Main: An arial view of the Hoppet start on a great day! Pic - Charlie Brown
Left: This week’s fresh powder made for some fun skiing. Pic - FCRM
Right: The Rotary Club of Mount Beauty will be providing the tasty tucker at the Hoppet. Pic – Mark Lucey
2017 GRAVITY ENDURO NATIONAL SERIES
FROM THE CEO
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.
Spring Skiing, Footy Finals and Five Weeks to Go…
As you read this, we will be clicking in for the final few weeks of the season and getting in as many laps as we can. The cold front which hit early in the week has deposited another 14cms (and counting), returning the resort to ski in ski out and putting a fresh layer right across the mountain.
The transition to spring skiing usually sees the snow start to soften earlier in the day, the sun comes out more often than not and, it’s a favourite time to bring beginners and children up to the mountains. The weather tends to be more forgiving, with bluebird days out numbering overcast ones, and the après scene ramps up a notch too.
Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August. The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.
I’m often asked what is après skiing? I’m not joking when I say, I’ve been asked which run is the best to après ski on, as if It’s a type of skiing. Which I guess it can be… sort of!
Après ski is French for “after ski” or “after skiing” and became popular from the 1950’s as a term to describe activities to undertake, at literally the end of the ski day. Aussies, being Aussies, don’t really put a definitive time on when to “après,”, but starting around lunch time seems very popular with some and tends to begin earlier, the longer the season progresses. The correlation between more après time and a better goggle tan have a very high relationship in springtime.
If you go strictly by the dictionary definition Merriam Websters defines it as “social activity (as at a ski lodge) after a day’s skiing.” whilst the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “social activities that take place in the evening at hotels and restaurants in a place where people go skiing.” the Oxford Dictionary defines après ski as “the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.”
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
Aussies would appear to have adopted the latter definition, which doesn’t bind après to any real time or place. Listening to many
Open by Appointment
WHEN THE BRIGHT YELLOW FLAGS ARE OUT – WE’RE OPEN!
For Groups, Clubs etc
skiers/snowboarders after a few libations will certainly meet the entertainment part of the definition, as tall tales of exploits, crashes, equipment malfunctions and hijinks get more outrageous the longer session continues. Après also has many subsets, depending on your chosen tribe, or even the venue where you choose to participate. There isn’t really a dress code, since most après starts when you’re still in your ski/board gear. The one and only advantage I can think of that snowboarders have in any aspect is that snowboard boots are more comfortable for après, relative to ski boots. However, the new hike boots and ability of modern ski boots to morph and be moulded into something reassembling barely comfortable has narrowed the gap. On the very best days, having a beanie/cap and sunglasses is another essential element for après, so too sunscreen (particularly in spring) unless the goggle tan is your main objective.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
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!!
Phone: 03 5758 1200
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!
And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum.
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
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
Accommodation
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
If you’ve got the stamina for après to continue well into the evening, then après after dark is another derivation. It most resorts around the world there is everything from fine dining to dive bars. At Falls Creek we have them all… but I’ll let you decide which ones are which! At the upper end of the scale, any attire with fur tends to be popular, be it on feet, hats or jackets (cue Flo Rida “Low” – google the lyrics), with shearling a strong second for the male contingent. Whilst at the opposite end, pretty much anything goes, as the music gets louder and the night longer, the only important part is to remember where you left your jacket!
The weekend’s program sort of goes like this. 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. 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.
Dining & Bar
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.
Outdoor Activities
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.
Shopping
Falls Creek Foodworks
For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level, St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
Child Care
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.
Visitor Information
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends and public holidays.
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty
Falls Creek has a thriving dining scene and some of the best decks on which to partake in après activities. The most famous has to be Harvey Hour at the Falls Creek Hotel. An institution, nonetheless. Jugs, yes jugs of Harvey Wallbangers - the drink of choice, on the balcony overlooking Summit. The Frying Pan Inn is another favourite, in the Village Bowl - it’s convenient and on a sunny day, the deck gets full sun until it goes down.
Popular for those who know their way through the home trail network, is Milch café & bar. At the top of the village, off Ory’s trail, cocktails are always flowing. JB’s Bar is also nearby, for the best glühwein in resort, along with Czech Pilsner and Budvar for that European experience. 1550 and Powder keg in Slalom Plaza book end at the bottom of Wombats Ramble, with plenty of outdoor seating for spring season après.
