Alpine News

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VAIL RESORTS PURCHASE HOTHAM AND FALLS CREEK

MT BULLER NEW $6M CHAIRLIFT

+ MT BULLER 70TH YEAR OF LIFTS + HOTHAM BACKCOUNTRY

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+ INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

THE A AUSTRA LPINE LIA + ULTIM BOOK NIKWAX ATE PACK

+ SKI AND SNOWBOARD AWARDS + INTERSKI + SNOW CALENDAR

Sign up for digital editions at nemedia.pressreader.com Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 1

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 2

Contents The No.1 waterproofing & aftercare products in Australia Page 4

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COVER PHOTO: Drew Jolowicz relishing some fine Hotham powder in 2018. Photo courtesy of Hotham / Chris Hocking.

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EDITOR Steve Cuff ADVERTISING MANAGER Steve Cuff Ph 0418 620 651 alpinenews@nemedia.com.au DESIGN NEM Creative Service Department NORTH EAST MEDIA Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd Hawthorn VIC 3122 Ph: 03 9810 3262 www.nemedia.com.au No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Alpine News takes care in compiling content but cannot accept responsibility for any errors.

Inside PAGE 4 Vail Resorts buys Hotham and Falls Creek resorts for $179 million.

PAGE 16 Enjoy all the ambience of Dinner Plain during the winter season.

PAGES 6-7 Mt Buller will unveil a new $6 million 6 seat Bourke Street Express.

PAGE 24 Australian athletes celebrate 2019 Ski and Snowboard awards night.

PAGE 14 Hotham will offer new backcountry guided tours for 2018 season.

PAGE 26-27 Gear guide plus how to buy the best ski and snowboard this winter.

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Our Say The 2019 Australian snow season is certainly off to an exciting start with huge news that Vail Resorts, the world’s premier mountain resort company has purchased both Hotham and Falls Creek resorts for $179 million.

They now own three major Australian snow resorts having previously purchased Perisher in NSW as they chase the lucrative Australian international market.

Such investment installs great confidence in our snow industry which is coming off the back of several very strong seasons. The 2018 season broke all previous records for

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visitation in Victoria according to the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council.

The total visitors to Victorian alpine resorts in 2018 was over 982,003 and 1.7 million visitor days which is very encouraging. As a snow community though, we should also be assisting future growth by inviting and encouraging our friends who may not have enjoyed the snow fields previously to visit the snow.

As the leading resort in Victoria, Mt Buller have invested a further $6 million into a new six seat express lift on Bourke Street as well as continually adding to their snowmaking areas and capacity with

a new mobile mini SnowFactory.

There has been plenty of activity in the village at Mt Buller with a favourite haunt Kooroora undergoing a major multimillion-dollar development that will breathe additional life into the village.

Australia has continued to shine on the world stage with our athletes having a cracker of a 2018/19 northern winter, none better than Scotty James who had the unprecedented record of winning all six snowboard halfpipe events he entered to truly cemented himself as a snowboarding superstar.

Enjoy 2019.

Steve Cuff – Editor.

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 3

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Vail Resorts Purchase Hotham and Falls Creek THE Australian snow industry has entered a new era with Vail Resorts, acquiring the Victorian ski field leases and related infrastructure at Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resorts in April, for a final purchase price of approximately AU$179 million.

Vail Resorts purchased Australian Alpine Enterprises Holdings Pty. Ltd and all related corporate entities that operate Falls Creek and Hotham ski fields from Living and Leisure Australia Group (LLA), a subsidiary of Merlin Entertainments.

Adding to their existing ownership

of Perisher Ski Resort in New South Wales, Vail Resorts now operate three of the largest snow resorts in Australia providing even more options for skiers and snowboarders in Australia.

How this will change the Australian snow landscape in future years is yet to be fully understood. What it does mean for skiers and snowboarders with Vail Resorts’ Epic Australia Pass is you have great value that offers three Australian resorts on one pass plus the international stable of Vail Resorts in North America and affiliated resorts in Japan.

The existing Hero Pass will be valid in Falls Creek and Hotham during the 2019 Australian season with guests having the option to upgrade to the Epic Australia Pass. Hero Pass must have been paid in full before upgrading.

At time of going to print the Epic Australia Pass access to Hotham was also dependent on an amendment to the lease, which requires additional governmental approval.

The advantage of Hero Pass holders upgrading to the Epic Australia Pass would be for use at Perisher in 2019

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ERA: Vail Resorts have purchased Falls Creek and Hotham (left) for $179 million and Vail Village in Colorado (below).

PHOTOS courtesy of Falls Creek, Hotham and Jack Affleck / Vail Resorts.

plus international travel this coming northern winter. The pass also affords many other discount benefits at Vail Resorts’ properties including food and beverage, snowsports lessons, retail discounts and depending on the resort, accommodation discounts.

If you were not travelling overseas in 2019/20 or did not want to ski at Perisher in 2019, you could use your Hero Pass for this Australian winter.

The Epic Australia Pass is valid in the northern hemisphere after it has been used in the Australian season, meaning purchase now and use in the 2019 Australian winter to be valid then for the 2019/20 northern hemisphere.

While Hotham and Falls Creek have had a joint pass, the addition of Perisher is sure to tempt guests to travel in both directions. Victorian skiers with the Epic Australia Pass may be interested in heading north to Perisher, and current Epic Australia Pass holders at Perisher to visit Victoria.

Without doubt the Epic Australia Pass is the best pass for not only Australian snow options but international travel.

Vail Resorts have a stable of top shelf resorts from their flag ship Vail and Beaver Creek resorts plus Breckenridge in Colorado, Whistler in Canada, Park City in Utah, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, California plus affiliated Japanese resorts of Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu.

Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries operate 20 worldclass mountain resorts plus their

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 4

affiliated partners.

For international travellers some resorts do have holiday restrictions which are easily overcome by choosing dates carefully, plus with so many resorts to choose from there are options galore.

Guests can also upgrade to Epic Australia Plus to avoid any restriction dates.

Hotham and Falls Creek websites have all the details and frequently asked questions relating to the Hero Pass. Visit www.hotham.com.au or www.skifalls. com.au.

For all information on the Epic Australia Pass including all international options and resorts visit the www.epicaustraliapass.com.au website.

Your Snow Future WHO remembers their first day skiing or snowboarding? Yes, it was probably daunting where you strapped into boots and clipped into skis or snowboard and then attempted the seemingly impossible, sliding without falling.

The slope would have appeared very steep when in fact it may have only been 12-15 degrees and you probably struggled numerous times to right the ship.

Everyone falls so there is no shame in that, we have all lifted ourselves off the snow many times. But if only some people realised you progress faster as you learn more.

Here in lies the big secret, learning more.

All resorts have great packages and online bundles where you can plan in advance purchasing lessons with your lift tickets and hire.

The beauty of snow sports like any sport is the more you practice the more gracefully you can slide the slopes and by

HOW SNOW CHAINS GRIP

In order for wheel chains to work effectively, and to provide the maximum amount of traction and braking, chains must penetrate into a compacted snow on the road surface.

Wheel lock up can occur when the snow chains are used on a ‘black road’. This occurs when the icy surface begins to break up or melts and the vehicle can slide on the wheel chains under hard braking.

Please refer to the snow chain section of your vehicle owner’s manual for further explanation.

Wheel chains fitted to summer tyres on the front wheels will increase traction for take off, for driving and for braking but cannot assist with vehicle’s lateral stability.

Because of the inadequate grip of summer tyres on the rear the vehicle it will oversteer and when braking the ABS system can be activated, further increasing the stopping distance.

The problems are always worse when driving downhill than uphill.

Wheel chains fitted to summer tyres on the rear wheels will increase traction for take off and driving but cannot assist with steering, braking or lateral stability.

Because of inadequate grip of summer tyres on the front of the vehicle it will not ‘turn in’ and will understeer.

When braking the ABS system can be activated, further increasing the stopping distance.

Again, the problems are always worse when driving downhill than uphill.

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SKILL: Improve your technique this winter with a ski or snowboard lesson at your resort. PHOTOS: Skiing courtesy of Mt Buller. Snowboarding courtesy of Hotham.

adding a lesson you will be soon working your way up the ranks of colour from green to blue and in future years the black diamond.

Too often you see people struggling when you know that with some fine tuning by a professional instructor, they could progress so much faster. You can see their athletic ability is being wasted by doing all the little things wrong.

This season branch out from that rut you are in and think of lessons as not an expense, but as an investment in your

WINTER DRIVING

Please read the winter driving section of your vehicle owner’s manual for further explanation.

There are issues even when diamond pattern snow chain system is used on high performance 2WD or AWD “summer” tyres.

On summer tyres snow chains will grip to the compacted snow/ice but the tyre can slip or spin within the chain even when chains are correctly fitted to the tyre.

The problem is compounded by the camber of the road, the weight and torque of the vehicle and the amount of tread on the tyre.

The problem is worse when the vehicle has been parked at the resort because of the low ambient temperature makes the tyres harder and therefore has even less grip to the chain.

CHECKING THE GRIP OF YOUR TYRES ON SNOW

When it is safe to do so, at a safe speed, and, make sure that no one is close behind you, apply the brakes firmly until the wheels lock up and the ABS is activated.

Keep the brake pedal pressed down until the vehicle stops completely. This will give you a clear indication of the grip available at that particular point in time.

You can repeat this test to continually monitor grip in different conditions.

snow holiday future.

All the good skiers and boarders you see freely carving turns have had lessons, unless they are truly blessed with exceptional talent.

With poor technique you fight against everything which only tenses and fatigues your muscle. The more falls you have the more fatigue sets in. It’s a vicious circle which leaves you tired when après hour is just kicking in.

Fitness will also help your snow holiday so if you are planning to visit the snow,

be it a weekend with friends or a more extended stay with family, start now with some exercise to make your holiday more enjoyable.

You would be surprised how far you can advance with a few morning lessons. Plus, you will be the envy of your friends as you strut your new found prowess.

Every resort has professional ski and snowboard instructors who have spent many seasons perfecting their technique enabling them to help yours. Sign up this season.

.RQLJ VHOI WHQVLRQLQJ GLDPRQG SDWWHUQ VQRZ FKDLQbͤWWHG to Nokian 3PMSF winter tyre.

SNOW CHAIN WARRANTY

Failure to follow the snow chain fitting instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the snow chain fitting instructions will void the snow chain manufacturer’s warranty.

Manufacturer’s warranty does not cover any snow chain, purchased or hired that are used on a vehicle that is fitted with wheels, tyres or a wheel/tyre combination, that are not approved to be fitted snow chains by the vehicle manufacturer.

Before installing and using these snow chains, you must read & follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual snow chain fitting information and the snow chain fitting instructions that have been supplied with the chains you have purchased or hired.

Any snow chains that are used on a wheel/ tyre combination that are not approved by the vehicle manufacturer may be damaged, dislodge or break from use.

Roof Carrier Systems P/L will not be responsible for any damage to the snow chains you have purchased or hired, damage to vehicle, property and/or people, caused by improper use of snow chains, or for fitment that does not comply with the snow chain fitting instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the snow chain fitting instructions.

Call Roof Carrier Systems, 03 9822 9539, for details of the new VicRoads snow chain fitting regulations coming for Victoria

ROOF CARRIER SYSTEMS Melbourne’s most experienced snow chain, roof rack and snow tyre specialist. Since 1985. www.roofcarriersystems.com.au 469 Burke Rd (near Toorak Rd) Camberwell.

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KONIG THULE RHINO WHISPBAR YAKIMA RUD NOKIAN Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 5

70th Year of Lifts for Mt Buller

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VINTAGE: Looking down Bourke Street to the village in the bumper 1964 winter.

PHOTO: ERIC BURT.

OVER decades Mt Buller’s lift system has evolved to one of the best in Australia. This winter they will unveil their latest addition with the new $6 million Bourke Street Express replacing the old quad Blue Bullet.

The new Doppelmayr 6-seater detachable is a sister lift to the Mercedes-Benz Express lift and will be ready for the opening weekend where it will whist guests quickly

out of the village to Baldy in just over two minutes The old Blue Bullet was the first Doppelmayr detachable quad chair built when it opened in 1984. It has carried approximately 17 million passengers in its 34 year lifespan. Buller Ski Lifts auctioned off 61 chairs from the Blue Bullet chairlift at the end of season2018.

Coach Transfers Direct from Melbourne’s City and Tullamarine Airport.

Ski Express is a fast and hassle free way for travel to and from Mt. Buller.

Just, Sit back, Relax and Enjoy the ride with Ski Express.

Fares for 2019 Adult (15+) Child (3-14)

Return $200 $160

To Mt.Buller $125 $105

Ex Mt.Buller $110 $95

SCHEDULE FOR 2019 Melbourne City to Mt. Buller Departs 9.45am from Southern Cross Station Bus Terminal BAY No. 55, Spencer St. Departs 10.30am. T4 Ground Transport Hub (Direct & Regional Buses) Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport to Mt. Buller Mt. Buller to Tullamarine Airmport & Melbourne City Departs 3.00pm from MMBL Bus Terminal - Mt. Buller Village Centre

Price includes $15 Adults & $10 Children Resort Entry Fees and includes bus to lodge and return oversnow taxi transfer

Try our new online booking service Freecall 1800 00 800 905 | Ph Ph: (03) 5775 2606 | www.mmbl.com.au email: enquiries@mmbl.com.au

This season will also be the 70th anniversary of lifted services at Mt Buller dating back to 1949 when the Ski Club of Victoria (SCV), who this year are celebrating their 90th anniversary was an integral part of this history building the first lift.

