TMi Casa Es Vuestra Casa
he National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
Falls Creek takes pride in the fact that it’s not just a destination to many thousands of visitors a year, it’s also a permanent community of people who are fortunate enough to also call this amazing place, home!
The village is spectacular when under snow. It’s idyllic. It’s a winter haven, unlike any other in Australia. It’s unique beyond compare and a destination where you get to choose your own adventure.
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.
and an indigenous heritage that celebrates coming together, meeting on the high plains and sharing an amazing landscape and topography.
The Falls Creek community loves nothing more than sharing this with you. Showing off a place we call home and effectively the biggest backyard imaginable.
That backyard is nestled in an Alpine National Park, full of threatened species of flora and fauna, for which we are the custodians and advocates for ensuring its sustainability.
by exception. The requirements to facilitate having dogs in a National Park are extremely onerous and really quite a privilege. In winter, they must be on leads at all times, can only walk off lead in Lower Slalom car park, have general restrictions on where they can be walked and all poop must be disposed of in bins provided across the village to ensure appropriate disposal to protect the very sensitive ecosystem.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
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.
In summer, it becomes a mountain adventure experience that offers not just respite from the ‘lowlands’ summer climate, but access to the Bogong High Plains; Australia’s highest body of water; 45kms of mountain biking trails and some of the toughest road cycling challenges outside of Europe. There’s a plethora of trails to hike –from two hours to multi day, then there are the cattleman’s mountain huts to explore
Whilst you are here, you will see the pets of our community, more specifically our resident pooches (the only pets allowed). The resort is extremely fortunate to enable its community to ‘extend’ its family in this way. Pets can be (are) an integral part of our family.
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
Our resident dogs are very special. They are permitted to call Falls Creek home
All the Falls Creek dogs you will see when they are out walking must be on special leads (this year these are yellow with the Falls Creek logo), or if they are just sitting outside, they must be restrained from wandering and all have a unique registration specific to being an introduced species in the National Park. They are easily identified as ‘locals.’
Because you’ve had to leave your beloved family member at home, to ease the anxiety, feel free to say hi to – Joey, Ginger, Storm, Carlos, Ruby, Noah, Nikita, Bella, Lux, Balu, Kioni, Skye, Poppy, Charlie, Storm, Avi… to name just a few… they are very social puppies who love a pat… but, to be on the safe side, always ask their handler before approaching…
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.
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
Hopefully, to the many visiting dog owners who enjoy Falls Creek year around, by leaving your dog at home, you are helping our local community secure ‘man’s best friend’ to be a permanent and privileged part of ours. •
Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open for GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations.
Stuart
Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
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 -
Afew weeks ago on the 11th of July 2022, Falls Creek had a big race called the Rossignol Cup (for all of the younger skiers) and the Cranky Charlie for the adults. This Race was held on the NASTAR race course in between Main Street and Highway 83. It was a great day with iconic winter weather and it is certain so many kids and adults had the time of their lives! Here is a little report along with the results from my perspective of the race.
I start panting. Running around in ski boots is hard. The person in front of me pushed out of the gate. It was my turn! “Racer ready! 3 2 1 GO!” I skated out of the gate and started skiing. Red gate, Blue gate, focus. I crossed the finish line and cheered for my friends. We skied down to Blue Brumby and had a break then got ready for the second run. On the second run the course was slower but still so much fun! Shivering at the finish line and cheering with my friends was pretty fun. At presentations I had the best time eating chips, drinking soft drinks and cheering for my friends. It was a great Rossi Cup and had better weather than normal!
