

TRAINING CAMP
10-15 AUGUST 2025
VICTORIAN INTERSCHOOL
SNOW SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS
20-24 AUGUST 2025
July 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Snow Sports Race Team Training Camp will run from Sunday 10 to Friday 15 August 2025, at Falls Creek. The Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Championships will occur from Wednesday 20 August to Sunday 24 August at Mt Buller in the week after the camp. The Alpine Training camp will be an opportunity for students to improve their skiing/boarding markedly. Students will have ski or snowboard lessons for up to 4 hours on most of the training days, and there will be plenty of other snow time to practice and fine-tune skills and techniques for racing. At the championships, students will have the opportunity to put their learning from the camp to the test as they compete against schools from all around the state. Students have the opportunity to compete against a wide range of schools from across Victoria in the following events:
Skiing – Cross Country, Moguls, Skier Cross, Alpine Giant Slalom, Slopestyle.
Boarding – Snow Board Cross, Snowboard Giant Slalom, Slopestyle.
In this booklet, you will find further information regarding the camp, including clothing and equipment lists, the Alpine Safety and Responsibility Code, gear hire agreements and Mt Buller ticket conditions, along with other relevant details. Please ensure that you carefully read through this information.
Also, please complete the final parental consent form and a movie viewing permission form via Operoo. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date by Friday 25 July 2025. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
In the event of an emergency, please do not contact students on camp directly, please refer to the emergency contact information in this booklet.
We hope this information clarified any questions you may have concerning this Activity Week Camp and the Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Championships. If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to bountiful quantities of snow, hard and fast racing and a rewarding experience.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Lucy Clapham
Snow Sports Race Team Camp Coordinator
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Jaithmathang people and the Taungurung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
Camp: Sunday 10 - Friday 15 August 2025.
Competition: Commences Wednesday 20 August - Sunday 24 August 2025. Team members with a parent/guardian will travel to Mount Buller the day before their competition begins. (See further information on page 7 regarding the Vic Interschool Snow Sport Championships and the Competition Program at the end of this booklet).
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 5 August 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
Please note the approximate total cost per student for the Training Week Camp and the Victorian Inter-Schools Snow Sports Championships is approximately $2,500 for the camp and $500 for the competition. Due to rising costs such as for transportation and lower student attendance compared to previous years, the estimated cost of the camp has increased from the original estimate and is now $2500. The school will absorb some of the additional costs associated with having a smaller group. We have also obtained multiple quotes and explored various options to minimise the financial impact on families.
The price of the camp includes mountain accommodation at Halley's Lodge, Falls Creek, a four-day lift pass, training lessons, night skiing, most meals for the duration of the camp, resort entry, transportation, recreational activities and staff costs. Competition costs include registration, entry fees, lift pass and staff costs.
Please note these are approximate costs only at this stage. Final expenses cannot be settled until after the event.
• Lift ticket costs will be waived for students who have season passes to Falls Creek for the camp and/or competition, but the group shares all other costs.
• Additional costs may be incurred by individual students depending on their equipment hire needs, which can be arranged closer to the time.
An additional expense is equipment hire for the Training Camp. This cost should be approximately $300 for a ski/board performance kit; this will be charged to the team members’ account. The hiring of this equipment can be arranged by notifying staff. From experience, it is more convenient and better to hire gear on the Mountain rather than independently locally. There is less gear to transport, and damaged or inappropriate equipment can be immediately exchanged. Skiers and Snowboarders will be required to wear helmets. Wrist guards are highly recommended and should be provided by each student who snowboards. Any clothing requirements and any equipment hire during the Victorian Inter-Schools Championships is to be organised by students and their parents before the competition. Additional monies
Students will need some cash for hot drink breaks on the Mountain and meals on the journey to and from Falls Creek. Pocket money of $100 should be more than sufficient and can be handed to staff in a clearly named envelope when boarding the bus. Students may bring a debit card as well, but cash is required due to difficulties paying by card at some outlets on the mountain.
The cost of the camp will be charged to student accounts.
The group will be travelling from Woodleigh in a chartered coach to Falls Creek Village.
Please note the following return dates & times:
Departure Students must arrive at school by 8am on Sunday 10 August. The group will leave by bus at 8.30am, Woodleigh main driveway and arrive at the village by about 3pm. The group will transport all gear the short distance to our lodge.
Return The group will depart Falls Creek at 8am on Friday, 15 August, returning to Woodleigh at approximately 3pm. Parents will be notified via phone of the actual arrival time when the bus gets to the outskirts of Melbourne. A stop will be made en route for students to buy lunch and to stretch their legs.
The camp is located at Falls Creek.