If après after dark is more your style, Apartment 3 at Elk has a sophisticated and intimate vibe and cocktails aplenty. Feathertop Lodge on Fridays has Oysters and Champagne from 4pm, worth a cheeky session. Attunga Lodge has a roaring fireplace and comfortable chairs with
après from 4pm, not to mention Sapporo. Lakeside Lodge has a terrific lounge (also fancy fire place) and a selection of local beverages with some hidden gems on the wine list… oh and the Deep Fried Camemberts not bad either! Astra is renowned and recognised as the Best Ski Boutique hotel in Australia (6x no less), with an après scene comparable to your best European or North American venues, with ambience on tap. With a sommelier and cocktail masters on hand to assist with your beverage of choice.
So, there are just some of the options you can choose from to après at Falls.
Now, get out there, have a ski and when you’re done for the day, go try some of the above recommendations. Oh and Go the Cats!
Cautionary Note: Alpine Responsibility Code – Rule 9 – Do not ski, snowboard, ride a lift or undertake any other alpine activity if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
Après around the open fire sets off the perfect day! Pic – Courtesy Astra
COMFORTABLE SKIING
Yew! It’s Hoppet time again!
If you’re up for it, it’s 42kms of glorious alpine, sweaty, scenery as only Falls Creek can offer. Cross country skiing is one of the toughest outdoor sports on Earth. Half-way between running and skiing, it requires massive VO2 maxes, strength, agility, balance, endurance and fair wack of lycra.
Some of the key issues for the intrepid XC’ers amongst us are knee injuries, exertional compartment syndromes, arch strains and cramps, and the occasional Achilles tendinopathy.
Falling accounts for some injuries, and overuse injuries tend to account for most other injuries in cross-country skiing, due to the repetitive loads that are put on the body. Particularly with the heel-lifting motion required in skating, which is kind of done on a funny angle. It’s not straight up and down like classic movements. Correct equipment set-up is extremely
important in alleviating or preventing any and all issues. Well-fitting boots and an appropriately supportive orthotic is one of the first ports of call for dealing with or resolving issues in the leg (unfortunately whilst the body is all connected, a good orthotic won’t help with shoulder injury prevention – that we can prove just yet).
Excessive pronation can be a key contributor to knee injuries, arch pain and Achilles tendinopathies, as well as inhibiting a clean glide and reducing performance. Correct orthotics will also make your boot more secure and can improve your glide by making your energy use more efficient. The glide is better and smoother because in reducing excessive pronation you allow the ski to sit flatter on the snow before your muscle strength and exertion comes into play. The effect of this also reduces the repetitive strain and muscle fatigue created when you are constantly correcting yourself.
Orthotics can also help with balance as they provide biofeedback to the entire length of the sole of the foot (not just the ball and
heel). This gives your body a better sense of where it is in space (proprioception) and those small balance muscles can twitch and work appropriately to help keep you balanced, happy and flying free.
Compartment syndrome is a different beast. In skaters, it tends to affect the front (anterior) or front-outside (lateral) compartment of muscles. It can leave the foot and ankle feeling ‘floppy’ or ‘slapping’ the ground when the pressure builds up within the connective tissue compartment and the muscles stop working efficiently as a result. Pain can be very intense and feelings of tightness, tingling and occasionally spasms can accompany. Sounds fun! If you notice these symptoms the only way to fix it is rest (some massage, water and lollies help in this too). Prevention for this issue is a strength and training program prior to the race (sorry, again, no quick fix) and ensuring your equipment and support is correct to improve muscle efficiency.
If you have any concerns or questions, pop in and we can help you work through all these issues, whether you’re looking for high performance or doing it for fun. • Krista Sturday, Podiatrist and Bootfitter at Ortho Ski
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT SCULPTURE
Celebrating 75 years
In conjunction with Falls Creek’s 75th birthday, the Festival of Light Sculpture has been created to celebrate Falls Creek village. Lighting up Slalom Plaza at night, it depicts all the lodges in the village in order of when they were built which shines onto the snow at night.
It has been 75 years since the first lodge, Skyline, was built in Falls Creek, beginning what has now become the beautiful alpine village we know and love. The sculpture has the image of a chair lift running around the top, paying homage to Hymans chair lift - the first chair lift in Falls Creek built in 1957. Around the bottom of the steel sculpture are cut out silhouettes recognising the mountain peaks of Ropers, Spion Kopje and Mount Bogong, which surround the village and make for the spectacular alpine views.
Visitors to Falls Creek can enjoy the light shapes projected out onto the snow at Slalom Plaza when it lights up at night. They can spot the lodge where they are staying, displayed in chronological order of the decade in which they were built, wrapping around the sculpture and enjoy the acknowledgement of the built history of Falls Creek village.
The light sculpture was skilfully crafted for Falls Creek's unique environment by LASERVISION, a company whose expertise lies in creating unique and unforgettable sensory experiences.
