SEPTEMBER ISSUE, 2013 ople
Back to back for hard working Russian
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Russian Alexander Legkov made it back-to-back Kangaroo Hoppet wins, the World Cup distance champion taking the 2013 victory ahead of fellow countrymen Ilya Chernousov and Alexey Chernousov last Saturday at Falls Creek. Legkov had a solid battle in a group of four, including Australia’s Callum Watson, but he pulled away from the pack to cross the finish line in first place. PHOTO: Matt Hull
2 YOUNG RACERS Falls Creek Primary School rejoices its Interschool success.
6 SNOW DOGS Celebrating 20 years of racing in the snow.
Hotham’s future to be secured by plan By SIMON CRASE scrase@nenews.com.au
8 SOCHI OLYMPICS Mogulist Britteny Cox and alpine racer Greta Small press their case for selection.
index Endangered species
7
Calendar of events
9
Alpine real estate
10, 11
A NEW five-year plan will be one of four key documents pivotal to the direction of Hotham resort into the future, as resort management look to build on major plans and existing infrastructure achievements. The draft Strategic Management Plan 2013-18 was created in the wake of Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith calling on all alpine resorts in Victoria to have an increased industrywide approach as part of overall reform. Resort leaseholders within Hotham Resort, as well as stakeholders, were also consulted for their view on the plan’s formulation, and two public presentations were delivered in July. The six objectives contained in the Al-
pine Resorts Strategic Plan 2012 also feed into the strategic management plan. Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board (RMB) broke the plan into three designated themes: Hotham Is, Hotham Wants To Be, and Hotham Will, as a way of outlining the ‘High On Hotham’ strengths, vision, key targets and how these will be achieved. These include enhancing visitor experience, creating partnerships, broadening access opportunities and delivering resort services and infrastructure with efficiency and accountability. Implementation and assessment of the plan over the five-year period will occur on a yearly basis and will be recorded in the annual report. Looking to the future, RMB views the separation of pedestrians and skiers from
PINE G AL IA N I L D LEA TRA S A I N AU S I X O TICE SSC T R E P R AC W LA
motorists as a high strategic priority for the effective and safe operation of the resort. According to the draft plan, the relocation of the Great Alpine Road is considered to be a fundamental requirement if the resort is to create a viable village heart, including residential and commercial development, on land once used as the GAR route. RMB states its vision and mission is to deliver the premier alpine resort and maintaining it as the mountain of choice for serious skiers and riders. It is looking to expand the number of accommodation beds to 7000 and provide for all visitor budgets. Attracting visitors in ‘non-winter’ will be a focus and continued promotion of the area as a destination for walking trails, festivals, four-wheel driving and cycling,
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and encouraging businesses to operate in these times. Other aims include designing a multipurpose leisure centre and completing the plans for the visitor information/civic centre A carpark redevelopment at Wire Plain to create more capacity is hoped to occur in two years, and within the term of the plan, RMB will pursue funding opportunities for wind farming. In terms of tourism, research will be undertaken to achieve clarity on the needs and desires of visitors, as well as reviewing industry research to ensure it is current and indicative of the industry’s needs. The Hotham Strategic Management Plan will be finalised once all public submissions about the draft have been considered.
PAGE 2 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
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Snow-tastic effort at championships NEW CHEF & OPEN FIRE
FALLS Creek Primary School was abuzz with excitement last week after the team of twelve students who travelled to Mount Buller to compete in the Subaru Victorian XC Interschool Championships returned with eight trophies, 26 medals and plenty of stories. The school put in a fantastic showing to win the overall primary school category, making it back-to-back for Falls Creek. Due to low snow conditions at Buller the event was moved at the last minute to the Main Street downhill run and the course resembled a Tour de France mountain climb with the skiers having to zig-zag up a very steep downhill ski run instead of the usual undulating circuit. The day consisted of an individual time trial event in the morning which also had a team category and then a relay in the afternoon which was modified to also be an individual time trial event, the same as in the morning but with times added together to make a total ‘relay’ time. They competed in two categories: division 4, (grades 5 and 6) and division 5 (grades 3 and 4). The division four boys’
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WONDERFUL RESULT: Division 5 girls team, ‘The Golden Girls’, Ayla Armitage, India Zwar and Airlie Bowes winning two team events. team of Mitchell Cook, Finn Ryan and Shae Stephenson were the first to race. Mitchell finished in fourth place, a mere 0.4 seconds off third, Finn finished in seventh and Shae was 15th. Their combined placing put them in first place and gave all three athletes a gold medal. For Shae, who is in grade 6, this was his first Interschool event and first gold medal. In the afternoon they raced again, and as a team in the relay finished in second place. Maysen Duffy won the division 4 girls individual event while teammate Molly Ryan finished fourth. Sid Williams was the third skier in the team, and although mainly a downhill skier she was able to get up the hill
fast enough to have the girls finish in fourth place as a team. In the afternoon the girls found another level, all skiing faster than they did in the morning, to step up onto the podium and collect the bronze medal. Lucas Duffy followed in his sister’s footsteps by winning the division 5 boys individual event. Andrew Archibald also raced well to finish in third place and Harry Derrick, who is only in grade 2, powered up the hill to finish in 15th place. As a team they finished equal first in the morning and in second place in the afternoon. The division 5 girls team, India Zwar, Ayla Armitage and Airlie Bowes, turned out to be the ‘golden girls’ winning the team event in the
morning and the afternoon. In the individual India raced into first place, Ayla was second and Airlie fourth by only two seconds. The trip to Buller was a great success with a fantastic group of parents and teachers accompanying and supporting the students. The all-uphill course was a challenge for all athletes, but there were no complaints from any of the students and everyone clearly put in their best effort from start to finish. They also worked really well as a team showing support to all their fellow students. The fact every student in the Falls Creek team won a medal is a tribute to the support the students showed each other throughout the day.
