JUNE ISSUE, 2015
www.nemedia.com.au ople
LET IT SNOW
inside
FOUR year old Lea Hocking made the most of this year’s early snowfalls at Falls Creek in May. Like many other snow lovers, the young snowbunny is hoping the 2015 season will be one to remember. And with plenty of events planned to keep the season interesting for ever yone, 2015 is shaping up to be a good year on the Alpine slopes. PHOTO: Chris Hocking
4 BRITT COX Champion mogul shares her achievements, plans
GIRLS LOVE SNOW 8 Libby and Maria want to see more ladies on the slopes
Hopes for more ‘snowmaggedon’ By VANESSA BURGESS
ANNIVERSARY EVENT 9 Thousands expected to attend 25th Kangaroo Hoppet
index CEO introductions
5&7
Mr Bump’s blog
10
Alpine real estate
11
AFTER last year’s bumper snowfalls, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are hoping Mother Nature will deliver more of the same during the 2015 snow season. Both resorts were hit with ‘Snowmaggedon’ events early during the 2014 season and Falls Creek Ski Lifts and Mt Hotham Ski Company’s Anthony O’Shea said things are looking good for the season. “We would definitely love more of the same as last year, but it is hard to say whether Mother Nature will give it to us two years in a row,” he said.
“That being said, all of the preseason indications are looking extremely positive for another great snow season. “We’ve had snow in both April and May, good rainfall and some really decent frosts and all of these combined is helping prepare the earth for some serious snowmaking.” With snow predicted to fall this week, just in time for the official opening weekend, Mr O’Shea said both resorts would be seizing every opportunity to help create a fantastic base for snow enthusiasts. “The forecast snow and correct weather conditions will enable us to start snowmak-
ing operations as soon as we can,” he said. “Mt Hotham has upgraded its snow making system underground and Falls Creek has also had snow making facilities upgraded. “We’ll be putting out some good production throughout the season, so skiing and snowboarding should be fabulous this year.” Last year’s massive dumps occurred in June and July, and Mr O’Shea said he hoped similar dumps would occur throughout the season. “We had some fantastic dumps early in the last season which helped us have the fastest ever opening, but not a lot of
snow fell after July, so this year it would be great if we had dumps each month,” he said. “However, you don’t need to have a snow depth of two metres to have a great season of skiing and snowboarding – even with the great snowfalls last year we only had an average depth of about 1.6 metre, which actually wasn’t as much as the year before.” Mr O’Shea said both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham were busily preparing for the official opening weekend. “Everything is full steam ahead up at the resorts and we are all really excited about the 2015 snow season,” he said.
Learn to Cross Country Ski Just $35 per person Want to explore beautiful Mt Buffalo this winter but don’t have any experience in cross country skiing? Mount Buffalo Ski School is here to provide you with expert tuition! Mt Mt Buffalo Buffalo is is an an amazing amazing outdoor outdoor adventure adventure playground playground all all year year round. round. Other Other experiences experiences include include abseiling, abseiling, caving, caving, crevassing, crevassing, hiking, hiking, rock rock climbing climbing and and kayaking. kayaking.
Contact Mount Buffalo Ski School today on 0439 680 917 or 0419 280 614 to make your booking and find out more! Phone: 0419 280 614 | E-mail: agati@netc.net.au Web: www.adventureguidesaustralia.com.au
%7&/563& ( 6*%&4 6453"-*"
n15D12505-V2/2315
this winter!
will get you personal lessons for an hour and a half to make sure you can explore our beautiful Alpine region safely.
PAGE 2 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
Get set for opener
Grass roots competition back HOTHAM’S Freeride series is back for winter, with seven individual events that skiers and snowboarders can compete in for the chance to take home the title of 2015 overall Freeride series champion. Held from July to September each year, the Hotham Freeride Series aims to develop grass roots skiing and snowboarding abilities, and has provided a launch pad for young local talent to show off their stuff. One such rider is Hotham local snowboarder, Carter Mills, 14, who has won back to back championship titles for the last four years in his age category, and hopes to take the title again in 2015. Carter’s specialty event is the Snowboard Cross in which he has also won four consecutive National Championship events in the last two years. During the winter, Carter
CARVIN’ IT UP: Carter Mills is hoping to claim his fifth Freeride series championship title. PHOTO: Mark Tsukasov trains at Hotham with Hotham Heavenly Valley (SB Only); Snowboarders Inc and spends s !UGUST TO (OTHAM the Australian summer in Vail, Hammer Moguls (skiers only); Colarado, USA with his family. s !UGUST (OTHAM 2IDER This year’s Hotham Freeride X - Road Runner; events and dates: s 3EPTEMBER (OTHAM &REs *ULY "READ AND "UTTERED eride - Heavenly Valley; Rail Jam - Basin Rail Park; s 3EPTEMBER 3PRING 3ESs *ULY #HEESE AND #RACK- sions Slopestyle - Summit Terered Rail Jam - Basin Rail Park; rain Park. s !UGUST (OTHAM Visit www.hotham.com.au/ Banked Slalom Gun Barrel - events for more information.
Dinner Plain
Australia’s Cheapest Family Lift Pass Family Lift Pass: 2 Adults + 2 Kids just $99
>
FALLS Creek is gearing up for another exciting snow season with the Queen’s Birthday weekend kicking off the action. Visitors will be treated to a sausage sizzle, live entertainment, an art display by local Charlie Brown, regional wine, beer and cheese sampling and fire pits to toast marsh mellows and a free fireworks display in the Village Bowl will light the sky on Saturday evening for all visitors. During the off season, Falls Creek Resort Management has been busy investing in infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience. Installation is underway for the first phase of a new visitor signage project. The innovative signage is state of the art with interchangeable panels that cater for the dual seasons. Positioned well above the snow line in winter and easily transformed in the green season, it will be easier than ever for visitors to navigate around the Resort and find out useful information. Falls Creek is the only place in Australia where you can drive your own snowmobile, ride a snow bike on a ski trail and see a sled dog event under village lights at night and it’s also the only true ski-in, ski-out village in the country. The Snowplay Park will offer more fun than ever especially with its kid’s snowmobiles and
the snowshoe trails will open a number more routes thanks to the new mountain bike trail network at the resort. This season will see the continuation of the weekly Street Party, every Tuesday night throughout July and August, and other weekly events include night skiing every Wednesday and Saturday as well as the Pete the Snow Dragon Show. The spectacular night show lights up the sky every Thursday during July and August. Falls Creek also plays hosts to main events including the unique Sled Dog classic on Saturday, August 2, Storm the Castle on Saturday, August15, the 25th anniversary of the Kangaroo Hoppet on Saturday, August 22 and a Onesie weekend on September 13 and 14.
Mt Hotham calendar of events: June 6, 2015 2015 Winter Opening Weekend The official opening weekend for winter 2015 kicks off, with lots of events and activities to get involved in at Hotham. Stay tuned as we announce what’s on and first lifts turning for the season. June 6 and 7 Zirky’s Restaurant reopening Join Zirky’s Restaurant for their reopening. Special guest executive chef Ian Curley, from The European featuring Brown Brother wines. Queen’s Birthday weekend Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 Bookings essential (03) June 28 – July 3 Australian Biathlon - Camp
July 3-12 Australian Biathlon - IBU-IOC 2015 Oceania Region Camp. Including an IBU Coach from SWE and a team from NZL, PLUS an international team from ITA and SUI. July 4, A la Carte in the Park series Bread and Butters Rail Jam The first course of the A la Carte in the Park Series - Bread and Butters Rail Jam To welcome the snow and the opening of the Basin Rail Park, Hotham is hosting a rail jam to get you in full swing for the park series set to launch this seasons ski and snowboard events. Designed as a “grass roots� pathway for skiers and snowboarders the ALCP events are open to competitors of all abilities. Registration Information TBC. July 18 Merlin’s Magic Wand Hotham Interschools. Come and race your mates. One of our Merlin’s Magic Wand fundraisers. The Hotham Interschools challenge is open and suitable for all school ages and abilities in both ski and snowboard events. Great racing experience and fun for all competitors. Registration information TBC. July 18 Women’s Week - 3 day program Fine tune your technique at the 2015 Women’s Week. From 17 19 July come join the 2015 - 3 day Womens program. Ski or Snowboard with like-minded ladies and recieve free tips from our best female instructors. Optional sessions on women’s ski equipment, ski and boot alignment and tuning, pilates, plus a massage at White Spa. Registration information TBC. July 25 July 25-26, 2015 Australian Biathlon - Victorian Biathlon Championships.