This sculpture is part of the Festival of Light happening all season long at Falls Creek. The installations, including the
Village heart staircase and laser installations light up areas of the village, with a trail winding its way through the village, past an interactive staircase, all the way up to the Village Bowl where, on Thursday nights, the trail concludes with Falls Creek’s famous Fireworks Fiesta!
Stuart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer: “The Festival of Light and the Slalom Plaza Light Tower are celebrations of not just the resort’s 75-year history, but the installations also light up destinations across the village, enticing people to walk and explore Australia’s premier alpine village.”
Karen Smythe, Chairperson Falls Creek Historical Society: “The Festival of Light Sculpture not only represents 75 years of history but incorporates elements of nature and art, a beautiful and poignant style of storytelling and showcasing the beauty of the mountain region that is Falls Creek.”
Shannon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer LASERVISION: “We are honoured to create such a unique and stunning light sculpture
for the iconic Aussie ski fields of Falls Creek. The light beams look almost endless as they reach across the snow and tell the story of Falls Creek. We thoroughly enjoyed creating this one-of-a-kind art piece for this one-of-a-kind destination.” •
The magnificent Festival of Light sculpture celebrates the 75 years of Falls Creek as a resort. Pic - FCRM
SPEED LIMIT CHANGES IN EFFECT
For Safety’s Sake
Speed limit reductions in Tawonga South and Mount Beauty CBD came into effect this week. The Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association last year raised safety concerns about speed limits in Mount Beauty CBD on behalf of the community.
Council officers recommended that the speed limit on the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South also be reduced to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Earlier this year Council voted to support the speed reductions and request that Regional Roads Victoria approve the changes.
Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said the speed reductions improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists as they move through the Mount Beauty and Tawonga South town centres.
“As our townships grow and we welcome more residents and visitors to our communities, it’s more important than ever that our town centres are safe and easy to move around in,” she said. “The safety and wellbeing of our community and visitors is our top priority.
“Speed limit reductions are an important way to support everyone - particularly
our elderly and young families - to move around the community safely. Not only do these speed reductions improve road safety, they also support health and wellbeing by boosting the appeal of walking and cycling.”
The speed limit in the Mount Beauty CBD has been reduced from 50km/hour to 40km/hour from Monday, 22 August.
The Mount Beauty CBD speed reduction encompasses the CBD roads from the
RESTAURANT
Open 7am till late! Seven Days a Week
Offering fine a la carte dining Booking recommended!
Slalom Plaza | Ph: 03 5732 8000 Bottom of Halley's Comet
FULLY LICENSED CAFÉ
Open 7am – 7pm! Seven Days a Week
Veuve Clicquot Champagne House! Coffee, Snacks & Drinks
Slalom Plaza | Ph: 03 5732 8000 Bottom of Halley's Comet
Your Après Action Centre
Regular live gigs with local DJ’s Open 10am - late • 7 Days a week!
Serving Tex Mex Fast Food Coffee Drinks and Snacks!
Slalom Plaza • Ph: 03 5732 8000 (At the bottom of Halley’s Comet)
Kiewa Valley Highway roundabout onto Lakeside Avenue, Hollonds Street, Park Street and Kiewa Crescent.
The speed limit has been reduced from 60 km/hour to 50 km/hour along the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South on Monday.
The speed change in Tawonga South encompasses a length of the Kiewa Valley Highway of approximately 1200m, a stretch of road that is seeing increasing pedestrian and cyclist use. •
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
New Speed Limits on the Bogong High Plains Road in Mount Beauty and the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South. Pic – Ken Bell
Welcome to
For Our 30th Year
On behalf of Falls Creek Resort, the stakeholders, community and resort users, I extend a very warm welcome to the 2022 Hoppet athletes, sponsors, supporters, guests and volunteers.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort is Australia’s premier All Seasons Alpine Resort and Victoria’s largest ski field, with 1535ha of skiable lift assisted terrain and 65kms of cross country trails. As such, being able to host the 30th Annual Worldloppet
Kangaroo Hoppet is a great privilege.
Furthermore, the Hoppet provides the opportunity to showcase the resort to the many international and national visitors who are participating this year and will no doubt return to compete in the future.
The Kangaroo Hoppet is the largest snow sport event in the southern hemisphere and this is testament to the organising committee, race committee, volunteers and sponsors, who’s passion and determination has contributed to and will continue to ensure the race and the carnival atmosphere
that thrives around it, remains the preeminent Australian XC event in the calendar.