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TOP OF THE HEAP: The successful Falls Creek Primary School XC Ski Team made it back-to-back overall primary school winners at the Subaru Victorian XC Interschools Championships.
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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
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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:
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NEXT EDITION: June 2014 Booking deadline: May 14 2014
GROUP EDITOR: Jeff Zeuschner ADVERTISING: Jenny King EDITORIAL: Simon Crase ADVERTISING SALES EMAIL: jking@nenews.com.au Telephone (03) 5731 3305 EDITORIAL EMAIL: edit.alptimes@nenews.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Newspapers Pty Ltd at the registered office, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Printed web offset by North East Newspapers Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.
PRODUCTION: North East Newspapers 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, PO Box 341, Myrtleford Vic 3736. or telephone: (03) 5752 1058. Fax (03) 5752 2627. or email edit.alptimes@nenews.com.au Photos courtesy of Mt Hotham Ski Company & Falls Creek Resort Management.
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On Parallel Street
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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013 — PAGE 3
Just short of victory
A SIX-goal win to the Dinner Plain Hotham Demons in the third Peter Canning Cup gives them bragging rights for 2014, as the fundraiser goes from strength-to-strength. Played on Friday, August 2 at the Omeo Football Club, the home team was out to avenge the 17-point defeat in 2012, but couldn’t match it with their highaltitude opponents. Demon’s coaches, and past AFL Demons, Stephen Powell and
Guy Rigoni made it back-to-back wins at the helm of the Dinner Plain Hotham Demons and were quick to talk up their chances for next year in the post-match analysis. Former Richmond colleagues David Cloke and Wayne Walsh, who coached Omeo, were left to ponder what have been, and onlooker and one-time Hawk and roo Nathan Thompson was grateful he was watching on from the sidelines.
Described by one onlooker as ‘four quarters of comedy’, the match contained many highlights, however few of these were football-related. A source close to both camps said the coaches were thrilled with the endeavor and exasperated with the lack of skill. But it was all in the name of a good cause and Peter Canning Cup organiser Peter McKenna said the third event was a resounding success, attracting
about 500 people to Omeo for a fun night of family entertainment. The best part of $7000 was raised on the night, which was a tremendous effort, and the money will be donated to the Omeo Hospital and Motor Neurone disease, equalling last year’s effort. Mr McKenna thanked all the players and coaches, patrons, spectators, volunteers and businesses for their participation and generosity.
THE WHITE STUFF: Bhutanese refugee students Bal Bhattari (front) and Rabhi Bhattari enjoy their first taste of snow at Falls Creek last week. The group of 19 students from Wodonga Secondary Senior College were delighted with their opportunity to see and play in the snow.
Photo: Chris Hocking
Alpine businesses set for workplace audits Visits will not only focus on businesses associated with ski resorts, but also any business operating in the snowfields regions. Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said the education and compliance campaign aimed to ensure the many transient snowfields workers are receiving their full entitlements. “Many snowfield employees are young or foreign workers, such as working holiday makers, who can be vulnerable if they’re not fully aware of their entitlements, so it’s important we ensure they are being paid correctly,” Ms James said. Ms James said the campaign also provides a great opportunity for employers to improve their understanding of workplace laws and ensure they have
processes in place to comply with their workplace obligations from season to season. “Where Inspectors identify issues such as underpayments to staff, we will work with individual employers to help them voluntarily rectify issues and put processes in place to ensure they get it right in the future,” Ms James said. “A key role of the Fair Work Ombudsman is to help employers understand and meet their obligations.” Inspectors can steer employers to the range of free resources available at www.fairwork.gov.au such as templates for pay slips and time-and-wages sheets as well as tools for determining correct rates of pay for employees, such as PayCheck Plus.