Make use of bus service
Dinner Plain lift & ski lesson
Night Skiing $8 PER PERSON >
LIFT ONLY LIFT & FIRST TIME LESSON+ Weekend* Midweek Weekend* Monday
39 20 33 99
89 60 82
74 50 68
c15d12681/2215
Adult 1 Day 49 Child 1 Day 25 Youth 1 Day 42 Family 1 Day 99
Serious about targeting the ski industry
mt hotham fallsnews creek Incorporating Dinner Plain & The Great Alpine Road p: [03] 5752 1058 e: adsalp@nenews.com.au
inside
GREAT OPENING 2 Snow provides resorts with best start to season in years
-9 452. 4OM #OSTA GETS IN SOME TRAINING AT &ALLS #REEK LAST MONTH AHEAD OF TAKING ON SOME OF THE WORLD S BEST FREESKIERS THIS MONTH 0(/4/ #HRIS (OCKING
Extreme dream for Aussie skier By JEFF ZEUSCHNER JZEUSCHNER
this Winter?
FREE
OPLE
JULY ISSUE, 2010
NENEWS COM AU
YOU don’t get much more extreme than this. Flown in by helicopter to the peak of a remote mountain,with kilometres of vertical, untracked descent, competing against some of the world’s best. It’s the kind of challenge Falls Creek skier Tom Costa has dreamed of, and will make a reality at the end of this month. The former World Cup mogulist will carry the hopes of his nation, again, in the World Heli Challenge in New Zealand.
Some 60 of the best skiers and snowboarders from around the world will battle it out - all trying to pick the best line amid unforgiving back country terrain deep in the South Island’s wilderness. “I have wanted to give this type of event a crack for years and this year with the help of my sponsors, Central Snowsports and Deep Powder Tours, I am making it happen,� Costa said. Born and raised at the base of Falls Creek, in Mt Beauty, Costa and his three brothers learnt to ski young - and fast. Adrian and Paul Costa represented Australia at the Winter Olympic Games
and Tom also competed for his country in freestyle on the World Cup circuit, and at two world championships. “I guess this freeskiing is just a natural progression,� the 32 year old said. “I’ve had the opportunity to ski around the world and be exposed to some pretty extreme terrain..and I just love the challenge.� But this is his first event. “It’s hard to say how I will fare, but I am definitely very excited about representing my home resort of Falls Creek, and you can bet I will be giving it my very best shot,� he said.
“Obviously this sort of event is not easy to train for, especially in Australia, but the plan is to do as much backcountry skiing as possible and try to get comfortable in the big mountain arena. “Weather permitting, I hope to spend some time on Mt McKay with local skiing legend Steve Lee on his new backcountry tours.� Peaks with 50 degree pitches, 80 to 100 foot drops, open bowls, deep snow and rocky chutes will test every ounce of Costa’s skill and endurance. Crashes and injuries are inherent risk. CONTINUED PAGE 12
! $ " # ‡ Fr
esh fruit and vegetables ‡ Best variety of loca
l w i n e s i n t h e A l p i n e Re g i o n ‡
Most extensive
2008 & 2009
t
Brigh
VICTORIAN RETAILER OF THE YEAR
IGA
SKI LESSONS 7 School holidays present great opportunity for children to get tuition, and have fun
WHAT’S ON 5,10, 11 Live entertainment, school holiday fun, and ski calendar of events at resorts
index mountain people
5, 13
cross country corner
8
out and about
17
alpine property
19
)-,6)2,)3 4+205*+ 04+%. 2),*+4 40 4 04+%. ,//)2 -%,/
ly Stocked Deli in the Oven
s Valley ‡ L oca
lly prepared meats ‡
02 02()23 +
%8 .%,- &2,*+4,*% 7)34/)4 '0. %5
f/15d06885/hfcnjune10
2)-%/( 4 2,*+4 $ %. 1.
Don't miss out on being part of the next edition of Mt. Hotham/Falls Creek News. If you wish to promote your business or service please contact:
Julie Luxford
Email: jluxford@nemedia.com.au Ph: (03) 5731 3302
CITY TO SNOWFIELDS: FallsBus (above) is enabling snow lovers to head to Falls Creek Alpine Resort this winter without having to worry about their cars. package holiday deals when booking ski in - ski out on snow hotel accommodation or chalets, lodges and apartments at Falls Creek. Interstate snow enthusiasts (and anyone who hasn’t ever been to the snow) are invited to purchase a Bus’n’Bed package deal that includes 4 Star hotel accommodation at Melbourne Airport and comfortable coach transfers to Falls Creek, the largest and most
OR If you have any exciting ACTION PICTURES or INTERESTING STORIES we can follow, please let us know. Ph: 5752 1058 Email: edit.alptimes @nemedia.com.au
NEXT EDITION: July 2015 Booking deadline: June 18, 2015
picturesque alpine resort in Victoria. For South Australians there’s a line-up of FallsBus special ski packages that coincide with the South Australian 2015 winter school holidays. A “Super High Deck Coach� will depart on Saturday nights from Adelaide bound FOR &ALLS #REEK ON *ULY and 25. This SA-friendly service will pick-up passengers along the way in the Riverland and Mildura before arriving at the alpine resort before its ski lifts open on Sunday morning. FallsBus also offers great value holiday package deals staying at locations like the Falls Creek Hotel, Huski Apartments or even Koki Alpine Resort, along with options for 15 per cent discounted online lift ticket purchases or you can pre arrange your snowboard or ski hire with two centrally located outlets right on snow at Falls Creek to collect your snow sports equipment. For more details call Falls"US 4OLL &REE BETWEEN AM AND PM OR VISIT www.FallsBus.com.au.
GROUP EDITOR: Jeff Zeuschner ADVERTISING: Julie Luxford EDITORIAL: Vanessa Burgess ADVERTISING SALES EMAIL: jluxford@nemedia.com.au Telephone (03) 5731 3302 EDITORIAL EMAIL: edit.alptimes@nemedia.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd at the registered office, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Printed web offset by North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.
PRODUCTION: North East Media P/L 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Telephone: (03) 5723 0100 Fax: (03) 5721 9447 YOUR NEWS: Contributed articles, news, artwork and color photographs from readers are most welcome. Please mail to: Mt Hotham/Falls Creek News, 76 Standish St Myrtleford Vic 3737 or telephone: (03) 5752 1058. Fax (03) 5752 2627. or email edit.alptimes@nemedia.com.au Photos courtesy of Mt Hotham Ski Company & Falls Creek Resort Management.
n15D12671/2315
Learn to ski or snowboard on Dinner Plain’s beginner run and experience Victoria’s most aff ordable lift pass! Just 10km down the Great Alpine Road from Hotham, there is no resort entry required, making it even cheaper to go skiing. See Hotham Sports @ Dinner Plain for all lift passes, first time ski lessons & hire. For bookings & enquiries call 03 5159 6450.