Snowboard U12 Men
1. Heath Redenbach
Snowboard U14 Women
1. Grace Breen
Snowboard U14 Men
1. Shawn Li
Snowboard U16 Women
1. Chilli Stanton
Snowboard U16 Men
1. Jack Breen
Ski U8 Women
1. Sophie Davis
2. Georgie Batt
Ski U8 Men
1. Hunter Whittle
2. William Callan
3. Beau Sanderson
Ski U10 Women
1. Isla Harriss
2. Alessia Walker
3. Emma Lew
Ski U10 Men
1. James Thomas
2. Lachlan Ingram
3. Archer Thomas
Ski U12 Women
1. Annabel Gould
2. Coco Thomas
3. Arabella Smit
Ski U12 Men
1. Sam Davis
2. Max Fary
3. Louis Sanderson
Ski U14 Women
1. Grace Breen
2. Paris Miller
3. Liana France
Ski U14 Men
1. Archie Gould
2. Eric Wang
3. Oscar Peters
Ski U16 Women
1. Kayala Cornwell
2. Olivia Smith
3. Alice Batt
Ski U16 Men
1. Samuel Shaw
2. Jack Breen
3. Gianni Walker
Cranky Charlie
Snowboard Women
1. Michelle Stanton
Cranky Charlie
Snowboard Men
1. Jed Stanton
2. Jamie Stanton
3. Joshua Gomes
Cranky Charlie Ski Women
1. Phoebe Moore
2. Geraldine Wallace
3. Julia Hunt-Smith
Cranky Charlie Ski Men
1. Esteban Revaz
2. Pete Sheridan
3. Charles Shaw • Skip the lift line and leave the crowds behind with Australia's only snowmobile lifted Backcountry Tours. Our custom built sleds return you to the top, saving all your energy for the ride down. Tours can be suited to all riding abilities, from novice to expert, all ages welcome. So what are you waiting for? Grab some mates or the family and explore 450 hectares of untouched
By Annabel Gould
Your budding journo Annabel Gould (#33) placed 1st in the U12 ski with good friend Coco Thomas (#32) who placed 2nd. Pic – Courtesy the Race Club Parents
A special thanks to Annabel for taking the time to prepare the article and adding a little personal touch to the Rossi Cup. And, I’m guessing the Rossi Cup goes back roughly 40 years. Ed •
Probably best described as ‘the ultimate activity-filled luxury escape’ which combines back-country touring, E-biking, hiking and Pilates in Victoria’s pristine Alpine High County, the Bogong High Plains.
Mark ‘Macca’ McDonald of Falls Creek Guides and Mimi Bennett of Wildflower Pilates have joined forces, creating a range of all-inclusive adventure and pilates luxury escapes under the new banner of ‘Wild Guides Escapes.’
This professional business is about the joy of discovery; with nature based experiences which encourage you to push your limits in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.
Falls Creek is in the blood for Macca, his love of snow and mountains has enabled him to represent Australia three times as part of the Australian ski instructing body. It was during one of his many seasons abroad that Macca fell in love with ski touring, in France, Nepal
and the USA. Macca now brings his love and passion for touring - and the backcountry - to Australia. “It is my great pleasure to guide skiers and boarders alike, giving everyone the opportunity to safely access Victoria’s beautiful backcountry and extraordinary mountainous terrain” says Macca.
Mimi, as a qualified Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor, believes Pilates is the perfect complement to the outdoor adventure, incorporating strength, flexibility, balance and mindfulness. “I am so excited about this collaboration with Macca, as it enables me to share my two passions, the mountains and Pilates with each and every person who comes along on our adventures,” says Mimi.
Wild Guides Escapes is offering all-inclusive adventures, which can include backcountry ski touring, E-biking, hiking and a sunrise ski-oriented Pilates class - complete with glamping and Champagne in the spa! Each tour is specifically tailored to provide the perfect combination of adventure, wellness and luxury, making the outdoors accessible and comfortable (high quality camp equipment is provided).
Macca and Mimi are excited to share their
love and passion for the outdoors, adventure and Pilates with all.
An all-inclusive adventure starts from $1550 and can booked via www.wildguidesescapes. com.au.
In summary, Wild Guides Escapes (WGE)is: • A Collaboration, Wildflower Pilates & Falls Creek Guides. • All-inclusive adventures, Winter and Summer. • Ski-Touring, Pilates, Hiking, E-Biking and Camping. • Adventures for small to large groups. • Based in Falls Creek, Victoria. • A Licensed Tour operator. Contact: Mimi Bennett, Wild Guides Escapes, Falls Creek VIC. Mb: 0433 017 660. Em: info@wildguidesescapes.com.au •
Held Sunday 24th July in fine, mild weather conditions on softening snow at the Falls Creek cross country trail network.
The race gives skiers a chance to get back to the traditional striding technique called ‘classic.’ Skiers wax with ‘grip’ wax which enables them to climb the hills but also slide down the hill. Other skiers use nonwax skis (pattern based, zeros, etc) that are designed to replicate the wax.