Snowboard conquers lake MAT Galina is always looking for new tricks to add to his repertoire and on August 16, 2013, he managed to write himself into Falls Creek folklore. No-one’s ever crossed Rocky Valley Lake on a snowboard and Galina decided it was time to turn his snowboard into surfboard and tackle the dam. Under clear Alpine skies, and after all the logistics were in place, the Canadian hit 80km/h being towed behind a snowmobile and skimmed across the freezing 60-metre lake. He made the journey with ease and glided into the lakeside edge with plenty of momentum. Caught on headcam, Galina’s feat was met with a rousing reception after demonstrating whether it’s downhill powder or still cool water, his snowboard is up to the task.
Landslide stops traffic
A LARGE landslide on Friday, August 23 at Bogong cut the road between Mt Beauty and Falls Creek for almost 24 hours. The landslide put preparations for the Kangaroo Hoppet into disarray but race director Allan Marsland was overwhelmed with the response from Mt Beauty locals offering to assist with accommodation for skiers and visitors stranded in town. Mr Marsland said VicRoads deserved much praise for its response to what was an emergency situation and the concerted effort it took to clear the road to allow motorists through at 7am Saturday so they could compete and spectate at the Hoppet.
Stop in for a meal by our warm fires after hitting the slopes & come try our
August gets bumper falls
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WINTER took its time delivering, but when the snow finally came it arrived in a big way, to the joy of resort owners, skiers and riders alike. ‘Snowmageddon’, ‘Snow-tastic’, were just some of the tags being thrown around last week after the heavens opened and didn’t let up for more than a week. Falls Creek hit the 1.5 metre mark last Thursday while Hotham was gradually closing in on the same mark, after 70cm of snow fell in a week. At Falls Creek, about 45km of groomed tracks for cross-country action were up for grabs and most runs were seeing plenty of activity. More snow was forecast through the weekend, setting up the last month of the season beautifully.
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THE Fair Work Ombudsman will target Alpine snowfields this week as the start of a three-year campaign to ensure employees are being treated lawfully in the workplace. As part of a new campaign to ensure employees are receiving their correct wages, Fair Work Inspectors will conduct face-toface audits of about 50 businesses at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, Mt Buller and Mt Baw Baw. Inspectors will also be visiting in 2014-15, carrying out further checks to ensure businesses comply with workplace laws. Fair Work Inspectors will check that employers are paying staff correctly, maintaining appropriate records and providing employees with pay slips.
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Expressions of Interest for enrolment at Bright P-12 College Dinner Plain P-6 and 7-12 Annexes for the 2014 season will open on Friday August 30th, 2013. Application forms, details of enrolment policy and process can be found on the Bright P-12 College website: www.brightp12.vic.edu.au and also from the College and Dinner Plain Annexes. Application forms will not be available before August 30th. Any enquiries to Ph 03 57551166
PAGE 4 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
Sensational salmon stocks ANGLERS heading to Falls Creek in the next year will benefit from a fish-stocking exercise at the popular resort lake. Rocky Valley Dam will be stocked with 1000 Chinook salmon in spring, as part of the State Government’s expanding fish stocking program. “Across the state, seven lakes will share in 22,000 extra Chinook salmon, all of which have been grown at the DEPI Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon,” Bill Sykes (MLA, Benalla) said. “Salmon released this year are expected to grow to a catchable size within 12 months, providing great fishing opportunities for local and visiting anglers.”
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In a blanket of white ALPINE resorts enjoyed the best snowfalls of the season in the last five days, setting things up perfectly for the remainder of the season. It’s a much-needed boost for the industry, which hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of winters, as snowfalls have been continually followed by heavy rainfall to this point. Falls Creek resort was blanketed with more than 40cm of snow across the weekend, starting last Friday night, and cover on the slopes is expected to hit one-metre any time, with snow forecast to fall for the rest of this week. Hotham has also picked up considerably, and now has more than 70cm natural base for skiers and climbing with more
MUSH, MUSH: Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic entrant Evette Levett and her three-team of huskies and malamute braved the blizzard conditions for the event at the village. Photo: Matt Hull runs predicted to open. It’s good news for both resorts about to enter the busy schedule planned until closing
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weekend in September. At Falls Creek, the third annual Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic was held in blizzard conditions last weekend.