FALLS Creek has added numerous options for travellers which should help visitor numbers at the alpine resort this season. The resort is offering a bus service from major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. FallsBus operates a regular transfer coach service from Melbourne and Tullamarine Airport with early bird bus fares and family return coach ticket passes available including resort entry this season. A Family FallsBus coach pass, is flexible and totally refundable up to day of travel on any sector (that includes Falls Creek Resort entry fees) and on-board toilets on Friday and Sunday departures, exMelbourne to Falls Creek, between June 26 and July 19, for mothers with children can be a big plus. This season FallsBus is offering shuttle bus tickets for transfers Albury Airport to Falls Creek or if you are self-driving to Mt Beauty. It now offers secure under cover locked parking for five nights with discounted snow
www.nenews.com.au
MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015 — PAGE 3
‘Thieves go on holiday, too’ By VANESSA BURGESS THE snow season officially opens this weekend and Bright police are encouraging all visitors to alpine resorts to follow some simple road safety and snow advice to ensure they have a safe and happy break in the snow. Bright police Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll said the opening of the snow season signalled all motorists needed to carry appropriate tyre chains when heading up the mountain. “The Queen’s Birthday weekend signals the opening of the season at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, and motorists need to make sure they are carrying chains when heading up the mountains, even if the weather is clear,” he said. “Motorists are required to
carry chains until the snow season officially ends in the first week of October, and if they are caught not carrying chains they will be fined.” The weather can change in an instant in the alpine areas and Snr Sgt Incoll said drivers should be prepared and drive appropriately. “Planning and preparation is vital when you are travelling up a mountain, the roads can become very dangerous, and visibility can become very poor, so we are urging all drivers to drive to the conditions,” he said. “Drivers should also make sure they put anti-freeze in their radiators if they are driving petrol cars and use alpine diesel for diesel cars. “All snow should be removed from the vehicle before heading down the mountains as well as it can become a hazard for other
motorists when it slides off the car roof and bonnet. “Entering corners at the appropriate speed is a must and letting drivers heading up the mountain have right of way is common courtesy when travelling on mountain roads.” Snr Sgt Incoll also said resort visitors should not leave any valuables in cars and make sure all snow gear is labelled. “Thieves go on holidays as well, so please don’t leave any laptops, GPS units or mobile phones in your cars,” he said. “Skiers should also make sure they split their skis up if they are taking a break and make sure they put some form of identifying mark on their equipment, from snowboards to jackets. “Licence numbers are a good way to identify someone’s belongings, and we
can make sure that we can get their stuff back to them.” Mobile phones and wallets are often handed into police, and Sgt Incoll said skier and snowboarders should make sure they store them in a zipped pocket if taking them out onto the slopes. “You’d be surprised by the amount of mobile phones and wallets that get handed into police,” he said. “ They fall out of pockets quite easily so if you have to take them onto the slopes with you, make sure they’re in a secure place, preferable somewhere with a zip. “People should also tape a different contact number onto the phone in case they lose it, because if they get handed in we have no idea who to contact and we end up having to smash perfectly good phones at the end of the season due to privacy laws.”
The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is always a cause for celebration within alpine resorts and Snr Sgt Incoll is urging all party goers to party safe during the season. “People come up and there’s a real holiday atmosphere and while we want people to enjoy themselves we want them to do it safely,” he said. “Drink within your limits and please don’t take drugs, because drugs, skiing and altitude don’t mix – we had three searches within the Mt Hotham resort last year for alcohol affected people. “They were very lucky, but it also takes a lot of resources to go out on an intensive search in dangerous environments, and people need to remember, half-an-hour can mean the difference between life and death up in the alps.”
Reach your peak with master classes ADVANCED skiers and snowboarders will be able to reach their peak, master the mountain and shred like a local with Hotham’s new ski and snowboard masterclasses beginning this season. The Masterclasses will be taken by Hotham’s elite ski and snowboard coaches and these new sessions have been designed to take an advanced rider up to the next level by fine-tuning their technique, mastering the steeps, deeps, trees, moguls, freestyle park and natural levels Mt Hotham is renowned for. Sessions are available daily in peak season, with a focus on different discipline in each session. For more information visit www.hotham.com.au/ Masterclasses.
n15D12685/2315
Don’t pay a fortune to eat out while staying on the mountain, pick up authentic Italian take home meals from Lupo’s Kiln Café on the way! Just 3km’s out of Myrtleford on the right, experience the all new Lupo’s Kiln Café. We have sensational eat in and take home options: s (OME MADE FRESH PASTAS s ,ASAGNE s !UTHENTIC )TALIAN SAUCES s (OMEMADE 'NOCCHI 2AVIOLI s !NTIPASTI PLATTERS s (OMEMADE CAKES GOODIES
SAFETY FIRST: Diamond pattern chains are a must for motorists travelling to Mt Hotham in 2015.
Diamonds are a car’s best friend “We have the highest sealed road in Australia, and some of the highest snowfalls. “To enjoy it, travellers need to prepare their vehicles adequately. “That’s why the correct diamond pattern snow chains and good tyres are essential.” The resort is calling on all ski shops and tyre chain suppliers to only supply and fit appropriate diamond pattern chains to customers travelling to Mt Hotham this winter. “For safety, we are urging ski shops and snow chain suppliers to only supply and fit appropriate diamond pattern chains to their customers’ vehicles,” Mr Hutchins said. “If you supply ladder chains, spider chains or snow socks to your customers, they will not be permitted to travel along the Great Alpine Road to Mt Hotham Resort.” Snow has already fallen several times this year, and it looks like a bumper season for Victoria’s alpine resorts. “We can’t wait for the season to begin – hopefully it is our safest and busiest yet,” Mr Hutchins said. For information on where to buy or hire these chains, please visit www.mthotham. com.au.
SHOP IN STORE: 481 GLENHUNTLY RD ELSTERNWICK
Thurs, Sat, Sun 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am till late
PROVIDING A SAFE & RELIABLE BUS SERVICE FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Travel from Melbourne for as little as $50 one way with our Early Bird Specials available all season
DEPARTING
MELBOURNE, ALBURY AND
MT BEAUTY PARK & RID D A I LY E Mt ith us for a f Park w racti Beaut on o y to Falls Creek S S E F f R R w T E h E! at it co S sts on mountain... 233 Kiewa Valley Highway (PO Box 24) TAWONGA SOUTH, VIC, 3698 Phone: (+613) 5754 4024 Fax: (+613) 5754 4940 Email: reservations@fallscreekcoachservice.com.au Website: www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au
SHOP ONLINE 24/7:
bumps.com.au SPEND OVER $100 & RECEIVE FREE DELIVERY*
v/51d01963/23-14
Huge range at Melb’s leading full service snowsports store.
134 Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford www.luposkilncafe.com.au Phone: 5752 2310 Find us on Facebook!
P/19d10052/2314
MOTORISTS intending to visit Mt Hotham this season must carry diamond pattern tyre chains or they will not be permitted to travel along the Great Alpine Road to Mt Hotham. The Mt Hotham Resort Management Board (MHRMB) brought in the requirement for the winter seasons two years ago for quicker access and safety reasons, and ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are no longer approved. The MHRMB worked with VicRoads and Victoria Police to bring in the requirement to carry diamond pattern tyre chains after a difficult 2012 season on alpine roads. MHRMB CEO Jon Hutchins said the decision had been a game changer and has led to a massive decrease in accidents on the Great Alpine Road. “In the first year, there was a 60 per cent decrease in serious vehicle incidents, from 34 serious incidents in 2012 to 14 in 2013,” he said. “This decreased to just 11 incidents last year. “Travelling to Mt Hotham along the Great Alpine Road is a spectacular driving experience, with magnificent views.
We’re open late Friday nights so come in, sit down and enjoy dinner or just grab your take home meals and keep going.