Mt Buller now has a network of 22 lifts and is Victoria’s largest lifting system capable of moving 40,000 skiers per hour.

As the new six-seater adds another chapter to the lift system, we take a quick glimpse at Buller’s fascinating lift history which was documented in detail in Jim Darby’s book Mt Buller, The Story of a Mountain.

Ski Club Victoria member Nigel Tait started skiing at Mt Buller in 1961 and recalls the many pomas and T-bars which dominated the mountain in the early years.

He acknowledged how important the Blue and Orange lifts shaped the future.

“It has been a progressive development, but I suppose the main thing was building the lifts that are there now, that really transformed the mountain into one that can cope with a large number of visitors,” said Nigel.

The era dominated by the feud bewteen Blue Lifts and Orange Lifts was game changing for Mt Buller. They were both

battling for supremacy and the emerging skiing tourist’s dollar. Key players were Hans Grimus and John Hilton-Wood.

In an excerpt from Jim Darby’s book, Hans Grimus recalls, “But what many people don’t realise is that it was such an important factor for the Australian ski industry because the two companies pushed each other. Blue Lifts put in the first chairlift in 1964 and we wanted something better,” Grimus said.

John Hilton-Wood agreed both companies were inclined to invest to keep up with each other.

Resort Pass Options MT BULLER have aligned themselves with both the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective óĵ¹ĄÏêÅ ĐÌ¹ÏĄ ÅĖ¹ĈĐĈ ¬ÌóϬ¹Ĉ ģ̹ê ÏĐ ¬óè¹Ĉ to buying a pass.

Ikon Pass Ŵ 9ê ¬¹á¹ªĄ ĐÏóê óà QĐ Ėáá¹ĄžĈ Ïê ĖÅĖĄ á 9Þóê i ĈĈ Ĉ¹ ĈóêŞ ńŌŪŅŃ 9Þóê i ĈĈ Ìóá²¹ĄĈ ģÏáá Å¹Đ ªóêĖĈ ¹ Ąáĩ ¬¬¹ĈĈ Đó QĐ Ėáá¹Ą ÃóĄ Đ̹ ŅŃńŌ Ĉ¹ Ĉóê ĈĐ ĄĐÏêÅ this June. The Ikon i ĈĈ ĈĀ¹¬Ï á óĵ¹ĄĈ Ĉ¹Ģ¹êŴ² ĩ ¬¬¹ĈĈ Đó QĐ Ėáá¹Ą Ïê ŅŃńŌ ê² ŅŃŅŃ ģÏĐÌ êó ªá ¬ÞóĖĐ ² Đ¹ĈŞ ģÌÏá¹ Đ̹ 9Þóê Ĉ¹ i ĈĈ óĵ¹ĄĈ ĸĢ¹Ŵ ² ĩ ¬¬¹ĈĈ Ā¹Ą season. y̹ 9Þóê i ĈĈ ÏĈ Ą¹á ĐÏĢ¹áĩ ê¹ģ ªĖĐ Ì Ĉ ĈĐ ªá¹ óà ņŌ ĐóĀ Ą¹ĈóĄĐĈ óĢ¹Ą ÃóĖĄ ¬óêĐÏê¹êĐĈ ÃóĄ Ā ĈĈ Ìóá²¹ĄĈ áóóÞÏêÅ ÃóĄ ê ÏêĐ¹Ąê ĐÏóê á Ĉêóģ Ìóáϲ ĩŤ y̹ 9Þóê i ĈĈ ģÏáá áĈó Ĉ¹¬ĖĄ¹ ĩóĖ Ĉ¹Ģ¹ê ² ĩĈ Đ yÌĄ¹²ªó ĀáĖĈ Ĉ¹Ģ¹ê ² ĩĈ ¬óèªÏê¹² Đ óĄóê¹Đ i¹ ÞŞ y̹ m¹è ĄÞ ªá¹Ĉ ê² QĐ 6ĖĐĐ Ïê S¹ģ ¹ á ê² Ïê Đ̹ ŅŃŅŃ season. ,óĄ ¬óĈĐ óà qƅʼnŇŌŤŃŃ ĀáĖĈ Ģ ĄÏóĖĈ óĐ̹Ą ª¹ê¹ĸĐĈ ÏĐ ¬óĖá² ĈĖÏĐ è êĩ snow enthusiasts. yÌÏĈ ĈĀ¹¬Ï á óĵ¹Ą ÃóĄ QĐ Ėáá¹Ą ÏĈ Ģ Ïá ªá¹ ĖêĐÏá Qóê² ĩ EĖê¹ ńŃ ê² ĩóĖ

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 6

¬ ê ĸê² èóĄ¹ ÏêÃóĄè ĐÏóê ĢÏ Đ̹ ģģģŤ ikonpass.com website.

Mountain Collective - Mountain óáṬĐÏĢ¹ ŅŃńŌŪŅŃ Ā ĈĈÌóá²¹ĄĈ ¹êÛóĩ Đģó ² ĩĈ ĄÏ²ÏêÅ Đ all Mountain Collective destinations ĐóĐ ááÏêÅ ņŊ ² ĩĈ Đ Đ̹ ģóĄá²žĈ ª¹ĈĐ Ą¹ĈóĄĐĈŤ " Ąáĩ ĀĖĄ¬Ì Ĉ¹ĄĈ áĈó Ą¹¬¹ÏĢ¹ óê¹ ªóêĖĈ ² ĩ Đ Đ̹ ²¹ĈĐÏê ĐÏóê óà ĐÌ¹ÏĄ ¬ÌóϬ¹ ÃóĄ limited time. i ĈĈÌóá²¹ĄĈ ¬ ê ĀĖĄ¬Ì Ĉ¹ ²²ÏĐÏóê á ² ĩĈ Đ ňŃƩ óĵ ĈÏêÅá¹ ² ĩ Ā ĈĈ ĀĄÏ¬¹Ĉ Ïê ¹ ¬Ì ²¹ĈĐÏê ĐÏóêŤ Đ ĐÏè¹ óà ÅóÏêÅ Đó ĀĄÏêĐ ŰQ ĩ ņű Đ̹Ą¹ ģ¹Ą¹ ĈĐÏáá Ā ĈĈ¹Ĉ Đ Đ̹ ĖĈĐĄ áÏ ê ĈĀ¹¬Ï á Ą Đ¹ óà ƅŇŇŌŤŃŃ ÃóĄ áÏèÏĐ¹² time.

Mt Buller’s 2019 season pass holders ģÏáá áĈó ª¹ê¹ĸĐ ÃĄóè Đ̹ ê¹ģ QóĖêĐ Ïê óáṬĐÏĢ¹ è¹èª¹ĄĈÌÏĀ ģÏĐÌ ňŃƩ ²ÏĈ¬óĖêĐĈ on single day passes at all Mountain óáṬĐÏĢ¹ Ą¹ĈóĄĐĈ Ïê ŅŃńŌŪŅŃŤ y̹ QóĖêĐ Ïê óáṬĐÏĢ¹ Ā ĈĈ Ì Ĉ ńʼn ²¹ĈĐÏê ĐÏóêĈ Ïê¬áĖ²ÏêÅ yÌĄ¹²ªó ê² ¬ ê ª¹ ĀĖĄ¬Ì Ĉ¹² ̹Ą¹ ÃóĄ ĖĈĐĄ áÏ ê ĈĀ¹¬Ï á Ą Đ¹ ÌĐĐĀĈŝŪŪĐè¬ ĖĈĐĄ áÏ ŤáĐϪóóÞÏêÅŤ¬óèŪ óĄ visit www.mountaincollective.com.

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HISTORY: One of several plaques at the Kaptans Restaurant at Pension Grimus. PHOTO: Pension Grimus.

◼ PROGRESS: (left) Construction of the new six seat Bourke Street Express and (above) the old Blue Bullet chair, the first detachable quad built by Doppelmayr in 1984 that has been replaced.

PHOTOS: Mt Buller.

Chris Hilton-Wood, John’s son recalled in April, “In those days it was full on,” said Chris.

“The thing is about Buller what actually kept it going was the competition, that actually made Buller one of the fastest developing resorts because you had the blue and orange competition going.”

Chris said his father was a mechanical engineer and helped Ernest Forras with his rope tow, being one of the only ones who could splice. Hilton-Woods would end up acquiring the rope tow.

“He put a lift down Bull Run, which is a

fairly steep run and people were coming up to him and asking how much do you charge to use this lift. I think that is where the penny dropped,” said Chris.

“My father was the first one to put in multiple lifts, like a lift company and then the orange lift consortium started after us.

They were a whole lot of shareholders and they started putting ski lifts in. That’s what really moved Buller ahead, the competition, there were two rival lift companies competing. It was like a chess game.”

“We had the first Doppelmayr double chairlift, dad did the first snowmaking in

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READ: You can find the Mt Buller book at the National Alpine Museum.

Australia at Buller, and he also did the first installation of a ski lift by helicopter, he did stacks of firsts.”

KAPTANS RESTAURANT The Kaptans Restaurant at Pension Grimus has depicted the history of lifts installed at Mt Buller with plaques lining the restaurant walls indicating when lifts were installed and phased out.

It is a credit to the late Hans Grimus for envisioning long ago that this part of Buller’s history is important. For him to capture and present this history with stylish plaques will

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 7

ensure future generations understand the tradition of the lifts in years to come.

“Mt Buller was basically his life, he loved Mt Buller and even when he left the lift company and built the hotel he was always fighting for Mt Buller,” said Lotte Grimus.

“The people dining at the restaurant are fascinated by all the plaques. We have people who come skiing now with their children, who are now teenagers, who skied at Mt Buller and knew Hans and they all find it really interesting.”

This season as you cruise the slopes and ride the fast detachable six-seater and quad chairs, consider how all the previous lifts over many decades of development have shaped Mt Buller today.

To read more of Mt Buller’s history, visit the National Alpine Museum of Australia at Level 1, Alpine Central on the Summit Road at Mt Buller where Jim Darby’s book, Mt Buller – The Story of a Mountain is also available for sale.

To visit Mt Buller or find out more information go to www.mtbuller.com.au.

Comforts of Home New Era for Hoo Hah EVERYONE craves the comforts of home on your snow holiday, and at Pension Grimus they introduced a novel concept last year with their Ski Depot.

The Ski Depot allows for easy storage of all your gear in a heated stylish locker room only metres from the slopes that could suit regular weekend, weekly or seasonal skiers and snowboarders.

Anton Grimus who grew up on the Mt Buller slopes is no stranger either to schlepping bags of ski gear around the globe when competing on the World Cup circuit. “It is not easy travelling with extra skis, I travel with up to six pairs of skis and have to do ights so I understand the parents with kids who may also have to travel with skis and travel up every weekend. It makes your life a bit easier and your weekends more enjoyable if you have somewhere to store your gear, so you don’t have the hassle of lugging equipment around,â€? said Anton. “There are two different sizes, a double and a quadruple which caters to a family of two adults and two kids with ski and snowboards. There are glove driers and helmet driers which are not typical of other locker systems.â€?

Anton said the idea started out for people who visit Mt Buller every weekend and they now have many clubs making use of the convenience. “Some on the other side of the hill, they take the bus over and arrive up to the ski school.â€? “I am the ďŹ rst one to say that I was spoilt growing up right on the snow where I can walk right out and off I go, so why not have the same experience, you can leave your stuff at the door and lock it all up and it will be heated and dry the next day ready to go.â€?

The room has full security and only clients issued with scan cards can access the facility and their speciďŹ c locker, with ample space and amenities for changing into and out of gear. The room is fully heated including oors and storage is available overnight, weekly or for longer rental.

Just a short walk or shuttle trip to Bus Stop 11 in your day boots, the Grimus Ski Depot is accessible from 6am to 10pm – convenient for ďŹ rst tracks or dropping off gear.

The added bonus is après ski activities are only short walk upstairs at the end of the day at Herbies Bar.

SENTIMENT will be at the forefront this winter for many Buller visitors as they reminisce about the good old days at Kooroora, their favourite après and latenight haunt.

For decades the Hoo Hah, as the locals call it, has been a watering hole of choice.

Now that long history will embark on a new chapter in its life with the multimilliondollar redevelopment this past summer.

Kooroora, which is Aboriginal for “a place for happy gatherings� has certainly been that since day one.

Aurel and Ernest Forras were pioneers of Mt Buller and Aurel recently reencountered some of his memories of the building. “We built Kooroora which was the ďŹ rst place people could book in, it was the ďŹ rst commercial enterprise,â€? said Aurel from his home in MansďŹ eld. “It burned down (1961) and in those days everyone had their own generators and wires running everywhere, and there was an electrical short or something. We rebuilt it (the next year) and that was the one that stood there until they pulled it down recently.â€?

He said ‘of course’ it was sad but ‘not really - you can’t stop progress and I was wondering how it lasted that long.�

â—ź

LEGEND: The old Kooroora Hotel.