TEAMS of Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Alaskan Huskies, sponsored by local businesses such as Koki Alpine Resort and Feathertop Lodge, raced at Falls Creek on what was an ideal track for dogs that are bred to pull sleds and their masters. Steve Potter, a commercial fisherman from New Zealand’s west coast, raced a ‘borrowed’ team of six Alaskan huskies and was more than happy to take out second place in his class. “We don’t have an event in New Zealand like this one at Falls Creek when you run around the town’s streets,” he said. “I must also stress the generosity we have been given by our host at Feathertop and the Falls Creek community is more than we would get at home. Mr Potter thanked John Alcorn from Feathertop Lodge, the sponsor at Falls Creek, who ended up with one arm longer than the other after he helped handle the very energetic dog team. On the first night the team encountered a blizzard and it cleared up just before racing started and
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LEADING THE WAY: Six-dog Siberian Husky team led by Buddy (a Siberian Husky PointerCross) FastaK9 sponsored by Feathertop Lodge, with Feathertop Lodge operator John Alcorn, and Steve Potter and his wife from Westport, South Island, New Zealand. on the second night the and the event’s six-dog Siconditions were similar. berian Huskie class. “During the day it was “It was a lot of fun, wet and slushy then the the weather was chaltrack froze and it had a lenging, last night it was fresh cover of snow on like an Arctic excursion top,” he said. but my dogs have raced “The format of this here before so they knew event is brilliant; we are where they were going,” all together in the alpine he said. village so we could enjoy “They have a natural a few drinks together and instinct to stay out of the fully appreciate the hospi- powder snow and stay on tality we were offered.” the harder snow. Another Kiwi Peter “It was a standard Dobbs (sponsored by Koki sprint race of about 4.5 Alpine Resort for the sec- km and last night was my ond time) won both heats best result on the snow.”
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ing’ while snow fell at a brisk rate. The unique race took place on a 5km ‘monaco style’ village circuit and rugged-up spectators cheered on the teams battling it out in temperatures about -3C. It’s not just Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Alaskan Huskies, various Hounds, and their mushers competing against each other and the elements. They led bustling teams through the heart of the village, from Slalom Plaza up to the Village Bowl, then down Falls Creek Road up onto Slalom Street. Teams raced past a host of venues, including Winterhaven, The Man, Elk, Nelse Lodge and Cock n Bull, before the sprint to the finish line in Slalom Plaza in front of QT.
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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013 — PAGE 5
Hoppet goes to Russians
$10,000 boost to hoppet THE Kangaroo Hoppet has received a $10,000 funding boost from the State Government. The funding from Tourism Victoria is in addition to $20,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria. Bill Sykes (MLA, Benalla) said this would be a major boost for the event, with race footage to be streamed live online into international markets and throughout Australia via a major media company’s websites. “This initiative will increase awareness of the Kangaroo Hoppet in key overseas markets, particularly in Europe and North America, while also giving it unprecedented coverage in Victoria and interstate,” he said. A 26-minute highlight package of the event was planned for distribution by the European Broadcasting Union and a new social media platform was created to house all event videos, photos, tweets and blogs.
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EXCELLENT EFFORT: Mt Beauty’s Esther Bottomley finished a credible fifth in the women’s side of the Kangaroo Hoppet, the highest ranked Aussie in the 42km field, behind winner Marina Chernousova. Photo: Matt Hull on, splitting up the main pack. Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland and Alexey Chernousov also broke away on the ‘Paralyser’ climb, but then were caught by Australians Watson and Almoukov. This chase pack of four skied much of the race together until the top two Russians gradually extended their lead.
Legkov proved too strong and left his teammate behind and skied away for a comfortable win. In the women’s race Obayashi and Chernousova went out hard. At the half-way point Obayashi held a slender lead ahead of the Russian, with Lauren Fritz and Jessica Yeaton from the USA holding third and fourth.
In the second lap Chernousova took over the lead and Obayashi started to struggle. Fritz and Yeaton began to close in on Obayashi, while Bottomley moved up into fifth past Borutova. Chernousova went on to win by over three minutes, Fritz came through for second place, and Obayashi managed to hold on to third ahead of Yeaton.