PAGE 4 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
Broken elbow healed and Cox keen for local season
CHAMP: Britt Cox has bounced back from a broken elbow. as well as my qualification runs in the early rounds were not my best skiing. I wasn’t skiing like my usual self, which may have been a result of trying to figure out the course rather than just letting go and skiing intuitively. I had some time to do some video analysis and talk to my coaches before the finals. I also had a really big talk to myself to flick the switch for rest of the night and then for the finals I just trusted my ability and let it rip. It was really special to have so many special people in my life there to share the moment with. JJ: How was the experience of your second Games different to that of the first? BC: My second Olympics were very different to my first Games. My qualification for Vancouver was very last minute
and unexpected. At that time I had my sights set on 2014, but after competing in my first ever World Cup, which happened to be the last qualifying event for Vancouver, I managed to earn a spot on the Olympic team. I was very young and absolutely blown away with the opportunity to experience competing in the Olympics. Sochi was much more planned and performance focused. By 2014 I had a few seasons on the World Cup circuit under my belt with some strong results. I qualified for Sochi more than a year out from the Games and I went to the 2014 games as a much more experienced competitor. JJ: What were your goals following on from the Olympics? BC: Immediately after the Sochi Games I was thinking
about the 2015 World Championships. The World Championships are every two years and the next most significant event for a mogul skier after Olympics. Next season is a non-World Champs year but the World Cup circuit runs through every northern hemisphere winter and I’m hungry to stand on the top spot of the World Cup podium. JJ: You grabbed a World Cup medal in the duals at Deer Valley, describe that? BC: Our whole team was really strong at the Deer Valley World Cup this season. We had a few athletes competing in their first World Cup who had some impressive results and my long time teammate Matt Graham snatched his first podium with second place in the singles. I skied strong and consistent in the super final in the singles but knew that I needed to turn up the heat for the duals to get back on the podium. Duals is always exiting, but under lights in Deer Valley is really something and I used that energy to push myself through the rounds. It was a nice confidence boost leading into World Champs the following week. JJ: I read that Deer Valley is your favourite destination/ competition and you have had some good results there over the years, why do you like the place? BC: It’s my favourite stop on the World Cup circuit for a number of reasons. It’s a night event and the course is lit up under lights like a big theatre and the crowd is absolutely insane. All the competitors are inspired to
Winter
2015 events monthly events
weekly events
6-7th June
Tuesday
Queens Birthday Weekend Celebrations 1st August
What’s on Street Party (during Jul/Aug)
Sled Dog Classic
Wednesday and Saturday
15th August
Storm the Castle 22nd August
Kangaroo Hoppet – 25th Anniversary 5th September
Light the Night Ski (Leukaemia Foundation Fundraiser)
I love it and I’m motivated by my goals, so it never feels like a chore, just an opportunity to make gains. JJ: I heard you put in a lot of offseason work what does that usually involve? BC: Strength and conditioning is a very important aspect of mogul skiing. Mogul skiing requires strength power, agility, foot speed and anaerobic power so we spend countless hours in the gym each week. Sports scientist, Jamie Youngson, at the AIS, compiles my training program. JJ: What’s on the calendar for the Australian winter and what are your aims? BC: I’ll be training on snow in our domestic season as well as competing in the Australian National and ABOM mogul challenge. The Aussie season is a really good opportunity to make changes with both skiing and jumping. My aims are to transfer the work I have done on the water ramps onto snow and continue with the developments I have just made to my turns in Whistler and start putting all of it together in full runs. I love competing in our home events here in Australia and one of the things I love so much about mogul skiing is that you can have little kids competing in their first ever mogul competition all the way up to national and Olympic team athletes all training and competing on the same course. I remember being inspired when I was little, seeing senior athletes ski on the same course as me and I hope I can have a positive influence on the future generations of athletes in Australia’s winter sports. JJ: I hear you are studying at the moment as well, I imagine it would be pretty difficult to fit that in with everything? BC: I started doing part time university this year, studying a Bachelor of Communications, online through Open Universities Australia. Studying and training is demanding, but I like the challenge and the balance provided by developing myself outside of sport. JJ: What are you are interested in getting into after your career? BC: The course I am doing keeps me open to a number of different opportunities. After the first year I will choose to major in Business Communications and PR. I hope to combine my experiences as an athlete and knowledge gained from this course in post athlete life. In what way yet we will wait and see.
Delivering to restaurants, lodges and private residences at Falls Creek
FIRST GRADE
- Aged yearling beef - Local pasture fed lambs - Local grain fed pork - Fresh seafood - Chemical free & free range chicken - Duck, bacon, gourmet sausages, smallgoods & game meats - Naturally smoked goods on premises
Pete the Dragon Show – Village Bowl Wednesday and Saturday
Night skiing – Wombats Ramble (subject to conditions)
OPEN TILL 6PM WEEKDAYS & SATURDAY MORNINGS CALL TOUR YO PLACREDER O AY! TOD
Thursday
Night show – Village Bowl (during Jul/Aug)
12-13th September
Onsie Weekend
PROFESSIONAL, HANDS ON TEAM DELIVERING THROUGHOUT WINTER SEASON
4th October
Closing weekend
FOR WEEKLY SPECIALS VISIT:
www.fallscreek.com.au
k/15d12549/23-15
Please note: Scheduled events are subject to snow and weather conditions and may change or be cancelled. - See more at: http://www.fallscreek.com.au/Events
put on a great show. Deer Valley is also special to me because I have so many special memories there. It was the place of my first World Cup where I qualified for the 2010 Olympics and my first World Champs finals in 2011. I have also done a lot of training in the Park City/Deer Valley area both in the summer and winter and I really enjoy the atmosphere of the town. JJ: You followed up your podium at Deer Valley with your first World Championships medal in Austria, describe the event for you? BC: Austria was my focus for the season. I really locked into a good mindset from the moment I arrived there and my training strategy was smart and effective leading up to comp day. I was stoked to put down my comp run in the way I visualised and trained and I was consistent all day. I was so happy with my skiing and it felt great to be rewarded at a major championship for my training throughout the year. JJ: You finished outside of the top 10, in 11th, in your final event of the season at Lake Placid, were you happy or a little disappointed with the way things ended? BC: My last event of the season was not a good one for me. I didn’t ski at the level I was capable of and I made some mistakes coming out of the top air. But that’s part of being an athlete. I think it’s important to take responsibility and recognise my mistakes because it gives me the opportunity to learn from them. I probably did too many training runs at that event and wasn’t fresh for my competition runs. JJ: Your last event was at the end of January what did you get up to for the couple of months after that? BC: When I got home in early February I spent some time resting from formal training but still kept very active doing mountain biking at home in Mt Beauty and practicing yoga. I also went on a little surf trip with my brother. I recommenced formal training at the AIS in March, followed by water ramp/aerials training in Melbourne in April. JJ: Do you have much of a break when you are home and catch up with friends and family for a while? BC: I spend as much time with my family as I can when I’m in Australia. I do so much travelling so I don’t get to see them much but it makes the time I do get with them special and I really value that. While the types of activities change the training is ongoing throughout the year.
www.tawongasouthbutchery.com.au @U\] 8VRdN CNYYRf 5VTUdNf ANd\[TN @\baU
E/19D10104/23-14
MT Beauty’s Olympic mogul skiing sensation Britt Cox is gearing up for another bumper ski season at home, off the back of a ‘short but sweet’ northern hemisphere winter. Mt Hotham Falls Creek journalist Justin Jenvey recently sat down with Mt Beauty’s Olympic mogul skiing sensation Britt Cox to chat about all things skiing and much more. JJ: Firstly sum up your northern hemisphere winter for us? BC: The past season was a short but sweet one for me this year. I had a great year of training leading up to the season but right before my scheduled departure for the beginning of the World Cup tour I broke my elbow during a trampoline training session. I missed the first event of the season and had to remain in Australia at the AIS to rehab and do more strength and conditioning training. The positive was that by the time I reached snow in mid-December I was strong from the extra time spent developing my physical capacities in the gym. I had two super final finishes, a 6th and 3rd on the World Cup leading up to the World Champs in Austria where I came home with the Bronze medal in the single moguls and 5th in the duals. JJ: Back to the Olympics, you finished fifth at Sochi, what were your goals for the Games? BC: I was very proud of my result in Sochi. I am a competitor at heart and whenever I compete I am aiming to be the best on the course. My training on the course in Sochi in the days leading up to the competition,
www.nenews.com.au
MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015 — PAGE 5
Smythe takes on resort’s top job THE Falls Creek Resort Management Board (FCRMB) welcomed new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stuart Smythe to the team in early May. With a background in global business, Mr Smythe (pictured) demonstrated his abilities in establishing, building and growing new entities to outstanding businesses, and coupled with his ability to transform and drive organisational change across businesses in Australia, North America, India and Japan made him perfect for the job. According to FCRMB, Mr Smythe’s global senior leadership experience along with the proven formulation and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with a collaborative approach to key stakeholder objectives have underpinned his success in international finance and business development over the last 20 years. As a long-time visitor to Falls Creek, avid snow sports enthusiast Mr Smythe is excited about the opportunities awaiting the mountain resort. “The most recent developments in the snow sports industry in Australia, namely significant investment from offshore provides meaningful
validation for the domestic industry and will present dynamic opportunities for those key players with the right infrastructure, strategic partners, investment opportunities and strategy,” he said. “I am tremendously excited with where Falls Creek is positioned to benefit from such development, along with the application of the Boards Master Plan and the dedication of the Resort staff and key stakeholders to ensuring Falls Creek is the pre-eminent outdoor mountain destination for all seasons.” Mr Smythe is an active backer of snow sport related films and has backed innova-
tive product development initiatives related to the industry. FCRMB chair Mark Anderson said the board is thrilled to have been able to find its new CEO and look forward to the next five years with Mr Smythe at the helm. “We are pleased to have found such a well-qualified executive to fulfil this pivotal role for the next five years,” he said. “Special thanks to Mark Hubbard who has ensured the smooth functioning of Resort operations and management while the Board undertook the executive search.” Mr Smyth officially began his new role on May 4, 2015.