Activities Week accommodation for the group is located at Halley's Lodge (click here for the club facilities and details) on the Mountain. The lodge is in the village. Students need to supply their own towel, top & bottom sheets, sleeping bag and a pillow case for the beds in their rooms. Rooms are 4, 6 or 8 share. (Click here for the Falls Creek website for location, and weather updates).
Most meals will be consumed at the lodge, except lunch on the travel up and on the return trip. Team members should carry high-energy snacks each day of the training sessions for energy replenishment and as emergency food. Students will need some money for hot drink and snack breaks on the Mountain and snacks on the journey to and from the Mountain.
* Students to bring lunch with them on the trip up to Falls Creek.
Each day, students will undertake at least 3 hours of lessons with instructors from the Falls Creek School and/or School staff on the Training Camp. At all other times, they will need to ski/board on specified areas as part of a group that will be in contact with one of the camp staff. Students may participate in a number of social activities at night, including Snow Sports under lights on one of the nights (weather permitting), attending a night show in the village bowl and a night of team bonding games. Students will have free time in the lodge to rest, read, listen to music, watch movies and maintain equipment. At the lodge, there may be other people and school students staying and sharing the facilities. Therefore, in the common areas, students will be mixing with these guests. This means that students may be exposed to movies and other materials that may be rated inappropriately for their age. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students in the lodge.
The School’s policy governing what students may see, the Policy on Appropriate Material for Public Performances, does affect the camp M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent. From my experience, many of the movies at the lodge are ones that secondary students can view without being exposed to inappropriate material. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view M-rated material, alternate provisions will be made.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities – Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Championships
Accommodation Details:
Parents/guardians must inform the school of their accommodation details while on the mountain. This ensures clear and up-to-date communication during the event.
(Tip: Check the Mt Buller website for weather and location updates: www.mtbuller.com.au)
Student Commitments:
Students must attend any scheduled team meetings.
Students must meet their teammates and the team manager at the start of each event they are entered in.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
You are responsible for arranging your child’s accommodation and meals, either with yourself or a nominated guardian. You must supply all required equipment for your child.
You may be asked to manage a team or act as a race official on behalf of the school. (You can indicate your availability to help via the Operoo eForm.)
A parent/guardian must stay with and supervise their child at all times during the championships.
A school coordinator will be on the mountain to oversee event administration and act as the main point of contact for any questions or issues.
At the Snow Sports Championships, students will be competing in teams across 2 to 4 events. They are expected to be at Closing Ceremony and Medal Presentations of the Championships and attend team meetings. Parents/Guardians are asked to volunteer to be team managers and/or course officials. Both positions include free lift passes for the day/s of help.
The alpine environment is subject to inclement, cold and often unpredictable weather conditions. Consequently, students must have appropriate clothing for the experience.
To this end, it is paramount that students adhere to the personal equipment list and ensure that they have waterproof rain jackets and over pants, woollen or fibre pile clothing for insulation and warmth and chlorofibre/polypropylene undergarments. An equipment list is attached.
All skiers and boarders must wear a helmet while on the snow, and boarders are strongly advised to wear wrist guards.
To reduce the risk of hypothermia, you must be wearing appropriate clothing for the conditions. In selecting clothing, remember that:
• In cold weather, the essential items of clothing are those that provide insulation. Layers of clothing keep you warm by trapping air between them.
• Wool retains most of its insulation value when wet. Wool or fibre pile type clothing is essential for this experience.
• Jeans and other cotton clothing absorb water readily and are very cold when wet. Therefore, these must not be worn outside the lodge.
Woodleigh Snow Sports hoodie and over jacket. Must be worn by students while on camp and before events at the Vic Interschools so that students can be easily identified on the slopes.
• Waterproof Ski/Board jacket - essential for when conditions are poor. They need to be completely waterproof & windproof with a good hood.
• Waterproof Ski/Board pants - essential for when conditions are poor.
• Two woollen or fibre pile jumpers. Two light jumpers are warmer than one heavy jumper.
• Waterproof Gloves (2 pairs) - GOOD quality gloves are essential. Leather/Gortex gloves are recommended—woollen or Thinsulate pair for walking around in the evenings.
• Peaked cap - keeps wind and sleet from your face in foul weather and hopefully the sun!!
• Woollen balaclava/beanie. Wool is essential for warmth and the balaclava will cover all your head.
• Socks: Woollen/nylon mix – 80% wool. Wear two pairs together plus four spare pairs (e.g. Holeproof Explorer).
• Thermal underwear. Specialist thermal underwear made from polypropylene or chlorofibre is readily available and effective, e.g. Holeproof, Thermalite and Peter Storm. Cotton underwear should not be taken.