PHOTO: courtesy Mt Buller.

Peter Forras, Aurel’s son is no stranger to the establishment having spent a good portion of his younger years at the hotel. “I worked in there and was chief barman for a while, there was crazy shit that went down and we all lost every part of our innocence in that bar. Wild times,� said Peter.

When the old bar was dismantled material was recycled to be used and live on in the new downstairs venue so the legend will continue.

The oor may be less sticky but as eyes become slightly blurry in the early morning hours some traditions will remain the same though, you will still know its 3am when Dean Martin plays “That’s Amoreâ€?.

GRIMUS SKI DEPOT @ HOTEL PENSION GRIMUS

ENT M IP U Q E W O SN r u o y r fo LUXURY HEATED LOCKERS

The amazing new GRIMUS SKI DEPOT - the first of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, is an installation comprising heated Wintersteiger storage lockers from Austria, where skiers and boarders can store their snow equipment with ultimate convenience and security.

Your gear will be dry and warm ready for the next morning and will take your Buller sking experience to the next level.

GRIMUS SKI CENTRE 5 Breathtaker Road www.grimusskicentre.com 5777 6990 or 5777 6396 &NBJM SFOU!HSJNVTTLJDFOUSF DPN

r 0OMZ NFUFST GSPN #VT 4UPQ .FSDFEFT #FO[ $IBJSMJÍ… r /P OFFE UP DBSSZ HFBS CBDL UP ZPVS MPEHF r &BDI MPDLFS IBT TLJ CPBSE TUPSBHF JOCVJMU ESZFST GPS CPPUT HMPWFT IFMNFUT r QFSTPO MPDLFST r $POWFOJFOU DPNGPSUBCMF DIBOHF BSFB r $BSE BDDFTT GSPN BN UP QN r $BNFSB TFDVSJUZ Contact Grimus Ski Centre for Locker hire

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 8

Quick Buller Guide WITHIN such easy reach of Melbourne and with Mt Buller continually investing back into their resort it is easy to see why it is Victoria’s favourite resort.

Speak to the locals about the quality of skiing and the snowboarding and watch their eyes light up. There is awesome terrain with long cruising runs, powder at its best on stormy days and the steeps when the season is in full swing.

All this is easily evident to the eye, and those in the know, but what you may consider behind the scenes stuff is what really makes a difference in the early season and to those who don’t blast there way across the resort.

We noted on previous pages the new six seat Bourke Street Express chair which

â—ź

GREAT TIME:Kids always have fun at Mt Buller.

will really make life easy for those starting their snow career. Having a big open wide gentle run with less towers and less congestion will see plenty of smiles this winter for the green run brigade.

Everyone starts somewhere in the snow and if snowplay and tobogganing is your style of fun be pleased to know the Village Snowplay Park has been regraded with three extra runs of varying length a stone throw from the Village Square.

For those looking for the best rental gear Buller Sports Central has a fresh look for 2019, tonnes of new ski and snowboard rental stock and 300 new electronic lockers. Just steps from Bourke Street they’ve got you covered with everything from lift passes to lip balm and the latest gear.

Need your skis and snowboards tuned, the Altitude store takes possession of a new Montana crystal magic machine so you will be sliding smoothly across the slopes.

Buller’s famous snow guarantee raises the bar again in 2019 with the new mini SnowFactory making its debut, alongside last years $1.6m SnowFactory that combined allow the resort to make snow even above zero. Men’s Downhill

â—ź

SNOW: some serious powder cruising.

now comes with added snow with new snowguns loading up this steep southside run this winter.

Looking ahead to October Mt Buller will double its snowmaking water capacity with the construction of a 100 megalitre dam. This $10 million investment promises more water for the village supply and snowmaking plus paves the way for future with more snowmaking expansion plans for Wood Run, Grimus and Standard Run. The ďŹ rst night interschools events will be held on Chamois when the bright lights turn night into day also allowing the Olympic team to train day or night and Team Buller riders will perform

PHOTOS: Mt Buller / Andrew Railton. thrilling expression sessions.

Thinking of heading to Mt Buller for the ďŹ rst time? You can make life easy and just jump on the Ski Express from the centre of Melbourne and relax all the way to the slopes - see ad on page 6 for more details but it has never been so easy.

Under 5 kids ski free, and the oldies over 70 have the same luxury, plus a number of on mountain accommodation houses have kids stay free deals in June and September.

So, there you have it in brief, all you need to do now is visit this winter and see what that snow fun is all about.

Visit www.mtbuller.com.au for all information.

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Certified technicians modify your existing boots or customise new boots to take your skiing to the next dimension.

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 9

Falls Creek Festival of Ski SKIERS at Falls Creek will be dialling up their smile factor this season for not only the exceptional skiing, but the launch of a new ski store that is sure to have you eyeing off a new pair of skis and other gear.

The new store, Ski & Boot Co will have a full range of skis, clothing, accessories and everything to make your skiing life easier with their location within Base One being a key factor where you can demo skis before you buy.

The Ski & Boot Co will offer expert advice on the latest range of skis and ski boots with their range tailored to the terrain and conditions at Falls. Their team knows how

â—ź

FUN: BE sure to try one of the skier programs or demo new skis this winter as you cruise the slopes of Falls Creek. Â’Kx¤xĚŒĚ˝AÕġġŭ̽ ŊĀĀĴ̙̽̽ Ä?ÕŊġĥĀ̽ ĹŠĹ‹Ć’Ĺ‚Ě“

the product will perform for you and can recommend what skis you should try to suit your ability.

The Ski & Boot Co also offers a full boot ďŹ tting and customisation service. Not only do they offer the best boots from leading brands, but their expert boot ďŹ tters are qualiďŹ ed to perform a range of boot ďŹ tting services.

We all know that comfortable boots are a pre requisite for great skiing, so if you have any boot issues, pain or sore feet they can help you with the following modiďŹ cations; Ě‹Ě˝ ŽŭŜŋĿĥŭĀø̽šĴĥ̽ ŋŋŜ̽ĥłŭŋġĀŭ̽ from Sidas Ě‹Ě˝KĀÕŜ̽kŋŽġøĥłĖ̽bĥłĀŊŭ ̋̽šÄ?Āġġ̽ ŽŭŜŋĿĥŭÕŜĥŋł Ě‹Ě˝ ŋŋŜ̽šŜŊĀŜòÄ?ĥłĖ̽Õłø̽ ġŋƒĥłĖ Ě‹Ě˝ ŋŋŜ̽–ĀżÕĥŊŭ ̋̽šłŋƒïŋÕŊø̽ ŋŋŜ̽òŽŭŜŋĿĥŭÕŜĥŋł FESTIVAL OF SKI To coincide with their exciting new store guests should venture to Falls Creek when they host their Festival of Ski weekend on July 6-7.

A plethora of the top ski companies will be in the resort with all their skis for guests to test and try the latest

FREIGHT

â—ź

VIEW: A scenic view of the village from the slopes at Falls Creek. Â’Ä?ŋŜŋ̽AÕġġŭ̽ ŊĀĀĴ̙̽̽bÕòÄ?Ć˜Ě˝`ĀĀƑĀŊŭ̓

ski products. The event is open to all members of the community and it is a great chance to celebrate all things skiing and will be the official launch of the new Ski & Boot Co. There is no better way to select the best ski for you than to actually try the ski.

See our story on page 26 for how to select the best ski for you and this is a great opportunity on this weekend.

SKI PROGRAMS This season Falls Creek have a new men’s skills program scheduled for August 23-25th.

Running in conjunction with the always żŋżŽġÕŊ̽kĥĿ̲ŭ̽ÀŋĿĀł̲ŭ̽šĴĥ̽żŊŋĖŊÕĿĚ?̽ŜÄ?Ā̽ men’s program will focus on skills for the more established gentleman. Being taught by some of Falls Creeks longest standing instructors, it will be a great place for the gents to learn new skills on the slopes.

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Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 10

Kids Snow Fun

By Gina Woodward HOW many sleeps to go? Are we there yet? Yes, the build-up to a snow holiday is pretty much like that of Christmas.

To ensure your family has a great snow holiday and you get met with cheers and excitement the next time you say, “We’re thinking about going to the snowâ€? rather than “Noooo‌ we want to go on a HOT holidayâ€?, here are some tips to help.

Make it positive, do the hard yards and it will pay off with a lifelong career of family snow experiences.

Have fun: The joy you ďŹ nd on a snow holiday is not only just in skiing or learning to snowboard. Some of the best memories are made just playing in the snow. If you’re fortunate to stay on the hill, then your kids are most likely going to be outside playing in the snow - think snowballs, snow angels and snowmen - right up to when you call them in for dinner, just like the good old days.

Eat: It sounds simple but often the biggest issue is fuel. Make sure your kids eat breakfast and you have a good range of pocket snacks to avert any crisis or use as

bribes later in the day.

Stay warm: Think layers. If they don’t own thermals, wear annelette pjs or tracksuit pants underneath that is not cotton – and that’s a big NO to cotton socks too.

Stay dry: Make sure kid’s clothes are waterproof. Not just pants and jacket, but gloves or mittens too. There’s no faster way to a miserable time than cold, wet hands in the snow.

Protect: Ensure your kids have eyewear goggles are preferable so their eyes don’t dry out, but sunglasses are ok on a sunny day. They only get one set of eyes, in the same way they only get one head. When they are at home, kids are used to wearing helmets for skateboarding and bike riding so it’s a no-brainer to wear one for snowsports too – they’ll also never have cold ears again.

Treats: Yes, let them have the holiday treats – embrace the hot chips, the smores or the hot chocolate with the marshmallow snowman on a stick.

Sometimes you’ll hear kids say the best part of their holiday was just that! A good start anyway‌

Learn:: Tak Take e snowsports s snow nowspo sports rts lessons.. Let e th the he kids kids learn correctly rrectly ly in a safe s e and saf and supportive ive iv ve environment. e envi nvironmen men e t. Kids encourage ag age g other o her kids, so it can be ot a bit of competitive com mpetitive fun to learn l arn in le na group. With With Wi th good go d technique, goo tech c nique, kids are set up for life. fe e.

Rest: Gett plenty p ent pl enty of of sleep slee ep plus plu relaxation re elaxation on n away from om screens. s ree sc re eens. ns. ns s. Play Play Pl ay board bo b boa oard oa oard d games. gam g ga am ames. es. s Take an a afternoon fte fft tte errno erno no n noon oon n off off an and a nd d tr try a di try different iffer ffe ent ff ntt activity such su suc s uc ch as as snowtubing, sn now no ow o wtub tubing ing g, XC XC s skiing kii ng k kii ng or snowshoeing. ws ws wsh sh hoe oeiing. ng If you’re y u’r yo ’rre s staying stay tay tay ying ing ing g offoff ffmountain, iin, n,, ch check hec eck ck k ou out ut tthe he ttow he town, wn n,, skate sk ska kate ka kate ep par park, ark k,, bike trails ils ls or o challenge cha challe h lle ha lleng nge ge e your yo y our family fam fam mily ly y to oa game off d disc/frisbee is isc s /fr sc frriisb bee e golf. golff. go gol f. If If it’s iit’ t’’s d different ifferen iffe ren entt from home ome me then then th en it i feels fe fee ee els ls lik like ik ke a real rre eal al holiday, ho hol o id ida da d ay y,, not just for fo or the o th he kids kids s but bu b ut ffor orr everyone e ryo ev eve yone yo one ne in in the tth he h e family.

Stay positive: sitive: Thi This his iis h s key key y to to you your ou ur successful full family fu fami mily ly snow sno no n ow holiday. holi liiday liday ay.. ay It’s one of of the h few few sports fe spor spor po orts t you can c n ca actually y do o for or a whole o wh who ho ole le day, day, day together. r. r.

You’ll be be planning pla pl an ann nning ing in g your your yo ur next snow ow w holiday ho h olid olid iday a before before bef o or you know w it, t,, so o most most st of of all all just have e fun! fu un! n

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Contact us today to find your local installation location Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 11

AT All-Terrain M+S tyre

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3PMSF WINTER TYRES EXPLAINED

Winter in Falls Creek SUCH is the excitement of winter at Falls Creek their faithful decide to entice the snow gods to deliver flakes in abundance by sacrificing themselves. The Ice Plunge on the first day of winter will see hundreds of people take the chilly plunge in Rocky Valley Lake and welcome the new season with goose bumps at 1650m.

Welcome to Falls Creek winter where this cosy snow village comes alive with not only great skiing and snowboarding, but family fun, lively après, romantic strolls through snow filled trees and a vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene.

Last season the new $9 million Eagle Lift was a huge hit among revellers and warmly received by all guests. The detachable quad chair reduced the travel time from 8 minutes down to 3 minutes, allowing guests to fit more skiing than ever into their day.

Excitement should be just as high in 2019 with plenty of discussion on the new Vail Resorts purchase of the Falls Creek lift company. Savvy skiers and boarders may be potentially eyeing off an overseas holiday, but first they will look forward to plenty of quality turns on home soil.

If you are thinking après and evening drinks, there is an exciting new bar opening at local hotspot Elk at Falls. Already renowned for Barry Iddles’ fare at Elk Restaurant, Elk has converted one of its apartments to open as a mysterious after dark bar hidden behind a luxe emerald curtain.