Don’t rubbish the ski trails MT Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board (MHARMB) is asking visitors to make sure they take their rubbish with them this season. The Board conducted works to remove a significant amount of rubbish which had accumulated beneath the Hotham Village in the headwaters of the Dargo River catchment this May. A crew of seven people spent five days collecting the rubbish in bags, and while some was walked out, the remainder was stockpiled until it could be removed via helicopter. Items included milk crates, kegs, tyres, ski field equipment, snowboards, and an old fridge. According to MHARMB, prevailing winds and snowmelt cause rubbish to leave the village area and move into the surrounding landscape, and they are appealing to all members of the snow community to ensure they dispose of all waste appropriately at all times. Public place recycling bins and waste to landfill bins are available across the Hotham Village and wherever possible, ensure you recycling including food and organic materials in the “Living Bin” program at venues across the resort. Cigarette butts and apple cores are particular litter issues within the resort, and each summer MHARMB remove 30 to 40 apple trees which have seeded along the edge of the road or on ski trails.
Easier & Safer way to Stay Dry the number 1 waterproofing & aftercare products in Australia The unique formula used by Nikwax coats the individual fibres of your clothing - ensuring a high degree of water repellency, enhancing fabric durability while maintaining the best possible breathability.
Tech Wash® Wash-in cleaner for waterproof clothing and equipment
Get decked out top to toe at Bright Chalet Ski Hire & Sales!
Glove Proof Sponge-on waterproofing, maintains breathability and grip
We’ve got hire packages to suit everyone with the latest top end gear available for hire and purchase at highly competitive prices. Get decked out by our experienced staff and enjoy a coffee and a muffin while you’re there!
HIRE
Beginners and larger groups are easily catered for – and there’s a discount for groups. )RU WKH EHJLQQHU WR LQWHUPHGLDWH – we’ve got the latest tip & tail rocker technology to give you greater turning ease to get the most from your skiing or board experience! ([SHUWV - Are you thinking about purchasing or upgrading? Why not ‘Try with the option to buy’?
SERVICING
Why not leave your skis and or snowboard to be serviced on your way home and pick up ready to go next time you’re heading up the mountain? Bright Chalet Ski Hire has the latest European ski tuning technology from world class companies. We have infrared wax future and can give your skis or board a great wax at an affordable price. All servicing is completed by our professional, qualified and experienced staff. With over 25 years’ experience – you’ll leave your gear in capable hands!
TX Direct® Wash-in waterproofing for technical wet weather clothing
SALES
If you try it and you like it – you can buy it at a great price! We stock everything you and your family will need – from gloves and helmets right through to boots and snowboards. We stock a variety of leading brands including XTM, Rossignol, Helly Hansen, Bolle, Armada and Zeal Optics. To see our full range of services and equipment, package prices and more, visit www.brightchalet.com.au
Bright Chalet Ski Hire & Sales is open daily from 7am until late. Turn left when you see our sign (coming from Bright).
113 Great Alpine Road, Bright Ph: 03 5755 1833 | www.brightchalet.com.au
for your nearest
p l a t i n u m d e a l e r o r s to c k i s t c o n t a c t
E/15D12583/2315
Ski Hire & Sales turn left
Bright Chalet
Nikwax is a Carbon balanced company
www.osabrands.com email: info@osabrands.com Toll FREE Customer service centre 1800 558 707 v/51d01959/23-14
➨
PAGE 6 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
15D12677/2315
www.nenews.com.au
MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015 — PAGE 7
Updated plan includes ‘green season’ activities
By VANESSA BURGESS FALLS Creek Resort Management (FCRM) unveiled the updated and amended Falls Creek Village Master Plan 2014, in April. The master plan outlined the need for the alpine resort to embrace “green season” activities and after much community and stakeholder consultation the final plan has been released and is expected to be endorsed
for Ministerial approval soon. FCRM interim CEO Mark Hubbard said the plan has been designed to increase year-round visitation, maximise utilisation of existing accommodation and improved the overall commercial viability of the whole resort. The Master Plan was prepared after the release of the Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan 2012, which required the major Victorian alpine resorts to prepare master plans that outlined
a clear direction for a sustainable and viable future. Key drivers of the plan include defined activity precincts, an integrated transport and access solution, no additional commercial bed numbers until dictated by demand and an overall increase in car parking spaces. Ten activity precincts have been identified in the master plan; The New Gully Gateway, The Village Bowl, Village Heart,
Services Centre, Transit Hub, Town Centre and Main Street, Windy Corner Nordic Centre, The Nordic Bowl, Lakeside and Transport and Access Integration. Some of the plans big ideas include health tourism based services, altitude base training facilities and nature based leisure activities, including mountain biking, hiking, water based activities and an increase in commercial opportunities. Over 4000 stakeholders,
business operators, resort partners, club lodge members, investors and visitors became involved in the Master Plan process during June and September last year and the plan put on public exhibition in November 2014. According to Mr Hubbard, feedback was received from stakeholders, including visitors, commercial operators, Falls Creek Lift Company, Department of Environment, Land,
Water and Planning and others. “We have listened and we are now pleased to launch the Falls Creek Village Master Plan 2014, as amended through the community consultation process,” he said. “Major amendments made to the plan include modification of the Village Loop transportation scheme, dealing with native vegetation offset requirements and emergency management.”
Hutchins a clear choice for Hotham CEO role By VANESSA BURGESS
GREAT FOR KIDS: Families can enjoy the snow in the quieter surrounds of Dinner Plain.
Plain old family fun By VANESSA BURGESS
trying to make coming to Hotham as easy as we can for visitors. “One of the major hurdles people have to overcome is actually getting here, so when they are here we want them to know the effort they made was worth it because of the experience they have on-mountain.” Jonathan Hutchins >>
Are you ready for the snow season? hospitality equipment
Do you need any items for your bar, kitchen or dining room delivered to Falls Creek, Hotham or Dinner Plain? Greg Golding from Caterworld travels to the mountains regularly and can bring any items you may need including glassware, crockery, cutlery, kitchen, refrigeration, ware washing equipment and kitchen sundries. Greg Golding
n15D12675/2315
DINNER Plain is the perfect place to introduce your family to the snow in 2015 and, during the official opening weekend of the season, you’ll be able to step back in time. This year’s opening weekend theme is ‘Back to the Future’ and Dinner Plain coordinator Grant Seamer said there’s plenty to do and see. “The Back to the Future theme is a free public event and we will be visiting four different eras on Sunday, June 7, to give visitors a bit of an insight into the history of Dinner Plain,” he said. “There will be interactive activities at each era and the first era is 1851, which is when the gold rush began in the Bright and Omeo area, and there will be gold panning activities and damper cooking.” The next era will be 1884, when the Alpine Road was put in from Bright to Omeo, and Mr Seamer said people using the road could have in fact helped give Dinner Plain its name. The 1920s era will see the recreation of a Cattleman’s camp and there will be live
brumbies, swags and a cattleman’s stew cooking on the open fire. In 1986, construction of the Dinner Plain Village commenced and Mr Seamer said this era will be celebrated with a retro disco. “We want people to grab a glass of regional wine or cider, and sit back and listen to some of the great 80s classics,” Mr Seamer said. “All of our festivities will be centred around Dinner Plain Hut, and the season will be officially opened at 4pm with speeches, and we will finish off the day with fireworks at 6pm.” With the addition of snowmaking facilities, ski field lighting and tubing, Dinner Plain is a great spot for families to experience snow for the first time. The Snow Park is ideal for families looking for a quieter place to get the family started on skis or snowboard, and beginner group lessons and private lessons are available for those needing guidance. Lift prices have been frozen at 2014 prices and Dinner Plain is offering Australia’s cheapest family lift ticket at just $99 per day, seven days a week.