An excellent 5km course was planned and set by Andrew Hall and Lucas, the groomer, starting and finishing in the Nordic Bowl. Many other club members helped on the day to create an enjoyable but challenging course that everyone commented on favourably. It was a great team effort Birkies. Well done everyone.
Unfortunately the dreaded COVID and many other respiratory illnesses meant a large number of DNS, particularly in the Master Classes. There were a total of 36 entries in the three distances – 10km, 5km and 2.5km and it was great to see some of our National Team athletes zipping around the course.
Thanks to our wonderful local businesses that sponsored the race – Rocky Valley Bikes & Snowsports, Windy Corner Café and Honeybird Coffee - who generously provided the fantastic prizes. •
Thanks also to Ann Bellingham for basically organising the event and preparing this report.
11:30am - 2:30pm daily
Mountain views, friendly staff, reasonable prices & delicious food! BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED
HAPPY HARVEY HOUR!
Tuesday 2nd & Thursday 4th 3:30pm - 4:30pm
The fabulous ‘Fret Sliders!’ Doing acoustic covers!
Results were as follows:
10km Male
1. Seve De Campo
29:45.44
2. Phil Bellingham
3. Fedele De Campo
10km Female
1. Kat Paul
35:26.34
2. Maddie Hooker
3. Hannah Price
5km Male
1. Patrick Slingo
2. Hamish Retchford
3. Jim Gargan
5km Female
1. Emma Prest
2. Ann Bellingham
2.5km Male
1. Sebastian Crumpler
2. Colby Peters
3. Hugo Crumpler
2.5km Female
1. Marion Baines
Kasa Bar - Izakaya style specializing in Whiskey, Sake and Ramen
Located next to the Eagle Express Chairlift (listen for the Japanese Hip Hop)
Thursday - Monday. *Menu & updates available on Insta @ kasabarfallscreek *Walk in policy *(03)57583222
About eight years ago my brother and my husband were talking on a chair lift. My husband commented “I’m taller than Nyree, I weigh more than her and I’m stronger than her. Why can’t I ski faster than her” to which my brother in his very, very dry deadpan manner said “12 years of ski school.”
I laughed when my brother told me that, but then later I sighed. Why did my husband, who got on skis for the second time at age 33, believe he should be better than I am after a couple of years at a sport I’ve participated in since I was knee high to a grasshopper? Why did that conversation make me think of the phrase ‘ski like a girl?’ Why does the phrase ski like a girl have an implied negativity and
Fancy a lift to your restaurant tonight?
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.
the implicit assumption that girls are worse at Snowsports than boys? Why the hell are we still talking about gendered rubbish like this in 2022?
Last night I read an article on www. outsideonline.com titled “Why I want my daughter to ski like a girl’ which reminded me of the above conversation. Miss Snow It All, from www.snowsbest.com started the movement #showusdagirls in 2018 after noticing a lack of women skiing & riding in PR for Australia’s main snow resorts. We all know if she can see it, she can be it. There is a second version of that though: if she hears it, she’ll internalise it. Two weeks ago, I listened as a man told his friend on the chairlift, ‘you’re skiing like a pussy.’ That’s why we’re still talking about this.
I’ve heard the term ‘mum skier’ used, and it’s always derogatory. It’s the extension of ‘ski like a girl’. That’s an extension of ‘don’t be a pussy.’
Shut that front door Folks! We need to school this immature, misogynistic and frankly piss-weak, scared, gendered language out of people we interact with.
I’m a mum. I was a girl. I am a skier. The only person I’m competing against when I click in is myself. My snowplough may not get perfect scores from the APSI, but I can short turn like a cursive S and rip the Summit top to bottom in crud snow in a pretty respectable manner. Many of the skiers and snowboarders I admire the most and gush over for their technical skills are mums, all of whom regularly leave men in their wake on the hill.
You want to show the world how tough you are? How good you are? Be a woman. Ski on days when you’re battling fatigue because you’ve worked 10 days in a row, 12 hours a day. Board on days when you’re struggling to stay upright because you’re cramping so bad that in a tennis match Pat Rafter would be given a medical time out break and been attended to by a physio. Skate on days when you’re exhausted from menopause symptoms that see your internal temperatures fluctuate so drastically that one minute you’re piling
on woollen layers and the next - you’re stripping down to a singlet. Walk past the still available posters in those last bastions of male stronghold workplaces showing a women with her tits out leaning against a set of skis, a snowboard, or a snowmobile provocatively. Pretend you can’t hear when you’re on chair with the Bro’s who talk about “chick with stix, should be chicks s*#^ing on our dicks,” because it’s actually unsafe to verbally refute a group of three men when you are alone. That’s strength. That’s toughness.