The owners describe it as “An après and late-night New York-style, 50 seat lounge and bar. Designed by the coolest and most talented, Coy Yiontis Architects. Apartment 3 boasts luxurious finishes, sensory lighting and curated playlists to keep you grooving into the night.”

Grab a signature or classic cocktail created by the house mixologist, sink into the divine velvet lounges and lap up the chilled atmosphere. Apartment 3 will be open

seven days from 3pm till late and after 6pm adults only.

The Man Hotel is also under new ownership and visitors can expect this village favourite to turn the clock back with more live music slated to join refurbishments to the bar.

A new addition has been made to the village’s series of public artwork pieces.

Joining the Throne of Skis at Windy Corner and Big Fella tank artwork is a custom art piece in the Slalom Plaza waterfall – a larger than life wren constructed from recycled skis collected by the resort. Recycled skis have also been worked into a unique ski fence along Diana Trail and at the resort’s waste treatment facility.

BMW drivers will benefit from the resort’s major sponsorship deal with several priority parking spots made available to BMW drivers in winter 2019. BMW VIP Parks will be located alongside QT Falls Creek and Ropers Apartments and will allow BMW drivers to park overnight without using the long-term parking zones.

Falls Creek is the perfect family resort and one the whole family will enjoy from on mountain snow, toboggan runs, snow play and one of the best family holidays you can experience.

You can find out more and book a holiday at www.skifalls.com.au and www.fallscreek.com.au.

◼

FLAIR: Fireworks light up Falls Creek village.

◼

◼

SNOW: A classic powder day in the trees.

Photos Falls Creek / Chris Hocking.

APRES: Enjoy a cocktail at the Elk’s new bar.

◼

YOUNG: The kids will love the snowsports school.

◼

CHILLY: The Ice Plunge will kick off winter frivolities.

Win the ultimate Nikwax pack to waterproof your outerwear and revive your base layers plus the stylish Alpine Australia book, a celebration of the Australian alps.

Alpine News and Snowy Mountains Magazine have ĸĢ¹ Ā ¬ÞĈ Đó ÅÏĢ¹ ģ ĩ ĐÌÏĈ ģÏêĐ¹ĄŤ " ¬Ì Ā ¬Þ ¬óêĐ ÏêĈ SÏÞģ Ĩ y¹¬Ì ĈÌŞ y ÏĄ¹¬Đ ĈÌŴ9ê ê² Ĉ¹ÃĄ¹ĈÌ ĀáĖĈ ń ¬óĀĩ óà Đ̹ áĀÏê¹ ĖĈĐĄ áÏ ªóóÞŤ

yó ¹êĐ¹Ą Åó Đó ģģģŤĈêóģĩè Å įÏê¹Ť¬óèŤ Ė ê² áóóÞ ÃóĄ Đ̹ ÅÏĢ¹ ģ ĩŤ qÏèĀáĩ Ą¹ÅÏĈĐ¹Ą ĩóĖĄ ²¹Đ ÏáĈ ê² ĩóĖ ¬óĖá² ģÏêŤ iĄÏį¹Ĉ ²Ą ģê ĐÌĄóĖÅÌóĖĐ Đ̹ Ĉ¹ Ĉóê áá ²¹Đ ÏáĈ óê ģ¹ªĈÏĐ¹Ť IyiqŪńŋŪŅńŌŌŌŤ

www.snowymagazine.com.au Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 12

— FALLS CREEK 2019 —

winter events CROSS COUNTRY SKI EVENTS JUN 23 | Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #1

JUL 6 | Falls Creek Junior Agility Race

JUL 6 | Fast & Female

JUL 6-7 | Falls Creek Demo Ski Festival

Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #2 FIGHT MND ICE PLUNGE June 1

WINTER SEASON OPENING WEEKEND June 8−10

SKI & SNOWBOARD DOWNHILL EVENTS

JUL 7 | Birkebeiner Classic JUL 13-14 | Interschool XC Trials JUL 13 | Snow, Trek & Travel

JUL 12 | Rossignol Cup Cranky Charlie Cup

JUL 15-19 | South Australian Interschools Championships (SAKSI)

High Plains Tour

JUL 26 | Wombats Rambler Night Race

JUL 14 | YMCA Howman's Gap Vic Relay Championships

JUL 20 | Vic Junior Championships JUL 21 | Vic Junior Sprint Championships WOMBATS RAMBLER NIGHT RACE | July 26

XC NIGHT SPRINTS August 22

JUL 27 | Australian Open Sprint Championships

JUL 28 | Australian Open Distance Championships

AUG 4 | Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #3 AUG 7-9 | ASSSTC

JUL 26-28 | Vic Masters Championships JUL 29 - AUG 2 | Australian Police Winter Games

AUG 6-8 | ASSSTC AUG 15-16 | FIS SL Racing AUG 29 | Pendl Cup AUG 30 - SEP 3 | SSA Aus Alpine U16's

AUG 10 | Ski De Femme

FREESTYLE EVENTS

AUG 11 | Rocky Valley Rush/ KANGAROO HOPPET August 24

Sun Valley Ramble

GAY SKI WEEK September 3−8

AUG 15 | No h East Primary School Relays

JUL 13 | FCFS - Rails Competition

AUG 22 | Falls Creek Invitational

JUL 27 | FCFS - Rider X

Night Sprints

AUG 8-14 | Nitro Good Times Weekend

AUG 24 | Joey Hoppet Australian Birkenbeiner

AUG 9 | The Board Lounge Throwdown

Kangaroo Hoppet

AUG 10 | FCFS - Big Air Competition

AUG 31 | Australian Junior Sprint LIGHT THE NIGHT August 30

FALLS CREEK OCTOBERFEST October 5

Championships

SEP 1 | Australian Junior Distance Championships

AUG 24 | FCFS - Slopestyle Series SEP 7 | FCFS - Summit Masters SEP 14 | FCFS - Banked Slalom

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAY | Twilight Tuesdays (featuring Pete the Snow Dragon), Village Bowl WEDNESDAY | Night Skiing, Wombats Ramble THURSDAY | Night Show Spectacular, Village Bowl MCKAYOS October 5

THE BIG DIG/POND SKIM October 5

SATURDAY | Night Skiing, Wombats Ramble Weekly events subject to change. Dependent on weather and snow conditions.

Scheduled events are subject to weather conditions and may be subject to change or cancellation

MORE INFO (03) 5758 1202 | WWW.FALLSCREEK.COM.AU | #ADVENTUREYOURWAY Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 13

Backcountry at Hotham GAZING across the slopes of Hotham the untouched powder runs attract like a magnet beckoning you to venture over and carve your turns. For many at Hotham they have accepted this unwritten invitation and plundered these virgin slopes for years.

Yes, the lure of the backcountry and side country is strong, and this winter it will take on a new meaning with Hotham introducing guided tours into its renowned backcountry terrain.

Three tours are on offer from the basic introductory to backcountry, return to backcountry plus private tours.

In addition to these programs Hotham will also host the Backcountry Festival on September 7-8 which caters to the backcountry enthusiast and those looking for more information on touring.

Each Hotham backcountry tour has experienced guides who will pass on knowledge and safety in the backcountry, which is vital before anyone decides they can do it themselves without any experience.

Mother Nature is unforgiving which is why tours are perfect to help with your awareness and to build on your snow safety skills.

Intro backcountry tours are just that, where you are advised on different aspects of safety and equipment plus enjoy the skiing and snowboarding all within easy reach of

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HIKE: You do have to earn your turns in the backcountry.

the resort. Groups are limited to a maximum of six people and run from 9am-3.30pm.

Returning to backcountry tours will see you advance on the basic skills you have learnt and be introduced to more terrain options outside the resort boundaries. Tours are 3.5 hours from 1pm and group size 3-6 people.

Should you have your own experienced group of four or as an individual want the expertise of a guide, you can book a 6-hour private tour and plan your own routes for a full day expedition.

Participants must be at least intermediate level with some fitness as you will be skiing off piste, powder snow and with hiking involved. Tours run Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday subject to weather and snow conditions.

All equipment can be hired from the OneTree Sports store located at Hotham Central should you not have your own gear.

All information can be found at the hotham. com.au website.

BACKCOUNTRY FESTIVAL The second Victorian backcountry festival moves to Hotham this year over the weekend of September 7 - 8.

Festival organiser Cam Walker said, “Shifting to Hotham allows us to increase opportunities for advanced skiers and riders because of the easily accessible side and backcountry terrain. It also aligns with the terrain and focus of Hotham to be known as the backcountry capital of Australia.’

The Backcountry Festival supported by Hotham is a free festival and celebrates ‘all things backcountry’.

It is also an opportunity for resort riders and skiers to be introduced to the backcountry. The festival offers tours,

Exciting Extras at Hotham

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HEAVEN: The reward is plentiful for Hotham’s backcountry and side country skiing.

PHOTOS courtesy of Chris Hocking / Hotham Resort.

clinics, gear demos, and workshops in BC skills like navigation, snow camping and avalanche safety.

Tours of the Mt Hotham area will include cross country, snow shoeing, telemark, split boarding and alpine touring The 2019 festival will be bigger and more diverse including: ̋̽​̽ ł̽ĀƗŶĀłøĀø̽ŭťĀÕĴĀũ̲ŭ̽ťũŋĖũÕĿ̍̽ĝŋŭŶĀø̽

by The General ̋̽​̽ ̽Ŀġłġ̽ƮķĿ̽ĔĀŭŶġƑÕķ̽ĔĀÕŶŽũġłĖ̽ Australian made BC films ̋̽​̽ ̽ŭŶũŋłĖĀũ̽ŭĀŶ̽ŋĔ̽ŋťťŋũŶŽłġŶġĀŭ̽Ĕŋũ̽ splitboard touring ̋̽​̽ ł̽ŋŽŶøŋŋũ̽ïÕũ̽ġł̽Õ̽ backcountry location ̋̽​̽¤ƒŋ̽øÕƘ̽ÕƑÕķÕłòĝĀ̽ŭÕĔĀŶƘ̽òŋŽũŭĀŭ̽ (teaching the Canadian AST level 1 curriculum, offered by Alpine Access Australia)

DECIDING where to have your snow holiday should take in more than just the skiing or snowboarding and Mt Hotham certainly adds exciting extras for you to consider.

Undoubtably it has some of the best off piste terrain and powder skiing in Australia, but when you travel with a mixed group of skiers or snowboarders and not everyone wants to be so adventurous what other options do you have.

̋̽​̽¤ĝũĀĀ̽øÕƘ̽ïÕòĴòŋŽłŶũƘ̽òÕĿť̽ŋł̽ŶĝĀ̽ Razorback (Sept 9 – 11) for people who want to test new skills.

Festival organisers are currently finalising the full program and encourage and welcome people with relevant skills to get involved by offering to lead a tour or session.

Confirmed speakers (at end of April) include Katya Crema, who will talk about her transition from an Olympian ski cross racer to backcountry adventurer, and Hotham legend Buff Farnell who will present images of his favourite Hotham side country.

For further information on the backcountry festival contact event organiser Cam Walker on 0419 338 047 or email at cam.walker@foe.org.au or visit the hotham.com.au website.

SUNSET TOURS Hotham has the most stunning views of any resort, so why not indulge yourself and absorb these stunning vistas in style.

The sunset tours start with a snow cat ride to the top of the Summit at 1861 metres with majestic views to Crosscut Saw National Park, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Mt Feathertop, the Bogong High Plains and even on a clear evening, Mt Kosciuszko in New South Wales.

The tour includes gourmet canapes and Brown Brothers sparkling wine and beer as you sit atop the resort and admire Mother Natures spectacular light show. Tours operate seven days a week leaving at 4.45pm and return at 6.30pm and are ideal for the whole family. Bookings are essential at guest services desk at Hotham Central.

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STUNNING: Majestic views on the sunset tour.

PHOTOS: Courtesy Hotham Resort

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RELAX: Enjoy treatment at the White Spa.

WHITE SPA After your day skiing there are après bars to celebrate with champagne or a cold ale, but the ladies may well prefer the White Spa for a total relaxation and for extra pampering. Or better still you could visit as a couple.

Conveniently located downstairs at Hotham Central, White Spa is the perfect accompaniment to any snow holiday offering a luxurious sanctuary for skin care, massage, aqua therapy and aromatherapy to refresh your body and enhance your mountain experience.

SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS Looking for an adventure with a difference, then take a helicopter scenic flight from Hotham and admire the beauty of the alpine region from the air.

Bookings are required so organise your group for this thrilling ride with flights from 10-30 minute duration where you can view Mt Feathertop and the resort from a different vantage point.

Better still, why not ski and board Hotham and Falls Creek in one day with a heli-link return flight between the two resorts. Ski the early morning at Hotham with first tracks, then board the heli for a seven

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EARLY: This could be your first turn before 7.30am when you ski first tracks at Hotham. Skier Coen Bennie-Faull.

PHOTO: Courtesy Chris Hocking / Hotham Resort.

minute journey for skiing and lunch at Falls Creek before returning for après at Hotham.

Phone 1300 731 450 or follow links from hotham.com.au website.