Big air reaches big heights once again A six-time winner and firsttime victor were highlights of a snowboard competition that rose to great heights when it was held earlier this month. The 12th Annual Big Air Spectacular was run and won at Falls Creek on August 17 and the competition was as airborne as it has been in any time. The competition was held on the 45-foot jump in the famous Ruined Castle Terrain Park. Boarder Jade McJannett went into the Women’s Snowboard title as the one to beat, due to her dominating the Big Air in bygone years, and she was too good for the rest of the field and
In the 21km Australian Birkebeiner Damon Morton from Marlo came from behind to win ahead of Jackson Bursill from Canberra and Daniel Walker from Sydney. Local Mt Beauty junior Anna Trnka won the women’s event for the second year in a row ahead of Casey Wright from Melbourne and Aislinn Kildea from Wangaratta.
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UP, UP AND AWAY: Boarder Nick Payne catches huge air on the Ruined Castle Terrain Park at Falls Creek during the Big Air competition. won for the sixth year in a row and making it the ninth time overall. Long-time competitor Kieran McLaughlin finally broke through for his first win at Big
Falls Creek Medical Centre 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
Air in the Men’s Snowboard category, after being the runner-up on five previous occasions. Congratulations also to Men’s and Women’s Ski winners Ryley Lucas and Natasha Langedyk.
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IT was a Russian double act taking the honors in the 2013 Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek last Saturday. In the 42km main event, 2012 Hoppet winner and World Cup distance champion Alexander Legkov crossed the line first in the men’s race and 2012 runner-up Marina Chernousova in the women’s category. The 23rd Hoppet attracted about 1000 competitors from 23 nations entered in the three Kangaroo Hoppet race distances of 42km, 21km, and 7km, and following a week of snow, rain and wind, the skies cleared to a magnificent blue and a perfect race day. Brothers Ilya Chernousov and Alexey Chernousov made it an all-Russian podium, and the USA’s Lauren Fritz USA and Chisa Obayashi from Japan were second and third in the women’s category. Australia had four competitors in the top 10 men‘s, Callum Watson crossing the line in fifth, followed by Alex Almoukov (6), Phillip Bellingham (8) and Ben Derrick (10). Esther Bottomley was the highest-placed Aussie woman in fifth, with Aimee Watson (7), Lucy Glanville (8) and Irene Dunn (10). The two favorites in the men’s race Legkov and Ilya Chernousov attacked early
News in brief
PAGE 6 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
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LUXURIANT RIDE: Snowboarder Jarrah Kurth winds his way down the Summit at Falls Creek, enjoying fresh powder that fell across the last weekend in July. Photo: Chris Hocking
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LYING THROUGH THE COURSE: A six-dog sled team working hard to keep the pace up during the 8km race at Dinner Plain. Photo: Josh Winther
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DINNER Plain came alive with the sounds of howling and cheering as the 20th annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog challenge ran throughout the village on August 10-11. Mother Nature kindly came through for the race after a fairly poor snow season, and maintained just enough snow-base for competitors to compete in the challenging 10km race route through Dinner Plain’s gorgeous cross country ski trails. Over 300 sled dogs and 83 teams ranging in size from two, three, four, six and eight dog competed in the 4, 6 and 10km courses to race for prize money and greatly appreciated sponsors’ products. Many of the teams travelled from Western Australia and Queensland, and the challenge also drew competitors from New Zealand and Canada, wanting to be a part of the unique Australian Alpine event. This year’s event attracted one of the largest spectator crowds ever, which helped contribute to the winter carnival atmosphere, along with live music, race updates and announcements. The icy conditions and hard packed snow during the morning let the two and three dog classes fly along the snow gum trails, with the four and six dog teams travelled along the trails for 8kms and down the steep S-bends. The eight-dog teams used their power and flew out of the start chute and travelled around the 10km of ski trails at lightning speeds, while the touring class enabled the teams to enjoy the experience of sled dog racing on snow without any pressure.
The spectators also enjoyed watching the skijorning, which sees people on cross country skis, with one, two and three dogs racing around the trails. All competitors received a 20th year commemorative medallion. Winners of the two dog teams were Travis Dawkins in first place followed by Steven Blanch in second and Michael Looney in third. Tim Huntley took out the three dog teams, with Michael Sheedy coming in second and Dianne Baker getting third. In four-dog teams, first place was nabbed by Peter Dobbs from New Zealand, Frank Haberman in second place and Tony Greenway finished third. Wayne Baker grabbed top spot in the six dog teams, with Ryan Cooling taking out second, and third place was filled by Merv Turner. The eight dog teams was won by New Zealander Darren Watson, second place went to Donal McIntyre and Tony Greenway coming in third. The one-dog Skijoring team results saw Phillip Friedlander taking out first, followed by Canadian Travis Johnson in second and Steven Blanch in third. In the two-dog Skijoring teams Peter Ryder came in first place, Kelsy Gibos from Canada in second and Brett Hadden taking out third place. Overall the race organisers, Altitude 5000 Sled Dog Group Inc, where thrilled with the success of the weekend event and have already confirmed the dates for next years sled dog challenge which will be held on August 9-10, 2014.