The diversity of participants, from elite professionals to rank amateurs is what makes the event such a success and the reason for its popularity. So, on the day, whether you are competing for prize money, a personal best, or just using the event to catch up with friends and have a great time, we wish you all the very best. Now – kick, glide and have some fun. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
KANGAROO HOPPET WEEK 2022
2022 HOPPET SHOP
Opening Hours
Saturday 20th Aug 2pm - 6pm
Sunday 21st Aug 2pm - 6pm
Monday 22nd Aug 2pm - 6pm
Tuesday 23rd Aug 2pm - 6pm
Wednesday 24th Aug 2pm - 6pm
Thursday 25th Aug 2 pm - 6pm
Friday 26th Aug 10am - 12midnight
Saturday 27th Aug 6:30am - 8:30am (Race Day) 2pm - 6pm
Sunday 28th Aug 9am - 3pm
Hoppet Passports and Results will be available at the Presentation Venue:
The Mount Beauty Community Centre, Kiewa Crescent
Saturday 27th Aug 6:30pm - 9pm
Sunday 28th Augin the Hoppet Shop
Visitors and community members who are not involved in the event are also welcome to visit the Hoppet Shop and Race Office to check out the results, the souvenir merchandise and the Hoppet Dozen.
There are over 30 volunteers helping in the Hoppet Shop/Race Office. Many of them don’t even go near the snow, but they are always happy to support the event – and for this the organisers are extremely grateful.
Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office
Open Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th August
Located in the Auditorium in the Visitor Information Centre, on the left 150 metres after the West Kiewa River bridge as you approach Mount Beauty.
This is your One Stop Hoppet Shop where you can:
• Collect race numbers.
• Check out the range of Hoppet clothing and souvenir items.
• Check out the Hoppet Dozen featuring wines from the King Valley and Alpine Valleys wine regions, and, of course, make a purchase.
• Purchase a Worldloppet Passport.
• Enter the race. Late entries accepted until 4 pm Friday 26th August.
• Catch up with friends and check out who is here this year.
THE PROGRAM
The Main Event
Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
9:30am Kangaroo Hoppet 42km
9:40am Australian Birkebeiner 21km
9:50am Joey Hoppet 7km
Flower Ceremony
Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
11:45am Winners of the 42km
11:50am Winners of the 21km
11:55am Winners of the 7km
12 noon AGL Athlete Scholarship presentations
12:10pm Three spot prizes from Fischer skis announced. One drawn from each of the Hoppet distances.
Post Race Social Evening and Awards Collection
From 6:30pm. Mount Beauty Community Centre, Kiewa Crescent, Mount Beauty –next to the Bakery.
In the interests of not creating a Covid super spreader event we will not be holding formal presentations.
Instead the plan is to have an informal evening when you can have a drink and chat with friends, inspect the results and collect your age class awards and the new 30, 20 and 10 year Hoppet caps at any time between 6.30 and 9.30.
Even though there will not be formal presentations involving a podium, the podium will be setup for you to take that important picture for posterity or social media as proof of your participation and achievement at this year’s Hoppet.
As is traditional, there will be a range of tasty foods outside the centre. Grab a snack, a coffee a soft drink, beer or wine and relax for an enjoyable evening – from 6:30pm And when you come back down off the mountain and need a meal or just somewhere to hang out over a drink or snack, there are a number of choices, including the Mount Beauty Bakery, Crank Handle Brewery, TakeOut, Treats, West Peak Hotel, Settlers Tavern, Stockpot Restaurant, Lilli Pilli, Templar Lodge, Swiss & Chips, Bombay Velvet, Roi’s Restaurant and Mountain Creek Lodge out in Tawonga.
Hoppet
30 - The Morning After
Appreciate Your Achievement! Hoppet Race Office in The Auditorium, at the Mount Beauty Information Centre.
• Check results.
• Last chance for Hoppet shopping. Relax with friends over a coffee and brunch at The Bakery, Treats, Stockpot, Rocky Valley Snowsports, Lilli Pilli, and then maybe check out the local wineries on the way home. •
John Mordes #1016 finally pipped Jayden Spring #1013 in the2019 Joey Hoppet. Pic – Ken Bell
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
DWA ParaNordic Pilot Camp
Last weekend, Disabled Wintersport Australia hosted the first ever ParaNordic camp at Falls Creek. We had four participants over the weekend who were absolutely thrilled that Cross Country Skiing is now becoming a more accessible activity in Australia due to the creation of this program and availability of adaptive equipment and guides.
Over the weekend, the DWA participants who use Sit-Skis, honed their poling and turning techniques, experimented with different towing techniques with the coaches, and pushed their arms to a reportedly sore but satisfying fatigue from their long adventures around Watchbed Creek, accompanied by participant Matt Brumby’s gorgeously enthusiastic service dog Willow, who slept very well on Sunday night!