FIRST TRACKS Without doubt the best of Hotham is first tracks. Here you can start your day on snow before 7.30am and ski and snowboard down to the Heavenly lifts that opens at 7.30am Wednesday to Sunday.

The early bird may catch the worm, but at Hotham the early snow riser carves the best snow and finds the freshest of powder turns.

Carving fresh corduroy down Snake Gully or plundering powder on lower Playground will certainly build your appetite for an early lunch. The beauty here is moving on to other lifts once the mountain opens further and staying ahead of the crowds.

YOUR COMFORT ZONE REDEFINED New backcountry tours in 2019 The best spots are not always marked on a map and this season, Hotham introduces guided tours into its renowned backcountry terrain.

From introductory to private lessons, there is no excuse to step outside the comfort zone within the safety of expert instruction from a Hotham guide.

Learn more at hotham.com.au

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 14

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 15

HARRY THE SNOW DRAGON The kids will be more than entertained as the mesmerising Harry the Snow Dragon makes his weekly appearances at his own show to loud applause from his legion of fans.

The kids (and adults) can sing and dance along to Hotham’s favourite mascot at his live shows every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon from 3.30pm at The Big D. Continued next page for Dinner Plain.

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FUN: Everyone loves Harry the Snow Dragon.

Snow Paradise ARRIVING at Dinner Plain on a picturesque snow day you could well think you have arrived in paradise. Snow laden trees line quaint streets and exquisite ski chalets but it is the tranquillity that really exudes a relaxing snow holiday.

Dinner Plain with its unique architecture of timber, stone, and iron is a true snow town. Buildings share the colours of the snowgums that surround them and all sitting above the snowline in winter.

The village sits surrounded by the Alpine National Park and only 10km from Mt Hotham it is a beautiful destination for someone looking for more from a winter holiday or just starting out with their snow passions.

Dinner Plain is effortless, with the ability to park at your door, no need to pay resort entry free, walk to the Onsen Retreat & Spa, bars and restaurants or take the short shuttle ride to Mt Hotham. Combine that with the ability to bring your best four legged friend for a snow holiday, it’s truly an enjoyable winter destination.

Join in the opening weekend snow dance festival where they have fireworks plus DJ Eddy playing tunes. You can dance on

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LIGHT: The fireworks of the snow season opening weekend.

the roundabout from 5pm and watch the fireworks at 6.15pm while enjoying hot chocolates, glühwein and strudel. Local venues will have live music and official dinners plus there are start-of-season bargains to be had at local ski retailers for the whole family.

If you are just starting out on snow, the beginner ski area in Dinner Plain is protected and accessible with a $99 learn to ski option. Once you have that down you could try snowshoeing, cross country skiing or new for this year landscape photography workshops.

The Dinner Plain sled dog challenge is always a highlight of the snow season and Australia’s original and most prestigious sled dog race will again roar into life on August 10-11.

Each year the dogs are as excited as the spectators to drag their sleds in this landmark event that has run for 26 years. More than 70 Mushers (dog team drivers) and in excess of 350 sled dogs are expected to compete in this year’s event across five classes.

With the sport maturing (plus some of the mushers and dogs!), the popular touring class will afford an opportunity for older, retired dog sled teams to once again run on the snow in a less competitive environment. The race provides a unique experience for competitors and spectators alike to experience the sport in a pristine alpine environment.

Visitors will find the new Karl Gray Gallery this winter which opened in later 2018 as an idea of Karl and his partner Fiona Battershill. The space houses a collection of Karl’s stunning imagery of the mountains in different seasons but particularly celebrates winter.

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TRAVEL: A leisurely stroll plus keeping the family entertained.

This winter you can also join one of Karl’s workshops which will explore the Hotham and Dinner Plain area allowing you to personally capture some of the breathtaking beauty this region offers.

Karl has been walking, skiing and generally exploring the Victorian high country with his camera for the last 15 years. His work has been featured on magazine covers, paper, billboards and now in his own gallery in Dinner Plain.

“We’ll hike the alpine trails to access the best locations and capture the mountains at the best time of day. Workshops are kept to an intimate size with a maximum of six people so there’s plenty of time to chat, ask questions, share skills and tell stories,” said Karl.

Dinner Plain is a snow holiday for everyone and to find out more and book your holiday go to the visitdinnerplain. com.au website.

family Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 16

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RUN: The dog sled race is one of the best events for spectators in August.

Snow Photo Tips

By Steve Cuff WHEN it comes to taking good snow photos, sometimes it does not matter whether you are wielding an expensive SLR digital camera or the simplest of phones. If you consider a few basic principles, you will create more interesting snow photos. Here are a few tips to start your winter but do apply to all photos.

BACKGROUNDS One key aspect of snow photography in early season is your favourite resort may not be totally covered in snow like mid-season, so you need to think of

your background.

This is where directing your subject to adjust their position or - which is often easier - moving slightly yourself and lining up a nice background before anything else.

You can do this without anyone knowing.

A simple step to the right or left could give a nice blue sky instead of a horrible orange net or a messy background with lift towers and unwanted people behind your subject.

If there is a nice snowy backdrop, move the group or people by even walking them to a better position.

In this group photo there was snowmaking in the trees, so I moved the whole group to where I wanted them, away from skier traffic. You would not know if this image was June or midseason August, but it was opening weekend in June some years back.

The key here is to first look beyond your subject and have a mini game plan, and don’t be lazy. Most people simply just point and shoot when they could do so much better. What they get then is boring messy photos.

After all, what you are creating here is your own history of your family, friends or travel so make them better photos.

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TIP: Move your groups to have nice backgrounds and shoot the kids from below their eyeline. PHOTOS: Steve Cuff.

KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY Look in the magazines or newspapers of any kids’ photos and what you will most always see is the photographer below the eye line of the child.

By crouching, bending or lying on the ground you bring the child to life and they truly become the centre of attention in the photo.

There is an additional benefit here as well, you can hide a lot of background distractions behind the subject or limit them at least so

they are not distracting your eye.

To get this friendly snow fight photo of two brothers, I kneeled on the snow which has the boy in front within the upper part of the image, so all the attention is on him.

No matter whether you are just uploading images to social media, or you may want to print one for the office, a little pre planning will totally improve your photos.

Happy shooting this winter and keep your hands warm.

Leaders in Alpine. Leaders in Sales.

Strong buyer demand, contact us if you are interested in selling.

Contact Rob Ford for the best record in Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain property sales and Christa Zirky for all your Falls Creek alpine property sales

Rob Ford 0430 749 701 rob@zirkyrealestate.com.au Christa Zirky 0402 277 808 christa@zirkyrealestate.com.au

Alpine Specialists Head Office

WR1/ 17 Bogong High Plains Road Falls Creek VIC 3699

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 17

Water Ramp a Launching Pad for Winter Athlete Pathways

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SAFE: Protect your gear with some insurance.

Insure Your Gear DURING a snow holiday it is often disappointing to hear people have their gear stolen. But it is a fact it can happen so what can you do to protect your valued assets of skis or snowboards.

Ski & Snowboard Australia and Snowracer have teamed up together to offer Snow Equipment Cover for the recreational skier and snowboarder as well as race competitors.

Snow Equipment Cover provides insurance for your snow equipment against theft and/or damage to skis, snowboard, boots, bindings and poles both domestically and internationally from the date of policy purchase through to April 2020.

Whether you work in the snow, ski or snowboard just for fun or compete at any level, Snow Equipment Cover is available to you.

Naturally there are some terms and conditions and you will need to have receipts of proof of purchase, but if you have just recently purchased new

equipment insurance is a great option to consider. Especially for the low annual price.

For only 39.99 per year you are covered both locally and if you travel overseas.

You will need to sign up as a Snowracer member for free, and from there follow the prompts to the insurance page.

For more details you can visit the www.snowracer.com.au website.

WHAT’S COVERED ̋̽ łŋƒ̽ĀŨŽġťĿĀłŶ̽ŶĝĀĔŶ̽ŋũ̽øÕĿÕĖĀ̽Žť̽ to $1,500 ̋̽.ŨŽġťĿĀłŶ̽ĝġũĀ̽Žť̽Ŷŋ͉̾˖˔˔̾ƒĝġķŭŶ̽ your equipment is being repaired or replaced ̋̽ÀŋũķøƒġøĀ̽òŋƑĀũ ̋̽ ŋķġòƘ̽òŋŭŶ̽ġŭ͉̽˗˝̓˝˔̽ƒĝġòĝ̽ġŭ̽ inclusive of a $5.00 Administration fee charged by SSA ̋̽ ŋķġòƘ̽ĀƗťġũĀŭ̽ŋł̽ŶĝĀ̽˗˔Ŷĝ̽ ťũġķ̽ĀÕòĝ̽ year and need to be reapplied for each year.

AFTER false starts, years of hope and rejections by communities who did not want a water ramp, Brisbane will finally be home to a new $6.5 million International Freestyle Skiing Training AÕòġķġŶƘ̽ÕŶ̽ŶĝĀ̽ ķĀĀĿÕł̽ ťŋũŶŭ̽ ŋĿťķĀƗ̽ at Chandler.

The project is a collaboration between the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) the Federal Government through Sport Australia, the Queensland Government and the Australian Olympic ŋĿĿġŶŶĀẠ̄̽ x ̤̽Õłø̽ġŭ̽ĀƗťĀòŶĀø̽Ŷŋ̽ïĀ̽ completed in early 2020. x ̽ ĝġĀĔ̽.ƗĀòŽŶġƑĀ̽xƩòĀũ̽kÕŶŶ̽ Õũũŋķķ̽ says significant investment from the Federal Government, the Queensland Government’s contribution of the site and the AOC’s own financial contribution is a shot in the arm for aspiring athletes and future Winter Olympians. ̮¤ĝġŭ̽ťũŋıĀòŶ̽ġŭ̽Õ̽ĖũĀÕŶ̽ĀƗÕĿťķĀ̽ of a partnership between sport and government delivering positive outcomes. This is time and funding that

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will be invested here in Australia rather than at overseas facilities,” Carroll said.

With aerial and mogul skiers providing eight of Australia’s 15 medals in Winter Olympics, including three gold, this facility will see Queensland as the development hub for future Olympic champions.

The project will be managed by the OWIA, who have been instrumental in securing this Australian-first facility.

Five-time Olympian and aerial gold ĿĀøÕķķġŭŶ̽bƘøġÕ̽bÕŭŭġķÕ̽ƒÕŭ̽ĀƗòġŶĀø̽ÕŶ̽ the benefits of the ramp saying it will be incredible for winter sport in Australia.

“It means having more people participating in the sport, funding going to athlete development rather than travel costs and allowing athletes to spend more time in the country rather than 10 months a year overseas,” said Lassila.

“Having that home base is so important – both for performance and to provide for a more balanced life close to your family and support group.

IMPRESSIVE: An artist’s impression of the new water ramp facility in Brisbane.

DO YOU HAVE PROTECTION? Insure your snow gear against theft or damage Only

39

$

90

per annum

One simple payment. Cover for both the Australian and International seasons. Valid through to April 2020.

Available to all skiers and snowboarders.

VISIT www.snowracer.com.au for more detail and policy wording.

Powered by Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 18

Create a Difference LEARNING to ski or snowboard certainly has some challenges in your early days.

Add to the equation those with a disability and you can understand those challenges might be that much more difficult.

The good news is the Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) programs overcome all these hurdles and assist in helping people access the joy of snow sports and sliding down the slopes.

As the accredited National Sporting Organisation for delivering adaptive snow sports and life changing experiences to families and people living with disability, they themselves need assistance.

Each weekend volunteers take time out of their life to help others, but the organisation needs many more to step up and volunteer so they can continue to create a difference in these people’s lives.

Once you see the joy on participants faces and the happiness it brings to each family you realise that all the generosity of your time really does play a huge role in furthering each person’s goals.

“We can’t operate without volunteer guides,” said DWA Chief Executive Officer Rick Coate.

“If you are an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder who would like

an added challenge on the slopes and have some time to volunteer, then DWA has a unique opportunity for you to be fully trained in our adaptive snowsport guiding program.”

The continued success of our elite Para athletes is just one example that anything is possible if you are given the chance.

This year alone Australia produced sensational results on the World Cup circuit and all athletes were originally involved with DWA programs.

The Australian trio of Simon Patmore, Sean Pollard and Ben Tudhope signed off from the 2018-19 World Para Snowboard season in style, claiming multiple spots on the podium and clinching great results in the overall season standings.

After a standout season from the three men, Patmore and Tudhope claimed second in the overall crystal globe standings for their consistent performances throughout the 2018/19 season. Pollard was hot on the heels of Patmore in the men’s SB-UL category placing third after a great season by him.

Ben Tudhope claimed Para Snowboard’s discipline crystal globe in the men’s SBLL2 banked slalom in a great reward for an outstanding season.

◼ ENJOYMENT: DWA Guide Craig Stonestreet with Harry and father Shane. PHOTO: Steve Cuff.

Each weekend at your local resort is not the World Cup, but for participants just starting out it could be a stepping stone if they choose that route, or the mere satisfaction of sliding down the green run on their first morning will be all conquering for those individuals.