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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013 — PAGE 7
Firey survival skills tats and small geographic range, however the Guthega Skink probably survives fire by sheltering in burrows in rocky areas. “I discovered that burrows in areas that were burned in 2003 were more likely to be under rocks than shrubs, with burrows under shrubs more common in unburnt areas,� Mr Atkins said. “After comparing Guthega Skink abundance, age structure and morphology in populations at both burnt and unburnt areas, I discovered there was little difference between lizards in these two areas, suggesting that, ten years after the fire, this disturbance had no discernible effect on this species. “However, my study occurred a decade after the fire, so the Guthega Skink has had time to recover from any immediate impacts. “Before we can draw robust conclusions on the effects of fire on this species it will be necessary to conduct similar studies immediately after a fire.� Mr Atkins also suggested the future of Guthega Skink populations could be impacted by climate change. “The limited and specific habitat characteristics of this alpine skink may not
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For detailed itineraries and lists of inclusions and exclusions for our 2014 Tours, please visit our website BETWEEN ROCK AND GOOD PLACE: Research into the Guthega Skink which lives in the Bogong High Plains has produced evidence to show the lizard is more tolerant to bushfires than previously believed. withstand the warming effects of climate change, as this species is reliant on alpine conditions to survive,� he said. DEPI Arthur Rylah Institute senior scientist Nick Clemann said Mr Atkins’
research made a vital contribution towards conservation planning for the Guthega Skink.� “This is the first detailed study of this species’ biology and ecology in Victoria,� he said.
“The knowledge gained from this study has taught us a great deal about the Guthega Skink’s diet, foraging behavior, reproduction and vital habitat attributes.�
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AN endangered lizard habituating the High Country has provided researchers invaluable information in their quest to see the reptile thrive. The alpine skink’s ability to survive bushfires has been the key to helping the species prosper in the wilderness, according to the first major study carried out on the lizard. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) partnered with La Trobe University to uncover some of the secrets behind the survival of one of Victoria’s rarest reptiles, the Guthega Skink (Liopholis guthega), which is listed as Threatened under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Act. La Trobe University zoology student Zak Atkins has been studying the nationally endangered species in the isolated rocky outcrops of the Bogong High Plains. “A big part of my research focused on the impact of the 2003 wildfires in the Alpine National Park on Guthega Skink populations‌I found that this species may be more tolerant to wildfires than previously thought,â€? Mr Atkins said Wildfire had been considered the biggest immediate threat to the lizard’s survival, given their restriction to high altitude habi-
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PAGE 8 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
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Headed for Sochi
TWO young skiers with Alpine connections have done their chances no harm of being named in the team bound for the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 with recent performances. At the National Slalom Championships earlier this month, Greta Small, 17, based in Porepunkah, went into the event having won six consecutive events on Australian snow and was determined to add to the tally. Australia’s highest ranked women’s alpine skier, she stretched her unbeaten record on home snow to seven victories, winning a closely fought International Ski Federation slalom event on day one of the Suzuki Snowsport Championships at Thredbo resort on August 13. The win also delivered Small to secure her third consecutive Australian junior slalom title. The talented teenager finished the two-run event 0.13 of a second faster than fellow Aussie Emily Bamford and 0.85 of a second quicker than Canadian Randa Teschner. For the first time in her developing career, Small went into the event as the highest ranked competitor
among the 34 athletes from eight countries. Small described the event as the toughest she’d experienced for some time. “Going in as the number one ranked puts pressure on to hold that place so I’m happy I was able to do that,” Small said. Small displayed her hallmark fighting qualities and was able to adapt her technique to master the 20 centimetres of fresh snow that fell overnight. “It was the toughest conditions I have skied in a long, long time,” Small said. “I’m pretty happy to come away with a win in conditions like that. “As soon as I saw the conditions, I knew it was going to be a tough race and that I needed to hang in there and fight until the last gate. “In those conditions you have to be more technical, basically stay in the course and fight the whole way down.” Small said her runs were not faultless but she managed to hang in. “It definitely was not my best skiing so I just had to go out there and try my best,” she said. On day two of the event, however, she endured a day to forget.