Another participant, Claudia, who has a Visual Impairment tried out classic skiing this weekend, partaking in two ski lessons from Anna Abbramova (through FCXC), as well as enjoying some sunny skiing trips with the adaptive guides (and her Guide Dog named Poppy), striding up the hills of Panorama, turning through the loops in the Horse Yards, ploughing down the Hoppet Start, and facing the head winds of the Dam Wall. The participants were overall very quick adopters of the sport to say the least, and it was an absolute privilege as guides and coaches to be able to learn and improve on our own skills as adaptive volunteers, so on behalf of everyone involved in the camp, we
The 2022 Hoppet Dozen
The Hoppet Dozen, which comes in packs of six whites or six reds, is available only from the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office in Mount Beauty, and provides a unique chance to try out a range of wines from across our local Alpine Valleys and King Valley wine regions. Along with wines from long time Hoppet Dozen partners at Sam Miranda, Gapstead and Ceccanti, we are pleased to welcome a new winery to the Hoppet Dozen this year. Billy Button Wines was founded in 2014 by experienced winemaker Jo Marsh and, together with her husband Glenn James, they source parcels of fruit from selected vineyards across the Alpine and King Valleys. While they are known for their classic style wines, their extensive range of more exotic varietal wines is guaranteed to expand your wine horizon.
are beyond grateful for the patience and time the participants provided us for this very new pilot program. It was a motivating weekend for all, and as the program continues to develop we hope the DWA services provided become more accessible to all people to enjoy the freedom of the snow, and the beauty of Australian cross country skiing. To discover more about Disabled Wintersport Australia, go to: https://www.disabledwintersport.com. au/home/ •
Rocky Valley Rush
The Rocky Valley Rush and Sun Valley Ramble were held last Sunday, over 15km and 7.5km races organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and sponsored by Snow Trek & Travel Wodonga. There was a phenomenal atmosphere in the Nordic bowl on Sunday morning as racers geared up to line up alongside US Olympians Julia Kern and Jessie Diggins. A murmur of voices could be heard making bets as to whether the girls would potentially win the race outright, and while they made them work for it, Phil Bellingham, Johnnie Walker and Nick Blackwell managed to lead the way into the finish line in great style.
WHITE WINES
Sam Miranda Wines
Snow Road, Oxley.
NV Prosecco
2019 Mountain Range Chardonnay
2021 Sam Miranda Pinot Grigio
Billy Button Wines
Camp Street, Bright & Myrtle Street, Myrtleford
2018 ‘The Feisty’ Friulano
Gapsted Wines
Great Alpine Road, Gapsted.
2019 High Country Pinot Gris
2021 Limited Release Fiano
RED WINES
Sam Miranda Wines
Snow Road, Oxley.
2016 Sam Miranda Dolcetto
2019 Super King (Sangiovese, Barbera)
It was almost hard to see the US girls racing around the course with their lighting fast speeds, especially with such icy tracks underfoot! When the girls began the descent into the finish zone the arena suddenly stood eerily quiet as we watched Jessie and Julia step hip and shoulder around the corners together, jostling for room to sprint ahead to the finish. Then all at once, the crowd erupts as the final downhill corner into the finishing straight approached the girls and Jessie crept past to take the final leap over the line, securing first place in the women’s field.
Almost immediately after they caught their breath, Jessie and Julia kindly took a group of junior skiers along to cool-down with them. It is moments like this that represent what sport and contributing to community is all about, and it has been an absolute delight to have such great role-models on the trails at Falls Creek.
Results: Rocky Valley Rush 15km
1.
Thanks to all of those wonderful volunteers who make these events possible. Without you there could be 50 skiers not doing too much at all!
Billy Button Wines
Camp Street, Bright & Myrtle Street, Myrtleford.
2021 ‘The Affable’ Barbera
Gapsted Wines
Great Alpine Road, Gapsted.
2019 High Country Tempranillo
High Country Cabernet Sauvignon
Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines
Bay Creek Lane, Mongans Bridge.
2016 Shiraz
The Hoppet Dozen is available from the Hoppet Race Office located in the auditorium next to the Mount Beauty Information Centre from Fri 19th to Sun 28th August, unless sold out before then. Even if you can’t make it to the Hoppet Office during Hoppet Week, there is no excuse not to drop in on one of these cellar doors to try out the wines on offer and take some home to share with friends. •
The DWA Para Nordic Pilot Camp was a huge success looking positive for more of these types of camps. Pic – Courtesy Min Middleton DWA
KASA BAR
Tasty in the Village Bowl
The Village Bowl has been the hub of skiing for many years. With access and lifting provided by the Gulley Chair, the International Poma, the Summit Chair and the new Eagle Chair, skiing the slopes of the Village Bowl has always been a fabulous part of the resort.