Ski and Ride like a girl doesn’t mean what the Bro’s think it does. The Bro’s haven’t realised that that phrase has been turned into an anthem for women and girls around the world and represents just how tough you have to be as a female in this world.
The Bro’s haven’t realised that while they’re obsessed with uploading footage of their mediocre shred on their Utube channel, women and girls are just getting on with being better at their sport.
The Bro’s haven’t realised that their gendered misogynistic language articulates their fears about their place in the world and their role in society louder than Trump shouting into his own echo chamber about his stolen election.
The Bro’s haven’t realised they are rejecting and repressing the strength and fortitude of the women who raised them for the misguided assumption that to be sexually and emotionally attractive to women they have to be rude, aggressive and demeaning. That they’ve bought into the misguided and flawed notion that being a man requires showing a woman she is less than because he’s not figured out where his self-worth comes from yet. That being professionally successful means demeaning the women you work with.
Skiing and riding like a mum isn’t a weakness. It demonstrates a woman who gets out and enjoys her time on snow after decades of putting her leisure and pleasure after that of her family. It denotes a woman that has had the patience to wait for her time to come after decades of working to support others before thinking of lessons and time for herself. Ski and ride like a mum or a girl? Hell yeah she does. Try and keep up! •
Nyree Fiddes I Dream of Snow
Mike Afternoon! Show us your talent!
Sundays: 12noon - 11pm ∙ Lunch 12noon - 2pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm Mondays & Tuesdays - CLOSED
Wednesdays: 3pm - 9pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm
Thursdays: 3pm - 9pm Dinner from 5:30pm Texas Hold em Poker 7pm start
Our Mount Beauty Uniting Church Opportunity Shop has been operating since 1978 from two small rooms attached to the Community Hall in Hollonds Street. The Uniting Church is a Christian fellowship in which people seek to care for each other, sharing their faith, serving the community, and seeking to come closer to God. It is under this ethos we operate the Uniting Church Op Shop. The Op Shop is not just about buying and selling and making money, it is a place of welcome and hospitality; listening and inclusion; community and
participation; creativity and enterprise; a place where stories are shared, a place of goodwill, generosity, and celebration.
There have been many volunteers over the last 44 years working either in the shop or as an Evening Angel (they call in after hours, pick up and sort donations). The Uniting Church relies on volunteers to keep the shop open and running five and a half days a week. There are currently around 30 people involved in running the Op Shop, not all work in the shop - some help on the committee and some help with running around dropping off goods or doing maintenance.
Mount Beauty Uniting Church Opportunity Shop is sustained by many voluntary helpers and the generous donation of second hand goods from the community. Proceeds raised from
Open 8am – 7pm Daily
· Extensive grocery range
· Bottle shop: beer, wine, spirits
· Fresh fruit and vegetables
· Hot pies and sausage rolls
· Heat and eat meals
·Phone re-charge ·ATM
·Newspapers and magazines
Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Tel: 57 583 009
For pick and pack deliveries please visit www.foodworkshighcountry.com.au
sales provide financial backing for the Uniting Church and are also returned to the community to support various organisations and projects.
In 2021 MtB UC Op Shop donated $39,000 to the community and also Australia wide. The recipients were Mount Beauty Secondary College Awards Night, Dederang Primary for their outdoor mindful eating area, Operation Christmas Tree, Anglicare Emergency Relief Mount Beauty, Tawonga Primary School for their mural, Frontier Services, Carevan, Royal Flying Doctor Services and the Mount Beauty Uniting Church.
If you would like funding for a community project or organisation please write to MtBUC Op Shop, PO Box 282, Mount Beauty, for discussion at the bimonthly meeting held in February, April, June, August, October, and December.
To keep the shop operating and open from 10am to 1pm, we need volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week, fortnight or even a month then we would love to hear from you. You will need to be fully vaccinated and have, or be willing to apply for, a Safe Working With Children Check, which can be accessed online, help is available to complete the application if needed.