ACTION PACKED WEEKEND: A few of the Frosty Fruit Ski Trip participants getting ready to carve up the mountain.
Performances, activities the frosting on the cake TOP EFFORT: 2014 Winter Olympic hopeful Britteny Cox finished fourth overall in the recent National Mogul Championships, scoring a third and fourth in the two-day competition. She finished second in the Alpine National Championships, which ended her run of seven consecutive wins on Australian snow. She was beaten by Norway’s Rikke Gasmann-Brott while Teschner was third. Small’s hope of winning the National Championship for a third year in a row was dashed when she was disqualified for missing a gate after leading the event going into the second
run. Mt Beauty’s Britteny Cox finished fourth overall in the National Mogul Championship held two weeks ago. Cox, 18, improved on her fourth in the first event on day one with a third place on day two (22.97). Held at Perisher last Friday and Saturday, the National Mogul Championship is part of the sixstage Suzuki National Snowsport Championships.
A GATHERING of gorgeous gays and luscious lesbians flocked to Mt Hotham, for the fifth annual Frosty Fruits Ski Trip. As the visitors descended on the mountain the Hotham Ski Resort turned pink, in honor of the new guests. The Frosty Fruits Ski Trip is designed to take the hassle out of planning a weekend away, while giving an opportunity for like-minded travellers to meet, mix and mingle. A busy program of breakfasts, ski lessons, lunches, après, parties and dinner events kept the group engaged and burning calories. This year’s program were
the Chill Out Welcome Party featuring Sydney DJ Kate Munro, the Christmas in July feast and the Sparkling Sunset Tour to the summit of Mt Hotham. On snow activities included carving the runs, including the aptly named ‘Village’ run as well as creating snow angels and overly stylish snow men. First-time Frosty Fruits guest, Amanda Keeling, felt the trip was a great introduction to a group ski event. “It was a great way to do the snow, from our onmountain accommodation we had views across the resort and could even ski out onto a run,” she said.
“We were literally a stone’s throw from all the action. Special mention must be made of the talented and strangely beautiful Joyce Maynge, who achieved a personal best by performing the Highest Drag Performance in Australia, measured at the village height, 1750 metres above sea level. In addition to this performance, Joyce also filmed a music video at the summit, 1861m above sea level, further cementing her claim of Highest Drag in Australia. Planning is already underway for the 2014 Frosty Fruits Ski Trip with more options planned for inclusion.
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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013 — PAGE 9
Plenty to do on the mountains FALLS CREEK SEPTEMBER 1- 4 Stylewars
The Australian Slopestyle Championships TTR World Snowboard Tour 4-Star Event SEPTEMBER 7 - 8 Cruz the Blues
Explore the mountain with our new Cruz the Blues Passport. Take on the mountain over three select weekends. SEPTEMBER 29 2013 Snow Season Close
Bringing a close to the 2013 snow season at Falls Creek. Get in for your last runs of the season.
MT HOTHAM AUGUST 31 SEPTEMBER 1 Australian Biathlon Championships
The Australian Biathlon Championships are being held at the Whiskey Flat Biathlon Range over the weekend. Contestants ranging in age from 12 to 60+ will compete in an individual event on Saturday and a sprint event on Sunday to reveal the 2013 Australian biathlon champions! $20 for participants and free for spectators. SEPTEMBER 7 - 8 Cruz the Blues and Conquer the Blacks
Spend some time exploring the mountain with our Cruz the Blues passport event scheduled to take place on September 7 and 8. Get your passport stamped at the checkpoints and go in the running to win some cool prizes plus a grand prize giveaway at the end of the weekend. Open to all ages, this program is a fun way for groups and families to discover new terrain - and win. See www.hotham.com.au/ passport for the latest updates. SEPTEMBER 7 - 13 Learn to Ski Week
Can’t ski or board? Doesn’t matter. This is the week to learn a new sport and show
Hotham to turn pink GET out your pink clothes, Mt Hotham is about to turn pink in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). To show support for Australians affected by breast cancer, visitors to Mt Hotham are encouraged to wear pink on the weekend of August 31 – September 1. BCNA will hold a Snowfield of Women, to pay tribute to all those affected by breast cancer, and snowboarders and skiers are invited to leave a tribute to a loved one or a message of support to people who have been touched by breast cancer. On Saturday evening a special fundraising dinner will be held at the White Room along with a spectacular fire-
off to your friends. Hit the slopes for a week of exciting activities where you can hone your snowsports skills with our team of dedicated ski instructors, then brush up on your mountain knowledge after you speak to our snowmaking and grooming experts. Accommodation and lift pass deals will be on offer so stay tuned to find out more. SEPTEMBER 8 OOTZ A la Carte in the Park Spring Sessions Sorbet Slopestyle
Hotham’s ‘2013 OOTZ A La Carte in the Park’ menu dessert will top of the series with the Spring Sessions Sorbet Slope Style in the Summit Terrain Park. Registration and Info will be available here on the website, at the Events Desk in Hotham Central or via email events@hotham. com.au. SEPTEMBER 14 - 15
Spring Cup Skiing and Golf Weekend The 2013 Hotham Spring Cup brings together the slopes, the greens and great people. On Saturday participate as individuals or as a team of three taking on Hotham’s Sun Run in an event format that rewards consistency over raw speed, measuring the difference between 1st and 2nd run. Then it’s off to Bright Country Club on Sunday for a special handicap stableford scoring golf event. Only the combination of both will allow the crowning of “Hotham Spring Cup Champion”. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauties of Spring snow in the morning, greens in the arvo. Bliss.