And the dining/après part of the enjoyment of the village was focused around several of the venues and restaurants in the ‘Bowl!’
The Frying Pan Inn and the Falls Creek Hotel have history going back 50 years or so – and they were the life of the party!
Back in 1986 when Halley’s Comet opened, the movement of skier traffic in the resort began to change and visitors enjoy the expanding aspects of Falls Cree and all it has to offer. But the ‘Bowl’ still offers quality skiing/boarding, shopping and dining. And this is where we introduce a new enterprise in the Village Bowl. What do you get when you bring together a local Architect, a Yarra Valley hospitality veteran and a young investor?
The answer: Kasa Bar Falls Creek
The former BE Foodstore site located below Altitude Apartments and beside Base One ski and board retail outlet has had many incarnations over the years. The most recent iteration (Kasa Bar) was inspired by nostalgic memories of visits to the ramen bars and speak-easy drinking venues of the Japanese ski resorts.
Designed by ‘The Wates Collective,’ a Melbourne based design team who shared their vision of Manga covered walls, and a Tokyo Blue paint that has transformed the space and breathed new life into the food and drink offerings of the Village Bowl and
Falls Creek Resort itself.
Kasa Bar offers delicious traditional Japanese flavours created by a passionate, hardworking kitchen team led by Christian Atienza. Libations are well covered too highlighted by with an exceptional sake and whiskey selection to soothe your tired muscles after a long day on the slopes. Mulled rose with a shiso and ginger syrup for aromatic interest is a speciality and an
Seasonal Rental - Winter 2023
New Falls Creek Penthouse
This brand new fully furnished penthouse apartment includes:
• Three Bedroom/Three Bathroom plus Powder Room.
• Spacious Dining/Lounge Area.
• Well Equipped Kitchen with Separate Breakfast Bar.
• 140 square metres in size.
• Great Location with Panoramic Views.
Other features include Modern Laundry, Bar with three under-bench Refrigeration units, Drying Cabinet and Spa Bath. The apartment is spacious and enjoys lots of natural light.
your luggage and skis! Keep your boots toasty warm for the next day!
$25 overnight ski storage
$25 lockers per day Slalom Plaza • Ph: 03 5732 8000 Bottom of Halley’s Comet!
Head chef, Christian Atienza busy preparing his delightful offerings! Pic - FCRM
THE HISTORY BEHIND SNOWMEN
Just for the Purists
One of the joys of wandering around the village in winter is seeing all the snowmen and the people who are building them. It’s a tradition and pleasure shared by all age groups from all over the world, with construction methods only being limited by a person’s imagination and strength as well as the moisture content of the snow.
We may never know who the creative individual was that first moulded snow into a human shape. Evidently in 1494 the now famous renaissance artist Michelangelo was commissioned by a prince called Piero the Unfortunate to build a snowman in the Medici courtyard with art critics of the
time recording that the snow sculpture was astonishingly beautiful.
But we can try and trace the history of building snowman throughout the world via publications and art. We know that the first photo of a snowman was taken by Mary Dillwyn in 1845, just after the camera was invented. So, the first photo of a snowman is also one of the first photos of anything. That’s pretty cool (pun intended).
Written or pictorial evidence of early snowmen construction history is quite thin on the ground, bit like the snow cover on our village roads currently. However, author of the book ‘The History of the Snowman’ Bob Eckstein has scoured libraries and archives of cold climate countries and come up with evidence of snowmen dating back to medieval times. According to Bob, the earliest evidence was found at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Hague and was a drawing of a snowman in margins of a book called the ‘Book of Hours’ written in 1380.
The Miracle of 1511 was a festival in Brussels in which the locals built approximately 110 satirical snowmen. It is estimated that more than half of the snowmen portrayed pornographic or sexual characters. Examples of snowmen built included a snow nun that was seducing a man, a snowman and a snowwoman having sex in front of the town fountain and a naked snow boy urinating into the mouth of a drunken snowman. There were also snow unicorns, snow mermaids, a snow dentist, and snow prostitutes enticing people into the city's red-light district. Among the political snowmen created were “a snow virgin with a unicorn in her lap,” that was built in front of the ducal palace in Coudenberg, the home of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This was in protest to him being absent and instead living with his aunt Margaret in Malines (Wikipedia).