• Water bottle - one-litre bottle with a wide mouth.
• Whistle on a string - to be carried at all times.
• First Aid Kit. Personal needs such as safety pins, Elastoplast, elastic bandage, triangular bandage, sunscreen, lip balm/moisturiser and blister treatment (essential).
• Snow Goggles - essential to protect your eyes from the glare of the snow, which can lead to ‘snow blindness’. These must be high quality and UV proof.
• Spare clothes and shoes/slippers. A set of clothes to be worn in the confines of the lodge (tracksuit/casual gear).
• Sleeping gear. A warm sleeping bag, single fitted sheet, top sheet and pillowcase are required as bedding in rooms.
Personal Gear
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, sunscreen, etc.
• Helmet. Must be worn by all snowboarders and skiers while on the snow.
• Wrist Guards - Strongly recommended for snowboarders (can be hired).
• Torch. A small, lightweight torch is essential. Carry spare batteries and reverse batteries inside torch when not in use to prevent wastage.
• Camera (optional). Use plastic bags to keep dry. To be cared for by you.
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any electronic/digital devices.
Suggested Items to bring: Movies, Group games and musical instruments – please check with one of the camp leaders.
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week. Students will be required to bring their mobile phones to this camp as a safety measure in order to be able to contact staff during the day. However, phones will be turned off and put away in the evenings to encourage group interaction.
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to cold weather and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Injury due to collision or falling awkwardly.
• Getting lost.
This booklet includes important safety information and essential clothing, and equipment lists. In order to mitigate the above risks:
• We will always ski/board according to the Alpine Safety Code (see later in this booklet).
• You will be provided with a Woodleigh Ski tag – which includes contact numbers in case of emergency. You must wear this at all times when outside the Lodge.
• You will always be in a group – either with the lesson group (supervised by an instructor and a Woodleigh Staff member) during lessons, or skiing within a group on the same slope, always in 3s, under the general direction of a staff member.
• Ski/board within your capabilities.
• Know where you are – you will be given a trail map. If you are separated (from your lesson group, or your group of 3) wait at the bottom of the run.
• We will dress appropriately for the conditions – the minimum dress is helmet (and wrist guards for boarders), goggles, thermals, jacket, pants, gloves.
• Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least twice each day.
• Always wear either sunglasses or goggles.
• Carry adequate food (snacks) for energy and warmth and have a large drink of water in the morning, after the lesson, at lunch, and at night – skiing is very dehydrating.
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount. Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Never leave the lodge without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's room. You will only enter someone else's room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students may be placed into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Students are not permitted to eat, watch TV or hang out in the bedrooms. The rooms are only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet in the lodge is of the upmost importance.
• Students will always ski/board according to the Alpine Safety Code (attached).
• Students will be provided with a Woodleigh Snow Sports tag – which lists the contact numbers of the staff. This tag and whistle must be worn at all times when outside the lodge.
• Students will always be in a group – either with a training group (supervised by an instructor and/or a Woodleigh Staff member) during lessons or within a group of at least three on nominated slopes and areas of the Resort, under the general direction of a staff member.
• All students must ski or board within their capabilities.
• Know your location at all times – you will have access to a trail and resort map. If you are separated (from your lesson group or your group of 3), wait at the bottom of a run or a significant building and contact staff by phone.
• All students are expected to wear the Woodleigh SnowSports hoodie and over jacket when out on the snow so that staff can easily identify group members.
• Dress appropriately for the conditions – the minimum dress is full thermals with a T-shirt, Woodleigh Snow Sports hoodie, pants, gloves and a helmet.
• Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least twice each day.
• Always wear goggles when out in the snow.
• Carry adequate food (snacks) for energy, and drink at least 500ml of water (no soft drink or energy drinks) morning, lunch and night to maintain adequate hydration levels.
ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE
At Falls Creek we encourage groups visiting the snow to be prepared. The website www.snowsafe.org.au has useful information and we recommend all to visit the site in preparation for their trip.
As well as recommendations on clothing and information on snow activities, there are useful checklists on snow safety.
Please ensure you have read and noted the Alpine Responsibility Code and follow it (the code is available on the website, but is also listed below):
Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others. Be aware that THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS in all snow recreational activities that common-sense and personal awareness can reduce. These risks include rapid changes in weather and surface conditions, collisions with other people as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, bare spots, lift towers and snowmaking equipment.
KNOW AND OBSERVE THE CODE BELOW - IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
1. Know your ability and always stay in control and be able to stop and avoid other people or objects. It is your responsibility to stay in control on the ground and in the air.
2. Take lessons from qualified professional instructors to learn and progress.
3. As you proceed downhill or overtake another person, you must avoid the people below and beside you – they have right of way.
4. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or run or are not visible from above.
5. When entering a trail or run or starting downhill, look uphill and give way to others – they also have right of way.
6. Always use chairlift restraining devices and always use proper devices to prevent runaway equipment. Ensure your equipment is in good condition.
7. Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs and out of closed areas.
8. Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
9. Do not ski, snowboard, ride a chairlift or undertake any other alpine activity if drugs or alcohol impair your ability.
10. If you are involved in, or witness an accident, alert Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to Ski Patrol.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE CODE MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR TICKET BY THE SKI PATROL OR OTHER AUTHORISED PERSONNEL.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
IMPORTANT - Please Read:
A Falls Creek lift ticket provides access to all operating lifts at Falls Creek only.
Lift access is loaded onto your Mountain Access Card so make sure to include this in your order if you need one. Collect your tickets at our lift ticket pick up machines when you arrive in resort.
Please note our Booking Change and Cancellation Policy has changed. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Single day lift tickets provide one full day’s lift access for skiing and snowboarding at Falls Creek. Single day lift tickets are valid for the date purchased only.
Multi day lift tickets provide lift access for consecutive days from the start date of your lift ticket. Price is dependent on your intended start date and duration.
Lift Tickets are not valid for scenic chair lift rides, all guests must be skiing or snowboarding.
Ski Free Afternoons: For multi day lift tickets of 3 or more consecutive days, you can access the lifts for free from 3pm on the day immediately prior to the selected start day of your lift ticket.
This deal also extends to early collection of your rental equipment if you have booked with Falls Creek Sports.
All prices are subject to change without notice. Falls Creek may refuse or cancel any orders placed for items listed at the incorrect price. Full Terms & Conditions can be found here.
8am - Arrive at school
8:15am - Pack Bus
8:30am - Depart
12pm - Lunch stop
3:00pm - Arrive Falls Creek
4:00pm - Settle in Lodge
4:30pm - Pick up Hire Gear
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Team Meeting. Fire Drill
10.00pm - Bed 7:30am - Breakfast 9:00am - Group Training 12:30pm - Lunch 1:30pm - Lesson 5:00pm - Return to Lodge 5:30pm - All at Lodge
6:30pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Card Games Night
15 August
8:30pm - Team Meeting 10.00pm - Bed 7:30am - Breakfast 9:00am - Group Training 12:30pm - Lunch 1:30pm - Lesson 5:00pm - Return to Lodge 5:30pm - All at Lodge 6:30pm - Dinner 7:00pm - Movie Night 10.00pm - Bed 7:30am - Breakfast 9:00am - Group Training 12:30pm - Lunch 1:30pm - Lesson 5:00pm - Return to Lodge 5:30pm - All at Lodge 6:30pm - Dinner 7:00pm - Night Skiing 9.00pm - Return to Lodge 10.00pm - Bed 7:30am - Breakfast 9:00am - Group Training 12:30pm - Lunch 1:30pm - Lesson 5:00pm - Return to Lodge 5:30pm - All at Lodge 6:30pm - Dinner 7.30pm - Night show 8:30pm - Team Meeting 10.00pm - Bed 7:30am - Breakfast 8:00am - Depart Falls Creek 12:00pm - Lunch 3:00pm - Arrive Woodleigh
Please Note: Schedule is only a guide. Changes will occur as needed.
Tuesday 19 August
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Students competing arrive, meet staff member for briefing and to pick up race bibs & tickets for Day 1.
Wednesday 20 August
7:00am
Comp Secondary Schools Day 1 starts. 5:00pm
Comp Day 1 finishes.
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Students competing arrive, meet staff member for briefing and to pick up race bibs & tickets for Day 2.
Thursday 21 August
7:00am
Comp Secondary Schools Day 2 starts.
5:00pm Comp Day 2 finishes.
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Students competing arrive and meet staff member for briefing and to pick up race bibs & tickets for Day 3.
22 August Saturday 23 August
7:00am
Comp Secondary Schools Day 3 starts.
5:00pm Comp Day 3 finishes.
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Students competing arrive and meet staff member for briefing and to pick up race bibs & tickets for Day 4.
7:00am
Comp Secondary Schools Day 4 starts. 5:00pm
Comp Day 4 finishes.
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Students competing arrive and meet staff member for briefing and to pick up race bibs & tickets for Day 5.
Sunday 24 August
7:00am
Comp Secondary Schools Day 5 starts.
5:00pm Comp Day 5 finishes. End of Competition. 6:30pm Staff Member departs Mountain to return to Melbourne.
Please Note: Schedule is only a guide. Changes will occur as needed.
8:30pm Team Meeting.
8:30pm Team Meeting.
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.