To enquire about becoming a volunteer and part of the Op Shop community please contact Janet on 0450 631 941 or drop into the Op Shop in Hollonds Street and pick up an information pack. •
There is no doubt that our two Op Shops do a fabulous job and are a vital aspect of our community. Becoming a volunteer at the Uniting Church Op Shop is rewarding! Ed.
We're proud to support our local communities
We’re proud to support our local communities
Each year, our AGL Hydro Communit y Fund awards grants to communit y-based initiatives, projects and events in and around Mount Beaut y and Eildon
Each year, our AGL Hydro Community Fund awards grants to community-based initiatives, projects and events in and around Mount Beauty and Eildon
To see if you are eligible for one of our grants, download our guidelines or call us, then submit your application between 1 September 2022 and 30 September 2022.
To see if you are eligible for one of our grants, download our guidelines or call us, then submit your application between 1 September 2022 and 30 September 2022.
agl.com.au/hydro 03 5754 3222
agl.com.au/hydro 03 5754 3222
Each year, our AGL Hydro Community Fund awards grants to community-based initiatives, projects and events in and around Mount Beauty and Eildon. To see if you are eligible for one of our grants,
This week, I had the pleasure to sit down with this winter’s National Team Coach, Kate Mulcahy, to learn more about her and her involvement in this sport. Working with Kate over the past month, I have admired her unique way of delivering technique drills by using an effective amalgamation of creativity, with the science of skiing. She arrives to training in her iconic cerulean-blue rain jacket paired with a happy floral hat, appropriately matching her air of quiet assertiveness, and consistently sunny disposition. When Kate arrives at practice, it allows for a wave of calm and focus among the athletes, knowing that we are in strong and capable hands. Enjoy the interview below to discover more about Kate, and next time you see her on the trails be sure to give her a “g’day”!
EJ: “Cross country skiing isn’t a sport that a lot of Aussies grow-up doing. How and when did you get into Nordic skiing and what has your journey been in the sport?
KM: “I started skiing in high school in Glens Falls, New York. My introduction was somewhat unconventional. The Nordic Coach came to a cross country running race and asked
if I played a winter sport. At that time, I was playing hockey. He said that if I ever wanted to try something different, I was welcome to join a Nordic practice. A few of my running teammates did Nordic so I went to a practice and absolutely loved it.”
EJ: “College skiing has a great reputation in America, did you pursue the sport in university, and how did it balance with your studies?”
KM: “I went on to ski race at St. Lawrence University from 2011-2015. After graduating from St. Lawrence in 2015, I went to Vermont Law School. While I was in law school I worked with Mansfield Nordic Club, a team based out of Jericho, Vermont. Then in 2019, I moved to California to pursue a full-time ski coaching position. In addition to coaching, I am also working as an attorney at Herrig & Vogt.”
EJ: “Balancing such contrasting jobs is very impressive, and it sounds like you have quite a rich collection of interests. Before we discuss more about your career, what is your most treasured experience or result from your time as an athlete?
KM: “It is hard to pick a MOST treasured result or experience. I have a lot of things in my life, both perceptible and otherwise, that I
WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)
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.
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.
“You’ve only got one head – put a lid on it!”
owe to this sport. I have had irreplaceable life lessons, based on both positive and challenging experiences, and I have had incredible people come into my life because of this sport, including my husband. In my experience, the Nordic community has always been incredibly generous and caring. I have had families take me into their homes, offering me friendship and comfort upon arriving in a new place and I have seen athletes demonstrate grace and empathy towards competitors that I have not witnessed in other sports. It is an awesome community, and I am thankful for everyone who has contributed to my place in it.”
EJ: “The community really is something special, and it’s interesting to hear that the
generous and down-to-earth culture of the XC community appears to be universal, as it’s certainly so here in Australia. What did you find to be your biggest challenge in the transition from being an athlete to becoming a coach?”
KM: “The most challenging thing in the transition from being an athlete to becoming a coach is self-management. Everyone wants to be good at everything right away but learning the various aspects of coaching take time, patience, and a lot of humility. Especially as a young coach, and especially as a female, you can feel pressured to be assertive and overly confident to be respected or taken seriously both by athletes and by your colleagues. But this can often come at the price of growth and learning. Being able to shelve your pride and take the time to learn from others, ask questions and be vulnerable in
what you do not know is important and will make you a better coach for the athletes you are working with.”