THE team at Mt Hotham Resort Management Board (MHRMB) welcomed their new chief executive officer earlier this year. Former Mansfield local, Jonathan Hutchins officially began his new role on January 19, and (MHRMB) chair Deb Spring said he was the clear choice for the role. “The Board unanimously endorsed Jon’s appointment given his extensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for alpine resorts and his passion for focusing on visitor experiences and property development,” she said. “Jon was appointed from a very strong field of candidates following an extensive local and international search.” Mr Hutchins has had sub-
stantial experience in alpine resorts having previously worked at Mt Hotham as chief financial officer from 2008 – 2012 and Mt Buller. According to the Board, during his four-year term at Mt Hotham, Mr Hutchins demonstrated his ability to develop and promote new initiatives including the Alpine Easy Access resort entry system and renewed financial and risk management systems for the Board. Mr Hutchins said improving the resort’s aesthetics and trying to boost yearround visitor numbers are on the list of things to do. “We want to get the place to the next level for our visitors and focus on making the resort easier for them to utilise,” he said. “The potential for allseason visitation to grow is huge and we are looking at
0400 297 898
E:cafefoodserviceequ@bigpond.com
DOLOMITES The world’s largest ski region! 450 lifts, 45 ski resorts, 12 huge valleys… all on one, inexpensive Superski Pass! Stunning alpine scenery
Traditional atmosphere
Gourmet food & wine
Guided & Independent Weeks
Modern infrastructure
Adventure Ski Safaris
Shaun Maiden’s
North East OFF ROAD TOURS Snow Transfers and Tours - to Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo
0418 579 218
ESTABLISHED
45–75km in a day without having to catch the same lift twice! And our guides always know the best places to ski, eat and see on any given day. The Dolomites offer a superb blend of skiing, food, culture and unspoiled alpine beauty. Best of all, it’s still undiscovered by Australians, and it’s all here in the unforgettable Dolomites.
30 YEARS!
www.dolomitesskitours.com.au
(02) 9997 2475
E-mail: info@dolomiteskitours.com.au
neoffroadtours.com.au n15D12697/2315
n51D02363/2315
Wine Tours 4WD Tours ½ Day - Fullday Group bookings Tag-a-Long 4WD Day Trips
The Dolomites Mountains of northern Italy are a revelation to Australians. Here, it is truly possible to ski as far as the eye can see! You and your friends or family can ski together, over long distances, and through many different ski resorts. It's the ski holiday of a lifetime. The variety of runs and challenges is almost daunting, with seemingly countless runs for every type of skier or boarder. You can ski
PAGE 8 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
ENJOY OUR OPEN FIRE.
Great snow at Hotham and Falls
Call in on your way past to or from the slopes for a meal or our gourmet produce. ✔ Award Winning Cheeses ✔ Breakfast and Lunch Menus ✔ Traditional Artisan Bread ✔ Regional Preserves
NEW statistics from the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council (ARCC) reveal that 2014 was the best season in several years for Victoria’s six alpine resorts. Over 775,000 people visited Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain alpine resorts during the 17-week season. Both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek saw visitor numbers increase. Visitors to Mt Hotham increased by 25 per cent on 2013, to 122,000. Falls Creek was also up, with more than 137,500 people visiting the resort during winter 2014. ARCC executive officer Ian Swan said that 2014 had delivered consistently good snow, which bodes well for the upcoming season. “We had a strong season in 2014,” he said. “Combined, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham recorded 680,000 visitor days, and 1.4 million visitor
JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL
CHEESE BALL
FACTORY BAKERY AND BISTRO
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS
OPEN
7
Also on site: WOOD PARK WINES, WALNUT TREE COLLECTION
Restaurant Open for Breakfast 9am - 11am Lunch 11.30am - 3pm daily Cheese Shop & Bakery Open 9am - 5pm Free Cheese Tastings 9am - 4.30pm
www.milawacheese.com.au
n15D12579/2315
DAYS
PH: (03) 5727 3589 17 Factory Lane, MILAWA, 3678
FALLS CREEK
Go Snow, Go Falls Creek Karelia Alpine Lodge Are you happy with your current booking agent?
Did you get discount on lifts tickets?
Did you get discount on ski gear hire? Did you get FREE snow chain hire? Did you get discount on your accommodation???? STAY FOR 7 NIGHTS, ONLY PAY FOR 6 NIGHTS!
If not, then you must be a Snow Wally with money to burn .....
Phone 03 5758 3278
HOT BOHEMIAN FOOD IN FALLS CREEK
Visit Jerry’s Stall in the Slalom Plaza Hot Goulash soup, best gluhwine, Czech style sirloin roast and real hot chocolate. The Stall is open from 11am till 4.30pm and during night skiing
www.www.fallscreekkarelia.com.au bookings: 1800 25 35 45 email: reservations@fallscreekkarelia.com.au
restaurant
FALLS CREEK
Czech - owner manager since 1986 (Falls Creek Unbeaten Record)
On Parallel Street
Phone (03) 5758 3278
THE ANNUAL
u p to 70% OFF
%LJ 6KHG
WINE SALE at
GAPSTED WINES
v/15d12619/23-15
KIDS EAT FOR FREE
Monday and Wednesday 5.30pm – 6.30pm (Cond. Apply) NEW, NEW , NEW All you can eat “German Nights” - Every Tuesday and Saturday $39/adult and $19/child (aged 10 - 14)$15/child (under 10) All you can eat Czech-Bohemian Night - Every Thursday Traditional soups, mains and all you can eat cakes and pastry $48/adult and $22/child (aged 10 - 14)$17/child (under 10) Please book early and don’t miss out J.B.’S OFFERS THE BEST GLUHWINE ON THE MOUNTAIN
days were recorded across all six Victorian resorts. “Total visitor numbers were up by 32 per cent on winter 2013. “All the Victorian resorts are looking forward to a fantastic winter this year, hopefully with record numbers of both snow and visitors. “Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Victoria’s alpine resorts have so much on offer – from tobogganing, snowshoeing and kids’ activities to snowbiking, night skiing and sled dog tours. “Visitors are embracing the choices on offer including fine dining options and relaxing day spas.” The new figures also show that the 2014 snow season contributed 5967 jobs and $668 million to Victoria’s economy. The ARCC is a government agency that focuses on the strategic direction and sustainable growth for Victoria’s six alpine resorts: Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain.
Escape to the snow IF getting away with the girls this winter is on your list of things to do, then Girls Love Snow could be the escape you’re looking for. Girls Love Snow is a locally run program led by some of the finest snowsports coaches in the snow business, who specialise in small groups of ladies who are after fun, adventure, safety and comfort in an allfemale environment. Director Libby Phillips has been involved in the snow industry for 30 years and she decided to share her passion for snow with other women, thus creating Girls Love Snow. “We offer a number of snow adventures throughout the year both in Australia and internationally,” she said. “It’s about women getting out in the snow and enjoying skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding or just getting up into the alps to enjoy dinner in the snow.” Women interested in visiting Victoria’s alps can sign up to take part in the Falls Creek/ Mt Hotham tour this August. “We can pick people up from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and we then bring them to Bright and they will stay at the Bright Chalet for three nights,” Ms Phillips said. “We spend a day at Falls Creek and the following day at Mt Hotham, and the women are encouraged to take a ski lesson or snowboarding lesson, so they get the most out of the experience. “However skiing and snowboarding isn’t a prerequisite for being part of the tour, and
SNOWING WOMEN A GOOD TIME: Girls Love Snow director Libby Phillips with Okemo Mountain, USA Women’s Alpine Adventure program director Maria Tomaselli, is hoping to encourage more women to take some time out for themselves in the snow. the women are more than welcome to explore the Villages.” Ms Phillips said even though it’s a snow orientated tour, it’s not just about the snow. “We want to show off as much of the North East as we can, and we will have time for some shopping in Bright and Mt Beauty and will also stop at Milawa on the way to Bright to sample
some cheese and stop in at Brown Brothers,” she said. “It’s really about giving women the chance to enjoy the snow without feeling like their competing against their partner on the slopes, and just hanging out with a great group of women.” For more information about Girls Love Snow tours visit www.girlslovesnow.com.