Not to be outdone by Belgium snow caricatures, in 1818 the good Swiss folk of Zurich began celebrating the beginning of
Father's Day
We have lots in stock to show dad how much you love him!
• Darrell Lea Dad’s Bags • Books & games • Mugs & socks • Pens & journals • Pocket tools • Kitchen accessories • Father’s Day cards • Scratchie gift packs!
Tickets in the $20M SuperDraw the night before Father’s Day – Sat 3rd Sep.
221 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South | Ph: 03 5754 4002
Falls Creek
spring by blowing up snowmen. The Böögg, an 11-foot-tall snowman stuffed with straw, cotton and dynamite is paraded through the city to its centre where it is ceremoniously destroyed as part of the Sechseläuten tradition, an annual spring festival that dates back to the 16th century (The Smithsonian). So that’s a potted history of snow people. Check out www.idreamofsnow.com if you’d like to buy something snowman related to remember your snow holiday at Falls Creek. • Nyree Fiddes www.idreamofsnow.com
Birthdays
This week we are celebrating the birthdays of a couple of special people in town. As is tradition, because the birthdays are very close, the two families get together and usually have a dinner at the very comfortable Dederang Hotel (the Ranga).
Dave Piera is celebrating 72 years of good living in the area and Les Bevan is celebrating 80 years rewarding years. All the best to both guys for this one and many more to come. •
Mount Beauty Writers Festival
Saturday 15th October is the date for what should be a great weekend.
Everyone has a story... Come and enjoy the stories of award winning authors, actors, artists, celebrity chefs and wine makers in the beautiful Alpine surrounds of our Mount Beauty during Spring.
The Line-Up includes: Celebrity Chef Christine Manfield; International bestselling crime writer Chris Hammer; Author Roland Perry & actor Gary Sweet; Australian artist Ross Watson; Thriller author James Phelan; Romance & Crime novelist Lee Christine; and Weekends with Matt authors Peter Coleman & Matt Fowles.
WEEK @ WEST PEAK
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
Limited tickets available.. don't miss out! Go to: https://www.mountbeautywriters festival.com/ •
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 season.
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.
Reservations essential, please call 03 5758 1203
Even Tea- Bag Snowmen made the grade. Pic – Courtesy I Dream of Snow
Best Wishes to Dave Piera (left) and Les Bevan on celebrating significant birthdays recently. Pic – Courtesy the family.
Fcollecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Huski 304
The award winning Huski is set in the heart of the Falls Creek village. It is a tightly held boutique complex of only 14 apartments and features welcoming on-site management and a deliciously popular in-house restaurant, Huski Kitchen.
The central location of Huski ensures you are in the hub of the best eateries, day spas and various venues on the mountain. Apartment 304 is a two bedroom apartment sleeping six, with a large dining/ living room that opens to a balcony featuring a hot tub. The main bedroom features a large splittable king bed and built in wardrobe. The bunkroom features two bunk beds, sleeping four people. The kitchen is fully self-contained and the
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
property also features laundry facilities with drying cupboard and plenty of storage via a mezzanine above the kitchen.
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.
During the Summer of 2018/2019 the externals of Huski were re-clad in hardware timber, complete waterproofing, new European double glazed windows and internally the apartment was refurbished with stylish new furniture, bedding and curtains. Now that Huski has been restored to its former glory there's nothing for you to do, except unpack your ski gear.
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.
Designed by architect firm Elenberg Fraser, the iconic Huski resembles a snowflake and stands out strikingly different to its surrounds. Inspired by North American ski condos and blended with European styling, an owner or guest will enjoy an unparalleled winter experience with amenities including heated flooring, guest over-snow pick up/
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. • for to
on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes
enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some 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
MEDICAL SERVICES
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.
“You’ve
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.
Sunday 28th May 5pm Mount Beauty Information Centre Auditorium. BYO drinks and nibbles. Tickets: Mount BeautyNewsagency Ph: 5754 4204
$25, $20 (members), $10 (students)
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 years service to the Upper
only got one head – put a lid on it!”
2017 LOCAL PASS
EMERGENCY
Affordable skiing in your own backyard!
Take advantage of the value packed* Local Pass - exclusively offered to local residents.