A SNOWFIELD OF SUPPORT - Last year’s snowfield of women, which gives people the opportunity to pay tribute to all those affected by breast cancer.
works display and a pink flare run for the kiddies on Summit run. There will be Breast Cancer Network Australia merchandise for sale at guest services and ticket halls. BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. The BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible. People are encouraged to visit www. bcna.org.au to find out more about BCNA programs and services, including the My Journey Kit, which is free for newly diagnosed women with breast cancer.
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PAGE 10 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
News in brief Ready to rock, Falls Creek? TWO different music genre gigs will spice things up at live music hotspot at Falls Creek this weekend. The first, on Friday night, features Identical Gold Coast twins, Brooke and Ellie Kelaart, who are building a reputation as popular entertainers on Party People, a radio show broadcasting nationwide and streams worldwide every weekend, taking listeners on a beat fuelled journey with all the hottest dance party anthems. The Twins have a number one hit on the Dance Chart alongside Bombs Away with ‘Party Bass’, and will step behind the decks at The Man to play their signature bass heavy, main room party sound. The following night, MC trio Polar Nation appear on their Back To The Top tour. Polar Nation melds a unique blend of Rock, Hip-Hop, Electronika, and Rhythm and Blues. Their debut self-titled album was released in July and their ability to blend diverse sounds has caught the entertainment industries attention. Tickets are available at the door on both nights.
ALPINE CONVEYANCING SPECIALISTS CONTRACTS SECTION 32 VENDOR STATEMENTS ALPINE LEASES SALE OF BUSINESS FAST, FRIENDLY AND COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE
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FALLS Creek diners have embraced a dining experience with a distinct Bavarian flavor. Karelia Alpine Lodge owner Jerry Brazda held a German night in August last year for a Falls Creek resort employee and the positive feedback he received after the night planted the seed for him to make it a regular occurrence. Mr Brazda decided to put on a German spread, all-you-can eat in the second week of June this year, but due to the popularity, he’s increased it to once a week on a Tuesday night. Patrons have been flocking to the German night and one person even managed to enjoy seven schnitzels in one sitting, according to Mr Brazda. Included on the themed menu is goulash, or German lentil soup, a selection of German meats, such as bratwurst and kranskys, and schnitzels, hot sauerkraut and mashed potato, salads and assorted condiments. “And gherkins, you can’t have a German night without gherkins,” Mr Brazda added. After everyone’s had their main-course fill, an array of homemade desserts are brought out and people have the choice of Austrian apple strudel, marble and chocolate
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WUNDERBAR: Karelia Alpine Lodge proprietor Jerry Brazda is thrilled his German-themed night has grown from a one-off event to a regular weekly occurrence drawing a big crowd every Tuesday night at Falls Creek. cakes and a variety of cookies. And this can all be washed down with a German beer or two. Mr Brazda said peo-
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First in Alpine Real Estate Robin Ford - Ph 0430 749 701 www.rtalpine.com.au
ple walk from the Village Bowl or QT to queue up for the German fare, and diners have made the trek up the hill from Mt Beauty just to sample the tucker.
The German night is expected to continue in 2014 and Mr Brazda will possibly introduce a Bohemian-themed night to his dining schedule.
Cost is $30 per person and $15 for children under 10. For more information, contact Karelia Alpine Lodge on 5758 3278.
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MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013 — PAGE 11
“OVER 30 YEARS IN THE ALPS�
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PAGE 12 — MT HOTHAM FALLS CREEK NEWS — September 2013
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