EJ: “That sounds like some great advice for other young female coaches who are starting their careers. As athletes it’s always so helpful when coaches take the time to learn from those around them, and to work on understanding and adapting to our own unique styles, sometimes in quite creative ways if the conventional way doesn’t achieve the goal, and it sounds like you encompass that skill well. Speaking of advice, what is the best piece of advice or wisdom you have received, either related or unrelated to skiing?
KM: “One thing that I continue to use from my college coach is the “30-minute rule.”
DINING EXPERIENCE
Our intimate personal dinners for small group are proving to be a favourite with regulars and visitors.
Please feel free to contact us and discuss your requirements and timing. Regards, Roi and Sue.
Take-Away Pasta Dishes Monday Evenings!
All your favourites - Call ahead to order!
Immediately after a race, each athlete is allocated 30-minutes. During this 30-minutes, athletes are allowed to process all the things that happened in race, good, bad, and ugly. Everyone on the team gets their own 30 minutes and is meant to respect each other’s time. But at the end of the 30-minutes each athlete must come back to the team and offer support to teammates, whether that is by celebrating a success or offering comfort from a challenging result. Essentially, it gives everyone the space to process their result so that when everyone returns together it is a supportive and positive environment.”
EJ: “Are you able to pin-point what you find the most rewarding about your job?”
KM: “The most rewarding part of being a coach is seeing athletes navigate the sport and have success, which is often not based on results.
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 07 * 29.07.22
Ed 08 * 05.08.22
Ed 09 * 12.08.22
Ed 10 * 19.08.22
* Australian Open Sprint & Distance Champ’s Snowboard Demo Days (C)
* Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series 1. Ski de Femme. Rails under Lights. (C)
* Ski de Femme. Big Air & Storm the Castle, Rails under Lights Wrap. (C)
* Big Air & Storm the Castle. Rocky Valley Rush & Sun Valley Ramble. (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:
DISPLAY: •
Falls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day.
Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. • Summer Debrief
For example, you could be working with an athlete on technique for an entire season then everything suddenly ‘clicks,’ and the mechanics are in place. Or you could be roller-skiing, and an athlete finally skis all the way down a hill from the top. There are a thousand ordinary moments that build a skier and I like being witness to those moments. On the personal side, I also find it really rewarding to see athletes demonstrate positive sportsmanship and team attitudes. For instance, when athletes congratulate their competitors and thank the race directors, volunteers and/or their parents, that gives me a view into them practicing positive life skills also.”
It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.
Therefore you are invited to join the relevant Resort Management personnel and other members of the community for a summer season debrief meeting.
This meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th April from 9:30am to around 11:30am in the Boardroom above Foodworks in QT.
EJ: “What drew you to take a job as a ski coach in Australia, and what are you most looking forward to doing while you’re here?”
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. •
KM: “I was drawn to this job for a few reasons, but overall, I was really interested in the unique opportunity it presented to work with international athletes and learn from a new community. While I am here, I am most looking forward to developing relationships with each athlete and hopefully having an impact that is beneficial to them in their career.”
UKVRA presents…
EJ: “We have a unique style of doing things
Sunday 28th May 5pm Mount Beauty Information Centre Auditorium. BYO drinks and nibbles.
here in Australia, what has been your first impression of us?
KM: “My first impression of Australian people was based on Paul Kovacs. On my first day, he had the pleasure of collecting me, baggageladen and extremely fatigued, from the airport. He was extremely kind and gracious to me and everyone I have met since has also been extremely caring and helpful. For Australian skiing, it has been awesome! Everyone has said the snow is uncommonly good for this time of the season, so I am very grateful for that.”
EJ: “Okay, let’s wrap this up by getting a bit personal. When you’re not on the snow, what are your other interests and hobbies?
KM: “In addition to skiing, I also work as an attorney at Herrig & Vogt, in Granite Bay, California. I really enjoy this position and the structure of the legal field in general. Each case is like a tangram. You have all the pieces - the parties, case law, statutes- and you must use them to solve the issue within the
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. •
Something
legal framework. Outside of work, I do a lot of running. I have been dabbling with ultra-races and want to dedicate more time to breaking into that sport.”
EJ: “It has been fantastic learning more about you and on behalf of the National Team I’d like to say a big thank you for being here and welcome to the unique and precious community of XC Skiing in Australia. I’d like to end this interview today with an extremely important question that I like to ask everyone I meet on the trails. What is your absolute favourite food to eat after a hard day of skiing?”