$250 per Adult + $45 per Day $140 per Child + $35 per Day ** More Benefits in 2017** All orders in by Sunday 30th April. For further information contact:
2022
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade
Crescent 8:30am - 5:00pm
WINTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & RATES
Ed 12 * 02.09.22 * Kangaroo Hoppet Wrap and Results. Summit Masters Bumps Comp (C)
Ed 13 * 09.09.22 * Wild Guide Escapes Ski Touring Retreat. Wrap of Summit Masters. (C)
Ed 14 * 16.09.22 * Start Victorian School Holidays. Full list of Summer Activities. (C)
Ed 15 * 23.09.22 * Ignition MTB Festival. Alpine Challenge & other summer activities. (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:
•
•
ENQUIRIES
- 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
Mount Beauty ▼
Falls Creek
Fair @
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM of the Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association will be held on Thursday, September 1st, at 7:30pm in the AUDITORIUM at the Information Centre. Come along and hear of their successes and have a say in future direction of the group. Everyone is welcome. Come and renew your membership or become a member that evening.
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. Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Cane Armchair and footstool. $30. Six metal framed dining chairs upholstered in burgundy vinyl $30. Ph: 0477 443 964
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 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
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
drop off and of course ski in- ski out access. Not to forget the green season is also an adventurers playground.
Huski 304 secures strong rental returns even with owner use. As an owner you can keep it all to yourself without restrictive management agreements in place. Previous rental information available on request. It is strongly recommended that you book an inspection today, you will certainly be impressed. The asking price on this two bedroom two bathroom apartment is $750,000.
For further details, contact the agent, Christina Smit (Christa) at Zirky Real Estate, Mb: 0402 277 808 or check the website at: www.zirkyrealestate.com.au. •
Your comfortable local pub!
BAR OPEN FROM 2PM DINNER FROM 5:30PM GREAT PARMIES WEDNESDAYS! CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
Talk to us about our function and meeting rooms and catering for your event!
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
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.
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.
Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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
Helen Mathew m 0419 399 737 Mount Beauty | www.mountaincreekarch com
INTIMATE 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!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY He knows nothing; and he thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career.” - George Bernard Shaw
VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
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). Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (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:
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
A Fun Challenge
It was a dream come true which almost didn't happen for 15 year old Melbourne boy Sam Higgins.
Sam was unable to attend his long-planned Sit-ski camp at Falls Creek last weekend but DWA camp Manager Min Middleton was able to put together an individual program for him at Howman’s Gap this week with local volunteers Josh and Mel from Mount Beauty. They were supported by trainee guide Will, who is also 15 and is a student at Mount Beauty High School where Josh and Mel both teach.
Sam, who was the City of Bayside's Young Citizen of the Year in 2021, has Cerebral Palsy which affects his mobility, and cochlear Implants to help him hear, but this has never stopped him from seizing every chance to experience new adventures.
“What a cool opportunity” Sam said. “Sit-Skiing was a really fun and enjoyable challenge. I was really nervous to start with because it was so new, but the guides
made the whole experience so much better, teaching me a lot about Sit-Skiing. I didn't even know it was a sport till I heard about it through DWA.”
Sam plans to come back next year to develop his skills and maybe challenge his snowboarding dad to a downhill race!
If you would like to know more about Disabled Wintersport Australia, go to their website: https://www.disabledwintersport. com.au/home/ •
VILLAGE DIRECTORY
WHAT'S ON IN 2022
COVID-19 Restriction changes and weather may impact some of these events.
❆ 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. Fire pits, marshmallows, games, music and Pete the Snowdragon. Further details: 03 5758 1200.
THURSDAYS
Fireworks Fiesta – 7pm Every Thursday from July 7th to August 25th Best enjoyed from the Village Bowl near the Frying Pan Inn.
AUG 27 Kangaroo Hoppet 9:30am. Australian Birkebeiner 9:40am. Joey Hoppet 9:50am. Nordic Bowl. Entries Now Open! Visit: https://hoppet.com.au/
SEP 3 & 4 Australian Junior Sprint (Sat 9:30am) & Distance (Sun 10am) Championships. Nordic Bowl. Ann Bellingham 0427 006 246 SEP 2-11 Gay Ski Week at Falls Creek. Go to https:// pointsofdifference.com/gay-ski-weekaustralia-2022/
OCT 15 Mount Beauty Writers Festival- attracting some very interesting and prominent personalities. For more detail, go to: https://www.mountbeautywritersfestival. com/
❆ MAJOR
EVENTS
❆
NOV 18-20 Blue Dirt Ignition Mountain Bike Festival. Tickets now on Sale. Visit: https://bluedirt. com.au/ignition-mtb-season-opener/ NOV 26-28 Falls Creek Alpine Challenge. Distances of 10/16/25/42/60/100/160 km. For further details and to enter, Em: runningwild56@ bigpond.com or visit: https://www. runningwild.net.au/
Sam Higgins loving the Sit-Ski and his band of intrepid DWA volunteers. Pic – Courtesy Min Middleton