Open Queen’s Birthday 10am to 5pm Weekend Over 50 wines th on tasting &
Restaurant Open 12 noon to 4pm Bookings recommended
6 7 th June
3897 Great Alpine Road, Gapsted, VIC, 3737
GAPSTED WINESS
WineClub@GapstedWines.com.au www.GapstedWines.com.au
A N N UA L S A L E
(03) 5751 1383 BIGGEST 15D12621/2315
www.nenews.com.au
MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015 — PAGE 9
1000 skiers expected for anniversary Hoppet AFTER hosting the largest annual international snow-sports event in the southern hemisphere for 24 years, Falls Creek will this year celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kangaroo Hoppet in late August. More than 1000 skiers from over 20 nations will converge on Falls Creek to take part in a weeklong festival of events and social activities culminating on Saturday, August 22, with the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, together with the 21km Australian Birkebeiner and 7km Joey Hoppet. The Hoppet is part of the Worldloppet series of 20 long distance ski events held in 20 nations across five continents. In the 25 years since the Hoppet joined the Worldloppet, the series has grown from 12 to 20 nations, with Argentina, China, Iceland and New Zealand the latest additions to the list. The winter of 1991, the year of the first Kangaroo Hoppet, was a year that participants and organisers will never forget. There had not been such heavy snow falls in over a decade, and when another metre of snow fell two days before the race the only option was to postpone the event for 24-hours, to allow the trail groomers time to build a new course from scratch. Fortunately they were up to the challenge and Sunday dawned with a cloudless sky and gentle breeze. The USA National Team were down-under for training and racing and the biggest field ever assembled for an Australian cross country ski race lined up in the starting area.
BIG OCCASION: Mt Beauty Winter Olympian Phil Bellingham led the 2014 Hoppet early on but it was Switzerland’s Valerio Leccardi (middle) who went on to win the race from Bellingham and Porepunkah’s Paul Kovacs (pictured in third). PHOTO: Top Shots Falls Creek With Americans John Aalberg and Nancy Youngman taking top podium positions, the event was a huge success and Falls Creek’s Kangaroo Hoppet became a regular fixture on the international ski calendar. Over the years the Hoppet has attracted some of the world’s best cross country skiers. Top of the list in recent times has to be Alexander Legkov and Ilya Chernosov who took out the top places at the Hoppet in 2012 and 2013 before going on to collect gold and bronze in the 50km race at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. But when it comes to a lifetime of achievement in the sport it would be hard to go past Norwegian Anders Aukland. After winning the 1993 Hoppet as a fresh faced
SKYFALL
$350,000
20-year-old he went on to a career that has included gold and silver medals at both Olympic and World Championships, and at least 10 Worldloppet first places. They have included the 90km Vasaloppet (SWE) in 2004, three times on the top step of the podium at the Birkebeinner-rennett (NOR) in 2010, 2012 and 2013, and in 2004 and 2008, at the Marcialonga (ITA). But there is more, in the season just gone, Aukland, at the age of 43 continues to be up there with the best, taking second place at Marcialonga and Vasaloppet. The event with its combination of shorter 7km Joey Hoppet and 21km Australian Birkebeiner complementing the full 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, provides a
A Licence to Thrill
pathway for skiers to start off short and work their way up to the top. An important feature of the events for young skiers are the AGL Energy in Action Development Scholarships on offer to male and females taking out the U14 and U18 classes in the 7km, and the U23 in the 21km race. A measure of the success of these is that all four Australian cross country skiers and both biathlon skiers at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics were past recipients of AGL Awards, with several picking up more than one scholarship over the years. But the Hoppet is about more than the fight for the podium and age class awards. The combination of distances coupled with the support of six food stations around the course provides the opportunity for skiers of all ages and abilities to come along and be part of the action of a major international ski competition, and for Australians, without the cost of an international air ticket. For a number of Australians however, the cost of an international air ticket soon becomes a savings goal as they take on the challenge of completing many of the other races in the Worldloppet series. And overall 73 Australian skiers have gone on to become Worldloppet Masters. This award requires that you complete ten different Worldloppet races and while it is technically possible to do this in one year, for most people it is an achievement that has required several trips to the other side of the world. A 25th anniver-
sary is always a special occasion and organisers of the Hoppet are planning for a bigger than usual crowd with many former participants expected to make the effort to come back and join in the celebrations. And for those who have not had the pleasure of taking part in the race on Hoppet Day, as well as regular Hoppeteers who are in need of some fine tuning to their technique and maybe a bit of expert advice on their training programs there is some good news. A partnership between YMCA’s Falls Creek Nordic Centre at Windy Corner and the coaches
and athletes of Australia’s National Cross Country Team will be offering coaching and instructing services, including advanced technique clinics, video analysis and fitness training programs. Coupled with a number of citizen races at Falls Creek throughout the season, and not overlooking the Hotham to Dinner Plain at the start of August, now is the time to start thinking Hoppet and planning to be part of the action on the fourth Saturday in August - When the World Comes to Falls Creek. Visit www.hoppet.com.au for online entry details and more information.
s y a d Snow Holi For Women
For detailed itineraries and lists of inclusions and exclusions for our 2015 Tours, please visit our website or contact Libby on m: 0418 174 131 e: info@girlslovesnow.com
www.girlslovesnow.com
CRYSTAL BROOK LODGE
$575,000
3 bedroom fully modernised house with consistent return
j/15d12551-v2/23-15
By ALLAN MARSLAND
The Ultimate Family Ski Home Spacious 4 Bed Family Ski home Enough space to comfortably accommodate big families or groups
Modern & contemporary interior design
Arguably the best address in Dinner Plain Parking for 4 cars
MOUNTAIN DESIGNS
$595,000
Inc Spacious 2 bedroom managers Apt 6 Bedrooms including 2 bedroom Staff Apt Located on the reserve with unrestricted views across the reserve Consistent bookings, regular repeat visits
SOLD
BLUE ICE
$570,000
Winner of HIA Award 3 Bedroom spread RYHU ÁRRUV ZLWK IXOO\ integrated garage. Luxury Spa Architecturally Designed and built by award winning Melbourne Builder The best quality À[WXUHV DQG ÀWWLQJV The ultimate in Luxury
19d10114/2314
UNDER CONTRACT
www.zirkyrealestate.com.au
51d02371/2315
Robin Ford Ph 0430 749 701
PAGE 10 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
Bus around slopes Which boot best suits your needs?
SNOW goers will be able to travel between Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham this season thanks to a new night time bus service. The service was an initiative between Dinner Plain Alpine Village and Alpine Shire Council and will operate between the two villages on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 6.30pm – 12am. The Dinner Plain to Hotham bus service will commence on June 29, and will continue until September 4, which will allow both Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain guests to travel more easily at night time enabling them to enjoy some of the fun night time activities and restaurant options both villages offer. Night skiing is available at Dinner Plain from 6pm until 8.30pm and Mt Hotham from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays in peak winter season. For more information and timetables visit www.hotham.com. au/DPbus.
Have more fun at the snow
aning Tobogghing t o l C boots Walkinagins Ch ards Snowbo i & sk s
with all the correct hire gear
est since 1977
t/30d00867/23-15
Winter Consulting Hours Daily: 10.00am - 12noon & 2.00 - 5.00pm After Hours Ring 03 5758 3238 or if an emergency call 000 Email enquiries@mbmc.com.au Web www.mbmc.com.au This is a private trauma clinic and general practice. Fee for service will apply. This practice is fully Accredited by Quality Practice Accreditation Pty Ltd and staffed by fully qualified Rural Medical Practitioners
Bogong High Plains Road, Falls Creek 3699 Phone (03) 5758 3238
e/19D10058/23-14
Creek Centre
CHOICES: Individual variables play a big part on ski boot selection. in the first place. The Intuition liner that’s made from a New Zealand invented heat mouldable foam is very comfortable and very warm for those who feel the cold. The liner I use myself is a cork flow based liner developed by an expat Aussie Sven Coomer who now lives in Aspen Co. The SvenFit, or Zipfit as its known, is heat moulded but never sets hard. The cork flow material reacts to how you are skiing.