KM: “My favourite food after a hard day of skiing would have to be a turkey sandwich, complete with all the fixings, and a mocha latte.”
for all members of the hospitality industry to prepare for winter and do some serious saving on product needs for the season. To be held at the Frying Pan Inn, in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek, the Trade Fair will take place on Tuesday 2nd May from 10am to 5pm and again on Wednesday 3rd, from 9am to 4pm.
EJ: *adds turkey to their shopping list*, “Delicious”. • Ella Jackson
Companies invited to exhibit include Bedding Suppliers, Linen, Manchester and Window Furnishing suppliers, Wine and Spirit merchants, Wholesale Food Suppliers, Chemical, Cleaning and Toiletry suppliers and equipment suppliers.
Tickets: Mount BeautyNewsagency
Ph: 5754 4204
$25, $20 (members), $10 (students)
Helen Mathew m 0419 399 737 Mount Beauty | www.mountaincreekarch com
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.
Affordable skiing in your own backyard!
Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Take advantage of the value packed* Local Pass - exclusively offered to local residents.
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy
5A Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty Phone: 5754 1270
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.
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.
$250 per Adult + $45 per Day
$140 per Child + $35 per Day
** More Benefits in 2017**
All orders in by Sunday 30th April.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
For further information contact: Falls Creek Ski Lifts P/L Ph: 03 5758 1000
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
*Conditions apply
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
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.
Tawonga Crescent 8:30am - 5:00pm Mon - Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm Saturdays Ph: 5754 3400 for appointments 24 hours for emergencies
Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton & Anoop Pem.
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
…is a state of mind where your thinking is pleasant a great share of the time – and you cannot be happy all the time – because if you were, you wouldn’t be!
Our car is like our body. We must look after it all of the time - not just when something fails.
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. All equipment provided. Bring 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 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
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.
Imagine discovering (too late) that your Brake Pads had worn out - just as you’re heading for the tree.
LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN
Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
Regular servicing is important for the good health of your vehicle - and for your good health and safety!
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial.
Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.
A Motoring Tip brought to you by: Rick @ Mount Beauty Service Centre, Kiewa Valley Hway, Mount Beauty, Ph: 5754 4261
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
This popular selection of Australia’s top short films is back again this year, on Saturday August 13th in Mount Beauty Community Centre at 8pm. Upper Kiewa Valley Regional Arts has secured this date on the Festival’s Victorian tour.
Award Winners are shown in the first half of the show, and Director’s Choice films in the second. A total of 12 films will be projected on the big screen, ranging from a 15 minute documentary on bushfire fighting, “Inferno,” to a six minute horror film, “There’ Someone Here,” with comedies, animations and dramas as well. Young, up-and-coming Directors feature. As the films haven’t been classified, under 15s should be accompanied by an adult. The usual bar will be open before the show and at interval.
Tickets at $20 are available at Mount Beauty Hardware and Drapery, at the door, or on-line through trybooking:
https://www.trybooking.com/CBJRO
8pm Saturday August 13th at the Mount Beauty Community Centre.
For further information, contact UKVRA secretary, Rollo Kiek, 03 5754 1750. •
SATURDAY 13th August 8.00PM Bar open at 7.30pm
All tickets $20
Tickets from Mount Beauty Drapery & Hardware or via trybooking
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 30 Park Run.8am at Bicentennial Park by the lake in Lakeside Avenue.
JUL 28 & 29 Twin Peaks Snowboard Demo Days @ Falls Creek. After Party @ PowderKeg Thursday evening.
JUL 30 TDFNL Rd 15. Wodonga Saints V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUL 30-31 Australian Open Sprint (9:30am Sat) and Distance (10am Sun) Championships. Ann Bellingham. Mb: 0427 006 246
AUG 6 TDFNL Rd 16. Barnawartha V Dederang Mount Beauty
AUG 7 Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #1 Classic .5km, 1.5km, 2.5km. 11am Nordic Bowl. Ph: 0409 592 226
AUG 13 Ski de Femme – Fun for the girls. 10am Nordic Bowl. Ronice Goebel Ph: 03 5754 4910.
AUG 13 TDFNL Rd 17. Dederang Mount Beauty V Mitta United @ Dederang