DWA’s volunteer adaptive snowsport guiding is a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. You will be trained by qualified DWA trainers and you will be able to assist snowboarders and skiers down a run and safely around the mountain as well as have a chat on the chairlift as you experience

Volunteer Guides Needed Disabled Wintersport Australia needs your help for Adaptive Snowsport Programs Positions available at Perisher, Thredbo, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buller.

The DWA organisation can’t operate without Volunteer Guides!

If you are an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder who would like to help deliver adaptive snow sports and life changing experiences to people living with disability, please contact us now. r Full training provided by qualified DWA staff r Satisfaction in helping people enjoy the snow

Check out our short film Finding Freedom on the Snow www.disabledwintersport.com.au/about/

For more information visit: www.disabledwintersport.com.au/volunteering/guiding-faqs/ Email: volunteer@disabledwintersport.com.au or call to discuss on 1300 265 730.

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 19

their joy and confidence build.

Currently DWA have 1,400 members and 400 volunteers, across Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt. Buller, Perisher and Thredbo and assist from grass roots, first time participants to competitive and Paralympians.

This season DWA has put out a call for anyone who can help and volunteer during the season.

It is a fun group to be a part of and you will create lasting memories and experiences for participants and your fellow volunteers. Follow the details on ad below to join up and volunteer.

Colorado and Utah Snow

By Steve Cuff CHASING the northern hemisphere snow is a favourite pastime for many Australian snow enthusiasts, but where do you even begin to start with your planning?

One key point to consider is locking in early bird deals which can amount to big savings. Mogul Ski World can reward you with their early bird specials. But then, you ask, where I should visit?

There are numerous choices of great snow resorts worldwide, but for this edition we have picked out two USA states of Colorado and Utah who both have truly sensational skiing and snowboarding.

COLORADO - ASPEN SNOWMASS Choices are plentiful at Aspen with four resort areas to choose from; Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk all offer the skier every snow dream you have imagined.

Waking to your view of Aspen Mountain you will be in awe of scenery and fall line all the way from the summit to the après bars in town. After all, they are very famous for their après and you should be rewarded after carving perfect Colorado corduroy.

Ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top, but don’t let the magical mountain view distract you from the task at hand - to ski. If off piste is your preferred terrain you will find black and double black runs littering the slopes with powder offerings.

Families will love the gentle cruisers and expanse of blue runs at Buttermilk or Snowmass Village which are both a perfect family choice.

Kids will love the new wooden, frontierstyle fort in the woods of Buttermilk. The play structure includes lookout towers, a jail, a swinging bridge, a saloon with a

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YES: Who wants some of this great Aspen powder. PHOTO: Jesse Hoffman / Aspen Mountain

candy bar, a post office, a turbo twister slide and more. A great option on their ski travels.

A visit to Aspen Highlands should see you take on the task of hiking Highlands Bowl, a run where the ski patrol traditionally step and pack down after each snowfall from the start of the season to ensure it is safe and skiable.

UTAH – SKI SALT LAKE CITY Stunning scenery, awesome mountains, sensational terrain, and massive snowfall are perhaps the best ways to describe Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Plus being only 50 kilometres from Salt Lake City International Airport you can arrive at the resorts in about 45 minutes if you are staying on mountain.

Alta is a skier-only area that sits adjacent to Snowbird and is linked through a gate, but there is so much at each respective resort you could spend a month at each and only touch the surface.

With a vertical drop of 774m and 1058 hectares, Alta has an abundance of terrain that consists of 15% beginner, 30% intermediate and a whopping 55% of advanced black runs and had 618 inches of snow (15.6m) this winter.

But if you are an intermediate skier don’t let the black diamonds deter you, their groomed runs are wide and plentiful with great cruising across the whole mountain to the base.

For those seeking powder and face shots, you have certainly come to the right resort with Alta having a huge reputation for continually featuring in magazines with over the head snow images.

Snowbird is a snow enthusiasts paradise and a ride on the legendary tram starts to open your eyes to what you can expect for

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DEEP: Alta skiing has always been legendary.

PHOTO: Mike Schirf / Visit Salt Lake.

both skiers and snowboarders. Passing over the Cirque, you can sense the patrons getting excited and, while it does appear steep, there are ample blue runs to appease all skiers.

Mineral Basin on a blue sunny day is the place to cruise the wide-open bowl and should it be a powder day, expect to see the Snowbird faithful in full flight. Let’s just say they have an appetite for doing countless laps and they certainly have the accelerator down.

There are two distinct sides of the mountain, so if the weather closes at the top you can ski the Gad side where there are long blue runs and ample tree skiing.

The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird or the Alta Peruvian Lodge offer superb on mountain access with the snow at your doorstep.

Alta and Snowbird are on the Ikon Pass or the Ski City Super Pass which also includes Solitude and Brighton.

UTAH - PARK CITY MOUNTAIN This is the biggest resort in the USA under the Vail Resorts banner. You will find everything about Park City Mountain just about perfect, including the historic bustling town of Park City.

You can stay on mountain at the Sundial Lodge at Canyons base or Park City Mountain base. Anywhere in town has excellent free public transport straight to the slopes.

Riding the Red Pine Gondola from Canyons base, the expanse is evident so hopefully you have packed your trail map, as there are runs going every which way.

Apex Ridge off the Super Condor Express is one of the longest blue cruisers that afford multiple black runs on each side, should you be up for the challenge.

The two base areas are linked by the Quicksilver Gondola, which delivers you at the base of Silverlode Express when travelling from Canyons side. Be sure to take the mining guided tour when you

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 20

need a relaxing afternoon. It showcases the fascinating history of mining in the area; a great tour.

To up your ante, ski off the McConkeys chair or Jupiter which have steeper terrain from black to double black.

There is terrain for all levels which is one of the beauties of the resort and the Epic Australia Pass is valid at Park City Mountain.

UTAH – DEER VALLEY Visiting Park City you must ski Deer Valley, which is another skier-only area renowned for their service excellence and manicured groomed runs.

The resort is often underestimated, but they have great terrain that well suits the Australia skier, from long perfect corduroy runs to open bowls and tree runs. Often their clientele prefer the groomed runs to off piste powder, which is great to find fresh turns a few days after the storm.

With excellent on-mountain restaurants in beautiful log cabins, it is a pleasure to cruise in for lunch or coffee. Stay in luxury at the Stein Eriksen Lodge or buses run for downtown Main Street. Deer Valley is on the Ikon Pass.

◼

ADVENTURE: The kids will love exploring Park City Mountain. PHOTO: Dan Campbell / Park City Mountain.

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Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 21

Winter Calendar 2019 June 1 Sat 8 Sat

8-9

8-10 8-10

Falls Creek annual Ice Plunge into Rocky Valley Lake Dinner Plain Fireworks 6.15pm and DJ Eddy playing tunes from 5pm at roundabout Mt Baw Baw Opening Free resort entry, guaranteed runs open, Gunaikurnai Welcome to Country + Smoking Ceremony, live music + entertainment.

Falls Creek winter opening weekend Hotham Opening Weekend

10 Wed 11 Thur 12 Fri 12 Fri 12 Fri 13 Sat 13 Sat 13 Sat 13-14 14 Sun 14 Sun 17 Wed 18 Thur 19-20 20 Sat 20 Sat

Mt Buller SSA Alpine skills assessment Mt Buller SSA Alpine skills assessment Mt Buller SSA Alpine skills assessment Falls Creek Rossignol Cup Falls Creek Cranky Charlie Cup Falls Creek Snow Trek & Travel High Plains Tour.

Falls Creek Free Ski Rails Competition Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Falls Creek Interschools trails Falls Creek YMCA Howman’s Cup Vic Relay Champs Lake Mountain XC mini series #2 Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Buller South Australian Interschools Mt Baw Baw Christmas in July, Santa and carols.

Perisher XC ACT Open classic Mt Buller Cattleman’s Rail Jam Australia’s premier rail event $10k in prizemoney

7-9

Falls Creek XC Aust secondary schools teams champs 8 Thur Hotham ANC Snowboard X weather day 8 Thur Perisher ANC Big Air 2 Ski & SB 9 Fri Perisher ANC Slopestyle 9 Fri Falls Creek The Board Lounge throwdown 9-11 Hotham Masters Championships 10 Sat Falls Creek FCFS Slopestyle series 10 Sat Falls Creek XC Ski de Femme 10 Sat Mt Buller Slopestyle 10 Sat Hotham Furphy Night Rail Jam 10 Sat Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 10-11 Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge a great spectacle for the whole family as dogs and mushers strive for victory. See page 16.

31 Sat 31 Sat 31 Sat 31 Sat

September 1 Sun 1 Sun 1 Sun 2 Mon 2 Mon 2 Mon 3 Tue 3 Tue 3-8 3-13 4 Wed 4 Wed 4 Wed 4-8 5-6 5-8

8-10

Mt Buller Opening weekend entertainment 15-16 Mt Baw Baw Indigenous Art workshops + Indigenous art displayed.

22 Sat Hotham Beginners Brand New Day 22 Sat QĐ Ėáá¹Ą êĵ QóĖêĐ Ïê ,Ïáè ,¹ĈĐÏĢ á

6-8 10-11 11 Sun 11 Sun 20 Sat 20 Sat 21 Sun 21 Sun 24 Wed 25-27 27 Sat 27 Sat 27-28

23 Sun Falls Creek Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #1.

23 Sun Lake Mountain Fast and Female 24-29 Mt Baw Baw Winter Warmers Week social activities.

July 1-5

Mt Buller Kids Week incl Mt Buller mascots Blake the Flake and Barry the Pygmy Possum 1-14 Mt Baw Baw School Holiday Kids Club ģÏĐÌ ĄĐĈŞ ¬Ą ÃĐŞ èóĢϹĈ ê² Ĉêóģ ĸÅÌĐÏêÅ.

3-17 Hotham Bricktastic Lego school holidays 3 Wed Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 5 Fri Mt Buller Mark Adams Ski and Golf Day 5 Fri Hotham SSA Alpine skills assessment 6 Sat Hotham SSA Alpine skills assessment 6 Sat Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 6 Sat Falls Creek Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #2.

6 Sat Falls Creek XC Fast and Female.

6-7 Falls Creek Demo Ski Festival.

7 Sun Falls Creek XC Birkebeiner Classic.

7 Sun Lake Mountain Junior Sprint X 10am 7 Sun Lake Mountain XC mini series #1 8 Mon Falls Creek SSA Alpine skills assessment 10 Wed Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D

Falls Creek XC Victorian Junior Sprint (F) Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Perisher XC NSW Open Distance Falls Creek Victorian Junior Distance (C) Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Buller University Championships Falls Creek XC Australian Open Sprint (C) Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Baw Baw Japan weekend + Taiko drummers.

27-28 Hotham Victorian Biathlon Championships 28 Sun Falls Creek XC Australian Open Distance 10/15km (F) 28 Sun Lake Mountain XC mini series #3 C+F 31 Wed Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D

1`1 Sun 14 Wed 15 Thur 16-17 17-18 17-18 17 Sat 17 Sat 17 Sat 18 Sun 19-25

Mt Baw Baw Toboggan Race, compete to be the Best Tobogganer in Australia.

Mt Baw Baw 51st annual TulliCoutty XC race 10.30am. Ph 0417 352 052.

Falls Creek XC Rocky Valley Rush / Sun Valley Ramble I Þ¹ QóĖêĐ Ïê ĖááĸÅÌĐ ¬Ì ĄÅ¹ Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Falls Creek XC North East Primary Relays Hotham Banked Slalom Hotham Australian Biathlon Championships Mt Baw Baw Bollywood with Indian food + entertainment.

Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Buller Freebom Perisher XC Australian Sprint Championship (F) Perisher XC Australian Open Distance Championship 5/10km (C) Mt Buller Victorian Interschools

August 3 Sat 3 Sat 3 Sat 3-4 4 Sun 4 Sun 5 Mon 6 Tue

6 Tue 6-8 7 Wed 7 Wed 7 Wed

Mt Buller Junior National Moguls jNats Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Hotham Yuki Birds session Mt Baw Baw Brew Fest, European style sausages, Baw Baw mugs.

Mt Buller Victorian Interschools XC Falls Creek Snow Trek & Travel Mini Series #3.

Hotham ANC Snowboard X training Hotham ANC Snowboard X Race 1

Perisher ANC Big Air training Ski & SB Falls Creek Aust secondary schools teams champs alpine Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Perisher ANC Big Air 1 Ski & SB Hotham ANC Snowboard X Race 2

19 Mon Hotham Australian ANC GS 20 Tue Hotham Australian ANC GS 21 Wed Hotham Australian ANC SL 21 Wed Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 22 Thur Hotham Australian ANC SL 22 Thur Falls Creek XC Invitational sprints 23 Fri Hotham Australian ANC weather day 24 Sat Falls Creek XC Joey Hoppet 24 Sat Falls Creek XC Australian Birkebeiner 24 Sat Falls Creek XC Kangaroo Hoppet 24 Sat Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 26-30 Hotham RAAF Games 27 Tue Perisher National Moguls Champs 28 Wed Perisher National Moguls Champs 28 Wed Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D 29 Thur Falls Creek Pendl Cup 30 Fri Falls Creek Light the Night 31 Sat Falls Creek XC Australian Junior Sprint Championship (C)

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 22

Falls Creek SSA National Children’s Champs U14-U16 Mt Baw Baw dog sled dash.

Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Buller Abom mogul challenge

7 Sat 7 Sat 7-8 7-8 7-8

Mt Baw Baw dog sled dash.

Falls Creek SSA National Children’s Champs U14-U16 Falls Creek XC Australian Junior Distance Championship (F) Falls Creek SSA National Children’s Champs U14-U16 Hotham ANC Skier X Race 1 Hotham ANC Snowboard X training Hotham ANC Skier X Race 2 Hotham ANC Snowboard X Race 3 Falls Creek Gay ski week Hotham Gay ski week Australia Hotham ANC Skier X (weather) Hotham ANC Snowboard X Race 4 Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Mt Buller Australian Interschools Championship Falls Creek Avalanche Awareness course #1 Falls Creek Backcountry Avalanche avoidance course Falls Creek Mim’s women’s skills 3 day program Falls Creek FCFS Summit Masters moguls Hotham Harry Snow Dragon Show at Big D Falls Creek Avalanche Awareness course #2 Mt Baw Baw Pride Ride and drag performers.

Hotham Victorian Backcountry Festival free event for all backcountry enthusiasts. hotham.com.au

8 Sun 9 Mon 10 Tue 11 Wed 12 Thur 13-15 14 Sat 14 Sat

Hotham ANC Skier X Race 3&4 Perisher FIS National Champs GS Perisher FIS National Junior Champs GS Perisher FIS National Champs SL Perisher FIS National Junior Champs SL Hotham Chicks with Stix Falls Creek FCFS Banked Slalom Mt Buller 80’s day

14 Sat 14-15

Hotham Retro Week QĐ ģ ģ ĖÞÏÅ ĈĈ¹ê Ĉêóģ ĸÅÌĐÏêÅ competition Falls Creek Winter Sports Club Spring Camp – U12’s Falls Creek Winter Sports Club Spring Camp – Park Falls Creek Winter Sports Club Spring Camp – FIS & U16 speed

18-22 18-22 18-22

Building the Best Instructors

By Paul Lorenz HAVE you ever wondered why the technique you learn in a snowsports lesson is often very similar despite your instructorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accent? Better yet, have you thought about where technique is developed or why we aspire to ski the way we do?

Chances are that your instructor (regardless of their nationality) has been trained and certiďŹ ed by their national instructor training organisation who send a team to attend the Interski congress.

Interski is an event that facilitates the collaboration and exchange of ideas between the ďŹ nest snowsports instructors, coaches and athletes from 37 nations around the world. Since 1951, Interski has been held every 4 years with Pamporovo, Bulgaria playing host in March for the 2019 congress.

For professional instructors and coaches, representing their country at Interski could be considered the pinnacle of their career. It is not a competition, however it is incredibly competitive with each country wanting to prove to the world that they are the highest performing, most innovative and the most evolved organisation within the international snowsports community.

The six-day event features daily on-

snow workshops and indoor lectures led be each country, technical demonstrations, nightly skiing exhibitions, formations runs, key note presentations by prominent individuals within the industry, and plenty of opportunities for individual team members to meet and share ideas. All of this with the focus of evolving and progressing snowsports instruction, coaching, technique and the snowsports industry in general.

Interski is a festive event where the best skiers, snowboarders, adaptive skiers, telemarkers and nordic skiers in the world, demonstrate and share their ideas.

The Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors (APSI) ďŹ elded a team of 16 and for the ďŹ rst time ever, included demonstrators from all snowsports disciplines.

Our on-snow workshops and presentations were very well attended by other countries and tied in with our general theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;How we train versatile instructors the Australian wayâ&#x20AC;?.

Australia lead a morning and afternoon onsnow workshop along with an indoor lecture in the evening. On-snow we gave attendees the option of either joining a session focused on how we train instructors to be versatile teachers, or how we train instructors to be

â&#x2014;ź

KNOWLEDGE: The Australia Interski team and Paul Lorenz conducting an on snow workshop. PHOTOS: Courtesy APSI.

versatile skiers. During our indoor lecture our objective was to share a little bit about Australia, our culture, the variables we face within our industry, and the simple structure used to communicate knowledge, understanding and ability to our instructors to operate quality lesson experiences in all situations.

All the workshops and lectures presented by other countries were attended by at least one APSI team member across all disciplines. We will now be sifting through all the valuable information learnt to determine which will inspire change and be implemented within the Australian method.

Once determined, this new information and changes will be disseminated throughout the

Australian resorts, in our instructor training courses and instructor manuals, with the effort to improve snowsports instruction throughout Australia.

Ultimately the beneďŹ ciaries of our attendance at Interski is each and every guest who takes a lesson in an Australian resort.

To follow the #AusDemoTeamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience at Interski, watch the 10-part Interski TV webisode series on the APSI YouTube channel. You can also ďŹ nd more about Interski by visiting the APSI website, www.apsi.net.au.

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www.apsi.net.au Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 23

2019 Australian Ski and Snowboard Awards AUSTRALIA’S top ski and snowboard athletes converged on Melbourne for the 2019 Australian Ski and Snowboard Awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements during the last year.

With an unbeaten season, triple Olympian Scotty James was awarded the Athlete of the Year (Olympic disciplines), with triple Paralympian Melissa Perrine becoming the first female athlete, along with her sighted guide Bobbi Kelly, to win Athlete of the Year (Paralympic disciplines).

“It’s really cool, we were up against Benny (Tudhope) and the rest of the Para crew and to come away with it is a pretty cool feeling and rounds up our year nicely,” said Perrine.

“I think this season I put together a bit more consistency in my performances, I’m a relatively consistent trainer but my performances have always been a bit up and down. This year with Bobbi we were able to put together a bit more consistency and that got us some excellent results.”

“SSA put together such an awesome program. The para program is so lucky with what we get and thank you to Australian Paralympics for helping out with that and coaches and teammates, we have a great team and are a massive family on the road,” said Perrine.

Sighted guide Kelly echoed Perrine’s feelings saying, “we’re a super close family, we’re just really blessed and lucky that we have them.”

Although unable to accept the award in person, James expressed his excitement for the award from his training camp in Switzerland.

“It’s an absolute honour to win this award, big congratulations to all the other nominees, what an amazing year for Australian wintersport and I’m really looking forward to getting back home this winter to train alongside all of you,” James said.

“A huge thank you to VIS, AIS, AOC, SSA, OWIA, Red Bull, Oakley, my brother Sean James, Stu Smith, Allison Miles, Will Morgan and James Jackson, as well as my family and friends.”

Ski and Snowboard Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said that across the season Australia’s elite ski and snowboard athletes showed outstanding skills on the world stage.

“It is never easy backing up from an Olympic season but to our athletes credit they not only maintained their performances but, in many cases, took

their sport to the next level. Scotty James is a worthy winner tonight. He is without doubt the best snowboard halfpipe rider in the world and his unbeaten season confirms this,” said Kennedy.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the next generation coming through. From a junior perspective the past 12 months have seen several new prospective stars emerge and we can’t wait to see what they can do in the lead up to Beijing 2022 and beyond.”

AWARD WINNERS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES) Winner: Scotty James It was an unprecedented season for triple Olympian Scotty James who completed the perfect season winning all six snowboard halfpipe events he entered including his third consecutive FIS World Championship title at Park City Mountain, USA. ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (PARALYMPIC DISCIPLINES) Winner: Melissa Perrine and sighted guide Bobbi Kelly Triple Paralympian Melisa Perrine teamed up with Bobbi Kelly during the 2018-2019 season winning 12 medals on the Para Alpine World Cup Circuit, finishing second on the overall Para alpine standings plus won four medals including one gold in Super Combined at the 2019 Para Alpine World Championships

◼

Para athlete Ben Tudhope with winners Bobbi Kelly and Melissa Perrine.

JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Winner: Doug Crawford and Emily Boyce Doug Crawford was in fine form at his Junior World Championships, taking a podium finish with a bronze medal in the ski cross at Reiteralm, Austria. Continuing Australia’s strong reputation on the snowboard cross international stage, Emily Boyce represented Australia well at

◼

Scotty James won athlete of the year.

the Junior World Championships in Reiteralm taking home a bronze medal.

Boyce also had five top ten finishes in her first season on the Europa Cup tour

◼

Ryan Pearl and Christian Geiger won coach of the year Paralympic discipline.

◼

Junior athlete winners Doug Crawford and Emily Boyce.

COACH OF THE YEAR (OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES) Winner: Peter McNiel Freestyle Moguls coach Peter McNiel has been the long-time coach of Jakara Anthony and in that time has helped develop her into a world class athlete where in season 2018-19 she achieved second place in the ladies overall moguls World Cup standings.

DEVELOPMENT COACH OF THE YEAR Winner: Jason Clauscen Jason Clausen coached various junior snowboard athletes to outstanding results throughout the season including a third and fifth place to Emily Boyce and Christina Taylor at the Junior World Championships, as well as guiding young Finn Sadler to a bronze medal at a Europa Cup. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVMENT Winner: Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony Australian Olympians Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony won men’s and women’s moguls World Championships silver medals in Deer Valley, Utah. It marked the first World Championships podiums for both athletes. Dual Olympian Graham has 15 World Cup podiums and an Olympic silver medal to his name while Anthony won her inaugural World Cup this season.

◼

Jakara Anthony with coach of the year Olympic discipline Peter McNiel.

COACH OF THE YEAR (PARALYMPIC DISCIPLINES) Winner: Ryan Pearl and Christian Geiger Together Ryan and Christian coached the Para Alpine team through the 2018-2019 season during a time which saw the team achieve a total of 14 World Cup Medals and five World Championships medals.

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 24

◼

Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony won the achievement award.

Come for the Snow, Stay for the Fun ◼

STUNNING: When it comes to snow Big White Ski Resort has bucket loads of it.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Geoff Holman and Big White Ski Resort.

◼

◼

FUN: Yes the kids will absolutely love Big White.

WITH an annual snowfall of over seven metres of dry, fluffy powder, 119 diverse runs, 15 lifts and a balmy average daytime temperature of -5C, Big White Ski Resort in super, natural British Columbia, Canada can offer you not only epic skiing and riding conditions, but a holiday your family will never forget.

GETTING HERE Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley – a region of British Columbia known for its vibrant food and wine scene and breathtaking scenery – Big White Ski Resort is surprisingly easy to get to.

Hop on one of Air Canada’s direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Vancouver. Once you reach Vancouver, it’s a quick, 45-minute transfer to the Kelowna International Airport. From there, you can relax on a pre-booked shuttle that’ll take you straight to your on-mountain accommodation in under an hour; meaning you can even ski on the same day of your arrival!

STAYING HERE Big White Ski Resort is Canada’s largest totally ski-in, ski-out resort, so no matter where you stay on the mountain, you can strap on your planks and be on the

EXPLORE: There is plentiful terrain including charging through the trees on powder days.

terrain in a matter of minutes. There’s accommodation suited for every budget and group size, from economy hotel rooms to luxurious chalets.

PLAYING HERE There is no shortage of family friendly fun at Big White Ski Resort. From the free, regularly scheduled weekly events, like the family channel carnival nights and fireworks on Saturday nights, to the wide range of adventure activities in Happy Valley, the entire resort will feel like a playground for you and your children.

And, if you visit over the holiday season, it’s guaranteed you’ll experience a White Christmas, complete with snow-covered trees, thousands of lights and appearances by the big guy himself.

Grab a pair of rental skates from the Happy Valley Day Lodge and test out the ice at Canada’s highest elevation skating rink.

Pick up a tube and whiz down one of the five lanes at the Tube Park. Book yourself a dog-sled tour through Big White’s stunning backcountry.

Get your adrenaline pumping climbing the 60-foot ice tower. Jump on a bus to Kelowna and witness real Canadian hockey in action at a Kelowna Rockets game.

Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, horse-

drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, fat biking, escape rooms, brewery tours – it’ll be tempting to spend your entire vacation exploring the non-skiing activities at the resort.

Looking to spend some time on the slopes kid-free? The professionals at the Kids’ Centre – named The Best Place To Be Abandoned By Your Parents’ by UK’s Telegraph Magazine – will ensure your children are not only entertained and well-fed, but mastering the basics of skiing and snowboarding in a safe and fun environment. Plus, you can arrange to have them picked up in the morning for lessons, giving you time to grab first chair!

EATING HERE Enjoy an après bevvie at one of the outdoor, slope-side patios, roast marshmallows at your table at Globe Cafe, or dive into the 1,350 gram Tomahawk Steak at the Kettle Valley Steakhouse – at Big White Ski Resort, there’s something for every taste. The resort boasts more than 20 on-mountain restaurants, cafes and bars, and, in recent years, has been stepping up its culinary game to include a selection of wine and food from the Okanagan region.

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 25

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EASE: Just awake each morning and slide out from your front door with ski in ski out accommodation.

Big White Ski Resort is Canada’s favourite family resort.

Big White Central Reservations is now taking bookings for the 2019/2020 season and it is now easier than ever to connect with thanks to the new tollfree number, 0011-1-800-BIGWHITE (2449 4483).

You can also visit BigWhite.com for more information about the resort or see ad on page 2.

Buying the Best Ski for You

By Steve Cuff WHAT determines a good ski and how should you approach buying the best ski that suits you? That is a question that many buyers ask themselves.

