in Lakeside Avenue.
JUL 2 TDFNL Rd 12. Dederang Mount Beauty V Tallangatta @ Dederang.
JUL 2 Telemark Nordic Ski Club ‘Come and Try XC Skiing day. 10am Nordic Bowl. Ph: Lynn-Maree 0409 592 226.
JUL 7-10 In 2022, there will be two Mim's 3 Day Women's Ski Program events to choose from. The first will take place from Friday 15 July to Sunday 17 July, and the second from Friday 2 September to Sunday 4 September.
JUL 9 Snow Trek & Travel High Plains Tour. 1/2.5/5/10km. 11am FC Nordic Bowl. Len Budge Mb: 0417 352 845.
JUL 9 TDFNL Bye Round – during Victorian School Holidays.
JUL 16 TDFNL Rd 13. Wahgunyah V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUL 16 & 17 Victoria Junior Sprint (Saturday) & Distance (Sunday) Championships
JUL 23 TDFNL Rd 14. Dederang Mount Beauty V Tallangatta @ Dederang