OWNING an apartment in the snow is a dream for many keen skiers and boarders. Waking up in your own apartment to see the snow-covered gum trees or returning after an exhausting day on the slopes and falling into your own bed – this is the dream. But romance aside, buying an alpine property is a commercial decision and we have the top three questions you need to ask. 1. What am I buying? Buying an alpine apartment is different from traditional sale and purchase of land because the mountain is (mostly) owned and controlled by the Government. It is called ‘Crown Land’ and is leased to companies and individuals on a long-term leasehold basis. The most typical form of ownership on the mountain is for a company to hold a lease from the Government (head lease),
often referred to as a lessee company, and individuals purchase shares in the company which entitles them to a sublease of an individual apartment. You should note, the term of your sublease will only be for as long as the company’s lease, so always check how long is left to run on the head lease. Many newer subleases can now be registered with the Land Titles Office to provide a clear and safe security. A most important reason to know what you are buying is finance. The type of leasehold arrangement for alpine property has a significant impact on whether banks are prepared to lend. A registrable sublease is encouraging for the banks as they can register a mortgage in a transparent and secure manner. 2. What are the outgoings? When purchasing an apart-
When you’re in the Alpine... Let us take care of the ‘legals’ so you can enjoy the snow!
sole is the end result. With extreme wear this will result in your boots no longer being compatible with your bindings which can cause the bindings not to function correctly. So check your boot soles for wear. If you have screw on soles these should be replaced when the screws show signs of wear. At Bumps we have a huge range of spares going back many years. Safe Skiing. Peter Haley - Bumps Snow Surf Skate.
Contact: Dan Flynn – Property Partner and Alpine Team Leader Phone: (03) 9602 9465
www.tresscox.com.au
ment within a body corporate, you must carefully consider the building’s outgoings including: electricity, upcoming repairs, insurance and management fees and what proportion of those you will be required to pay. Heated driveways and footpaths can be a luxury, but also expensive to run. Always request a copy of the annual budget for the building. This will detail insurances, land tax, maintenance budgets, management fees and other expenses you will be liable to contribute towards. 3. Investment returns what is the rental arrangement? As well as a wonderful lifestyle choice, an alpine apartment can be a good source of rental returns. If the site lease is held by a lessee company, it will have a company constitution which governs
the operation and management of the building. Often, these constitutions will regulate how you may sublet your apartment to holiday and seasonal tenants. Some properties have compulsory management and letting agreements, some allow combinations and some are simply own your own. If the building does not have a compulsory letting arrangement, we recommend taking your time to consider which letting arrangement or management suits you best. If a compulsory management agreement is required, check for overall management fees, and whether these are inclusive of third party agents and suppliers. Any other questions? TressCox Lawyers are able to help and advise with any of your proposed alpine interests and transactions.
F THE O T R A P Y L PROUD MUNITY M O C E N I P L A
t/51d02377/23-15
Buying Selling Leasing Managing Disputes Building Defects
Email: Dan_Flynn@tresscox.com.au
They never pack out and you can remould them many times and even transfer them to a different shell in the future. Foam injected liners from the French specialist Sidas Conformable offer exceptional precision with improved comfort and flex. There is however one issue we need to take into account. In Australia we end up walking in our boots on bitumen, concrete and even gravel. Excessive wear of the boot
Three questions you need to ask when buying an alpine apartment
open 7 days
Falls Creek Medical Centre
Falls Medical
SKI boots - how long do they last? It’s a tricky question. Most manufactures’ say ski boots should last from 100 to 200 ski days or about five years - of course, this is going to depend on a truck load of variables. How many days in winter you ski? How close your fit is? What level of performance your boot is aimed at and how hard you ski? If you ski only 10 days in a winter your boots could well last for 10 years or more provided they are looked after. Those luckily enough to ski every day in Australia followed by a northern winter will see the best of their boot gone in one year. In most cases it’s the liner that simply packs out due to wear. The shells could still in pretty good nick. It’s usually impossible to buy original liners five years down the track. Models and shapes have changed by then. Aftermarket alternatives can now provide a bunch of custom liner options to keep your boots going. In fact they are quite often a better liner
www.nenews.com.au
MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015 — PAGE 11
SNOW RARE OPPORTUNITY - ZIRKY’S 10% DEPOSIT AND MOVE IN STRAIGHT AWAY SETTLE IN 6 MONTHS
Price $575,000
@ ;9: 8-56<):-, :086;/06;: $5*-31-<)*3- :-849 @ ,-7691: =1:0 144-,1):- 6++;7):165 )5, *)3)5+- 15 465:09 @ 6* 94)+215/ <1-=9 *-,8664 9-59):165)3 21:+0-5 )5, *):08664 @ 56846;9 31<15/ )8-) 73;9 *)3+65> "21 36+2-8 "21 15 921 6;: @ 6+):-, 65 3-<-3 65- (182> 9 #0- <-8> *-9: ),,8-99 ): 6:0)4
# # # $ ! & $ "$ # # $" Price $1.5m
O S
D L
";441: !6), 6;5: ;33-8 @ #0-9- 7-5:06;9-9 )8- 36+):-, 15 : ;33-8 9 469: 96;/0 ).:-8 36+):165 @ "21 15 "21 ;: @ 81<- 15 81<- ;: 6. >6;8 6=5 +)87)82 @ 663 >4 )5, 8-9:);8)5:9 )5, :0- 5-= ? 1:+0-5A 3
3
1
! ! !# # # # $"# "# @ =5-, *> 65- .)413> .68 >-)89 !-.;8*190-, @ -, ):08664 @ !-)8 -5, 6. *;13,15/ @ #=6 9:68> 7)8:4-5: @ 189: :6 9-- =133 *;> @ 81331)5: %1-=9
Price $220,000 2
1
9829 9911 W W W. C A S T R A N . CO M . AU
JOHN CASTRAN
0411 502 424
JOHN@CASTRAN.COM.AU
30D00869/2315
51 CLAREMONT ST, STH YARRA
PAGE 12 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — June 2015
www.nenews.com.au
Photo: Eric Berger
M O G U L S K I WO R L D E A R LY B I R D D E A L S E A R LY B I R D D E A L S
E A R LY B I R D K I DS D E A L S
Lift Pass Deal – Save up to 72%* Rental Deal – Save up to 33%* Lesson Deal – Save up to 25%* Accommodation – Save up to 52% at selected properties
Kids 12 and under ski FREE* Kids 12 and under rent FREE* Kids Lesson deal – savings apply* Kids 12 and under FREE bus transfer* Special Teen prices for Lift passes
Book by 31 August
Book by 31 August
M O G U L J A N U A R Y PAC K AG E LISTEL HOTEL From
★★★
$1086* per person
FA M I LY J A N U A R Y PAC K AG E CASCADE LODGE From
★★★
$3097* per family
Based on 7 nights in a Standard Room and a 6 day lift pass. Valid 3 Jan – 4 Feb.
Based on 7 nights in a Two Bedroom and a 6 day lift pass for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years. Valid 2 Jan – 4 Feb.
ACCOMMODATION DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 25%*
ACCOMMODATION DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 47%*
LIFT DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 34%*
LIFT DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 34%* Kids 12 and under ski FREE*
FOUR SEASONS RESORT WHISTLER From
$2029* per person
★★★★★
DELTA WHISTLER VILLAGE SUITES From
$4049* per family
★★★★
Based on 8 nights in a Two Bedroom and a 6 day lift pass for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years. Valid 2 Jan – 4 Feb.
ACCOMMODATION DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 40%* Free Double room upgrade LIFT DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 34%*
ACCOMMODATION DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 40%* LIFT DEAL – Based on book by Aug 31 & save 34%* Kids 12 and under ski FREE*
1800 335 724 reservations@mogulski.com.au mogulski.com.au IATA Accredited *conditions apply please contact Mogul Ski World for all details
P/51d02355/2315
Based on 7 nights in a Four Seasons Executive Suite and a 6 day lift pass. Valid 3 Jan – 11 Feb.