There are no bad skis on the market these days, but finding the ski that makes you ski better will ensure you have more enjoyable days carving up the mountain.

You can visit a store and say “wow, look at those flashy graphics, they must be the ski for me”, as impressive marketing campaigns do influence choices.

There is a lot of terminology that ski companies throw at you, different widths to consider, shapes and lengths, but these can be fine-tuned depending on your height, weight, build and preferred terrain. This is where experienced ski shop staff can assist with their knowledge to get you started.

Reading ski test reviews will greatly assist you in gaining more knowledge, especially if you can relate to a tester that skis like you. Or you may be loyal to a favourite brand and upgrade every three years.

But will that ski “Suit You” is what you should be asking.

You must remember that each ski

reacts totally different to each individual.

Yet some people don’t test drive before they buy.

That is why the best way to know if a ski will suit your skiing is to take it for a few runs, ski your normal turns on your preferred terrain and see how it performs.

I can guarantee you out of three, five or eight skis, you will have one or two that you like better. More importantly, that ski will make you ski better and with less effort. It will feel like turns are smooth as opposed to skis that fight against you and don’t suit you.

There is nothing wrong with the other skis, and your mate probably likes some that you did not. It is all about your style, turn shape, weight, height, speed, everything that is characteristic to how you ski.

The length of ski is usually best between your chin and nose. If you are like most Australians and ski 80% on groomed runs, you should consider a ski that is 80mm or less under foot. These skis perform best on the corduroy.

All mountain skis range from 80mm to 95mm and are well suited for a mix of groomed and venturing into the off piste.

The extra width will assist in powder or chopped up snow.

◼

FRESH: Drew Jolowicz ripping into the Hotham powder. PHOTO: Chris Hocking / Hotham

More advanced skiers who prefer to chase off piste snow may well consider a ski in the 90-100mm range. Australia generally has heavier snow so extra width does help you here.

For powder skiing in Japan for instance, people often prefer big fat skis so a width of 100mm-110mm may be your choice, but Japan snow is lighter so width choice could depend on your ability. The fatter the ski the more you stay on top of the powder rather than getting full depth.

Ski companies spend huge money on research and technology with today’s skis far superior than previous decades. Yet you still see people on old equipment. That is their choice, but they are missing out.

Ask your local ski shop for advice and if they have demo models. Look for ski demonstration weekends on the calendar at your favourite resort to test drive before you buy. Then find the shop that sells that ski. You will not be disappointed and will be skiing better than before.

Buying a Snowboard

By Adam Begg ARE you new to snowboarding and want to buy your first board or does your existing board need an upgrade?

A new snowboard is money well spent and always a worthy purchase; after all you can’t put a price on fun! But there are a few factors to consider when buying.

The length of your board should be somewhere between your shoulder and your chin depending on what sort of riding you do and your ability.

Next, consider what terrain and type of riding you are going to be doing. Is it freeriding, freestyling or just cruising the groomers? No matter what your style or ability there’s a board to suit you and your style of riding.

The main board types are All Mountain or Freeride which are best for any terrain, Freestyle, best for park riding, Powder boards which are best for Japan and Split Boards which are best for the backcountry enthusiast and growing in popularity.

Once you’ve selected what board, you now need to decide if you want

camber, reverse camber, dual camber, flat, banana, triple base technology or magna-traction?

Yes, there’s a bunch of crazy confusing terms but with a little help you can find the right board to make your snow holiday enjoyable.

For those holidaying once a year you should buy a board to suit your current ability. Riders doing seasons who have ambitions to be the “next big thing in the park” make sure you buy a board that can handle all the big tricks as you develop.

For mainly groomed riding, a cambered board is a good choice and a directional board is better suited to all-mountain freeriding. If you prefer the park you will need a twin tip that rides equally good in both directions. A reverse camber board could help your jibbing or if you just can’t decide or you want the best of both worlds a dual camber board could be your weapon of choice.

Nearly every major brand offers an option to suit every style and type of riding you can think of.

Buying a snowboard is a VERY important decision that could be the

◼

BLAST: Adam Begg carving some fresh snow.

difference between a good or bad holiday so don’t be lured purely by fancy graphics you may see on the internet.

Snowboard shops play an important part in our industry and the knowledge of the “shop staff” is not to be underestimated. These guys live, breathe and work snowboarding, plus also ride for fun too.

Staff that work in snowboard shops want to sell you the best board that suits you. They know every detail, technology and crazy term that snowboard companies use and can talk you through

Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 26

PHOTO: Steve Cuff

what it means and how that will help your riding.

Most stores offer a demo program to let you try before you buy. I highly recommend this once you have an idea of what you are looking for and test a few options to see what you like.

So, what are you waiting for? Head into your local snowboard store for the best advice, customer service and community that the internet can’t give you. Grab yourself a new sled and get out there and start having some of the best days of your life.

Make this winter a memorable one with new skis, snowboards, goggles and helmets to keep you looking stylish on the slopes.

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GIRO Jackson MIPS helmet and Axis VIVID goggles

ROSSIGNOL XV

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GIRO Ella VIVID women’s goggle $269.95

GIRO Range MIPS Graphite $399.95

GIRO Jackson MIPS midnight $269.95

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ROSSIGNOL Experience 8OW: Dimensions 123-80-113 - R15m.

Size cm: 144, 150, 158, 166, 174

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ROSSIGNOL Experience 84: Dimensions 126-84-116 - R15m.

Size cm: 152, 160, 168, 176, 184

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ROSSIGNOL Experience 88: Dimensions 127-88-117 - R16m.

Size cm: 159, 166, 173, 180, 187

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DYNASTAR Intense 4x4 82 Xpress: Dimensions 130-82-110, R=16m.

Incl LOOK Bindings. R/R $1,099.00

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DYNASTAR Speedzone 4x4 82 Pro: Dimensions 128-82-112, R = 16m.

Incl LOOK SPX 12 bindings. R/R $1,449.00

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NORDICA Enforcer 100: Dimensions 133-100-121. Size cm: 169, 177, 185, 193.

Available in 88, 93, 100, 104, 110 and 115mm platforms

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ELAN Ripstick 96 Black Edition: Dimensions 134-96-113 Size cm: 167, 174, 181, 188 R/R $1199.00 Flat

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STOCKLI Stormrider 95: Dimensions 131-95-120 Size cm: 157,166, 175,184

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STOCKLI Stormrider 88: Dimensions: 128-88-114 Size cm: 168,177,186

ROME Warden R/R $599.00

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GIRO Axis VIVID google $269.95

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ROME Agent R/R $699.00

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LANGE SX 90 W R/R $649.00

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LANGE RX 120 R/R $799.00

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KASTLE Junior JX68 and KX66: JX 68 Size cm: 125, 133, 141. KX 66 Size cm: 70, 80, 90

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ROME Crux Binding R/R $369.00

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KASTLE Vogue (new ski women): Dimensions 115 – 73 – 99. R13m 3 S Size ec cm:: 140, 40, 148, 48, 156, 56, 164 64

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KASTLE DX 85 (new ski): Dimensions 126-85-109 R14.5m. Size cm: 160, 168, 176

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STOCKLI Laser AX: Dimensions 124-78-111. Size cm: 154, 161, 168, 175, 182

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KASTLE MX 99: Dimensions 135-99-120 R16.4m. Size cm: 160, 168, 176, 184

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STOCKLI Laser AR: New for 2019. Dimensions 130-83-112

Kastle Skis Bumps Ski & Surf (Melbourne) Snowbound (Sydney) Harro’s Snowsports (Lake Crackenback NSW)

Dynastar Skis + Rome Snowboards + Lange Boots Contact Future Sport for stockists 02 4365 1838 or email info@futuresport.com.au

Elan Skis See store locator www.elanskis.com

Rossignol Skis + Snowboards See store locator www.rossignol.com

Stockli Skis Visit www.stoeckli.com.au Nordica Skis

www.nordica.com Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 27

“MT BULLER & BASE OF BULLER” 23 Years - “Leading The Way”

Bella Vista | 15 Summit Road, Mt Buller

3 2 1 Apartments From $1,000,000 Display Apartment Now Open | Building Complete Move In Opening Weekend Bella Vista is an exclusive selection of luxury apartments offering 180 degrees of stunning panoramic views to Mount Stirling & what we will always call Shakey Knees. Located for convenience and stunning views. Walk to Bourke Street from the top entrance or ski across to Shakey Knees. These bigger than your average apartments are designed to take in the breathtaking views. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom north facing apartments with spacious designs from 138 m2 - 148.2 m2 plus functional balconies. State of the art kitchens with stone benchtops and Miele appliances. Large living with timber lined feature walls, gas fireplace, magnificent views. Huge master bedroom with walk-in, feature bath & separate shower.

Second & third bedrooms will easily fit a king bed & king singles. Large laundry & drying room. Hydronic heating. Garage Parking and lift access.

Abom 5/16 Athletes Walk, Mt Buller 2 2 1 $850,000 Prime Bourke Street Location Abom Apartment 5 is located within a boutique building of 6 apartments.

Facing Bourke Street with two bedrooms plus a mezzanine for a retreat or occasional guests. Large open plan living, dining and kitchen. Master bedroom with En-suite. Family bathroom with laundry facilities. Top floor has the mezzanine area with a fold out couch and a further 2nd bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 bunk. Abom Apartments is right in the heart of the action on Bourke Street with ski in and ski out access Can be rented through the management of the adjoining Abom Hotel. This property represents great value able to sleep 6-8 people in one of the best locations. Being sold fully furnished. 4WD parking on site.

Kabuki 4/17 Chamois Road, Mt Buller 3 3 1 Contact Agent For Price Kabuki Townhouse - Ready For Winter 2019 Impressive apartment in prime position with easy access to Bourke Street.

Large open-plan living and dining featuring a gas fireplace with rock surround & timber mantel piece. Master bedroom with En-suite. All 3 bedrooms with fantastic natural light and BIR. Substantial family bathroom with separate powder room for guests. Balcony with spectacular mountain views towards the Bluff and plenty of space to entertain on bluebird days. Laundry, drying room, ample ski storage with a ski cupboard in foyer and private owner’s storage in basement. Heating with Dial-Up connectivity. Garage Car Park & Low Outgoings. Fully Furnished.

The Peak 201/1 Stirling Road, Mt Buller 2 1 1 $549,000 Two Bedroom With Garage Parking Centrally located The Peak apartment building is directly opposite the top of the Chamois chairlift with only a short walk to the village. North facing open plan living with a full-length balcony. 2 spacious sunlit bedrooms with BIR. Modern family bathroom. Excellent drying facilities. European laundry with quality appliances. Being offered fully furnished. On-title garage carpark and lift access to all floors. Ski in & out from Chamois and use the new Canyon lift ready for the 2019 season, taking you to Standard Run and to the rest of the mountain. Drive up the mountain, park undercover and hit the slopes!

Reindeer 1/32 The Avenue, Mt Buller 3 2 1 $960,000 Reindeer Apartment Seconds To Bourke Street Impressive apartment in prime position with easy access to Bourke Street.

Large open-plan living and dining featuring a gas fireplace with rock surround & timber mantel piece. Master bedroom with En-suite. All 3 bedrooms with fantastic natural light and BIR. Substantial family bathroom with separate powder room for guests. Balcony with spectacular mountain views towards the Bluff and plenty of space to entertain on bluebird days. Laundry, drying room, ample ski storage with a ski cupboard in foyer and private owner’s storage in basement. Heating with Dial-Up connectivity. Garage Car Park & Low Outgoings. Fully Furnished.

Christiana 8/1 Breathtaker Road, Mt Buller 3 3 1 $1,125,000 Penthouse With Stylish Renovation Fully renovated 3-bedroom quality penthouse in the Christiana building. A beautiful apartment just over a minute’s walk to Bourke St and with ski out access to Standard Run just 50 metres away. Kitchen with stone benchtops and matte black cabinetry with quality appliances. A meticulously styled open plan living and dining area. Gas fireplace with rock surround and banquette seating. All 3 bedrooms feature BIR and Ensuites. Upstairs bedroom is large enough to sleep 6 comfortably and with a decent sized TV area used as a second living space. Underfloor heating in bathrooms and kitchen. European laundry & drying cupboard. Private ski storage room in the main foyer. Ample storage in the apartment. On-title carpark. Fully furnished ready to move in.

Arlberg 15/45 Summit Road, Mt Buller 1/2 1 1 $530,000 Overlooking Bourke St With Garage Parking & Low Outgoings Spacious fully furnished apartment with two distinct sleeping areas for a family of 6. Overall being the size of a two-bedroom apartment. 2 bunk beds and a queen size bed. The living area has two couches, a dining table and fully equipped kitchen. Opening out to a fantastic semi enclosed balcony right on Bourke St to watch the skiers go by. Bathroom with spa bath, shower and toilet. This apartment has a fully fitted laundry, drying area and ski storage. Free to use whenever you wish and may be offered for rent through the hotel. Use of all the Arlberg facilities: Restaurant, ski hire, boutique and reception for your paying guests. Offered fully furnished and includes an on-title garage car park.

MARK ADAMS 0419 858 007

WWW.MARKADAMS.COM.AU Alpine News Winter Planner - 2019 - 28

ZACH ADAMS 0437 199 500