This Week in Falls Creek & Mount Beauty - 8 September 2023

Pic – FCSL (Royce/Arthur/Matthews)

Left: Key personnel at the opening of the new school building on July 1, 1985.

From left: Liberal Party member for Benambra, Tony Plowman; teacher Greg Ross, Admin officer, Carol Bartholomew and President of the Bob Scott Memorial Hall committee, Dick Humphreys. Pic – Courtesy Falls Creek Museum

Right: Pete the Snowdragon entertaining kids on the slopes – also on September 1st. Pic – FCSL (Royce/Arthur/Matthews)

WINTER EDITION FOURTEEN

IT TAKES A VILLAGE From the Chief Operating Officer

Round One - Falls Creek

The National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.

Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August.

The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.

Inever cease to wonder at how different each snow season can be. There are so many variables, none the least the amount of snow and people who come to work and the many more who come to visit. However, the constant with Falls Creek is that it has a tribe of people, who live, work and play year-round at Falls Creek, who form what I’d call the backbone of the resort. These people aren’t seasonals, they live here year-round. The beauty of having a growing and increasingly vibrant green season makes the diversity of this group of people unique, but the core of this community are those individuals who call Falls Creek home. Not to say the diaspora of ‘villagers’ aren’t relevant, as many periodically live here too, just not permanently.

A example of this was during COVID when ‘lockdowns’ occurred, Falls Creek would have up to 2000 people bunkering down after ‘escaping’ Melbourne and surrounds and ‘heading to the hills’ to get away from it all. Guess we could say we truly are a ‘haven’, but I prefer paradise! Our little economy in winter is worth circa $500m (the three large Victorian Alpine resorts circa $1.5bn!!!) to the regional economy of Northeast Victoria, Falls Creek alone and its associated businesses employs over 1500-1800 people. Between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, we jointly account for some 25% of the visitation to Northeast Victoria, with almost the same proportion of jobs attributable to the economies of the resorts and the surrounding businesses they help contribute to. These are not inconsequential numbers and with the green season now also adding significantly to the vibrancy of the region and supporting the growth of regional towns

Round One of the GE National Series will be staged this weekend, beginning with practice sessions from 11am Friday. During the course of the weekend, several of the trails will be closed to general riders although Blue Dirt will have shuttles running on Friday from 11am to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Cost is $50 per day or $90 for 2 days. Go to www.bluedirt. com.au to book. On Sunday the trails will be closed to the general public, but will progressively open as the different sections of the event are completed. Pretty Valley Road will also have closures and be subject to delays should anyone be travelling back from the horse yards or Pretty Valley Pondage. Now this Gravity Enduro is a different sort of mountain bike racing to what we know as Downhill or Cross Country. The Gravity Enduro is both. The athletes will start with a warm up ride from Slalom Plaza, out the Bogong High Plains Road, up the Pretty Valley Road and then across to the Trig

and villages become year-round destinations and communities, like Falls Creek.

RESORT ENTRY PERMITS

Open by Appointment

WHEN THE BRIGHT YELLOW FLAGS ARE OUT

– WE’RE OPEN Usual Hours 12noon – 4pm

For Groups, Clubs etc

Like any town, or village, community facilities are essential. None more so than a school. The Falls Creek primary school, this year celebrates 50 years of educating the local kids. Its history could fill the pages of a book, so too the many children who’ve been educated there, be it year round, or during the snow season. There’s been no shortage of exceptional athletes that have gone on to represent the country on the world stage. But its genesis and establishment was the result of some hearty locals persisting, pestering and lobbying for their children and their rights to a quality education back in 1972 (and slightly pre that too). A legacy of those pioneers is the continued involvement today by the parents, in the activities and operation of the school, making it as unique as Falls Creek itself. A special celebration is being held on September 14th, with many past and present faculty, students and parents attending to commemorate and congratulate all that the school has done for Falls Creek. If you’re curious, the Falls Creek Museum has established a small

No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.

Point on the Frying Pan Spur. The aim of the game is to ride each section no faster than the fastest time allowed, and no slower than the set slowest time. Then they do the competitive bit, before riding to the start of the next competitive bit without beating or exceeding the times permitted. At the time of going to print, the final course had not been set, but they look like taking in High Voltage and Wishing Well, then heading to Flowtown, completing that before heading to Thunderbolt and then to Generator and Vortex before finishing in Slalom Plaza. Sound like a pretty easy day!!

Phone: 03 5758 1200

Locate right beside the bottom station of Halley’s Comet Chairlift! Spend some time and take in the fabulous history that has earned this community so much respect!

The weekend’s program sort of goes like this. Saturday: 9am to 16:00 is compulsory practice. 10am to 18:30 is rider registration and Info Tent open. 17:00 to 17:30 is rider briefing. From 18:00 on there is a social evening at Last Hoot Restaurant and Bar in Slalom Plaza.

Please try to allow 24hours notice.

And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum.

4 Slalom Street, southern end of the Panabode building. Phone: 03 5758 1202 for further information

Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au

Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au

Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum

For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum

A Resort Entry Vehicle Permit is required for your vehicle when entering the resort between 10th June and 1st October 2023. The entrance to the resort is at Howman’s Gap, approximately 4km below the village. Permits can be pre-purchased and printed at home prior to arriving at the resort, or purchased at the resort entrance ticket office. The day rate is $56 if you purchase your entry permit on-line. An additional $7 applies to purchases at the ticket box. If arriving after 5pm and departing the resort prior to midnight on the same day, resort entry is free!

Season Entry Permits are available for purchase on-line for $550 and can be collected at Howman’s Gap Ticket Office or the Visitor Information Centre.

Resort Entry Fees fund the essential services of:

• Ski Patrol

• Water Supply

• Waste Management

• Car Parking

• Snow Clearing

• Visitor Information Services

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Pre-purchasing Resort Entry Tickets and printing at home makes it faster and easier for you to get in to the resort.

Visitor Information Centre

The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located upstairs in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort office, on the corner of Slalom Street and Snowgums Lane. Open Daily from 8am – 5pm for visitor information and gym memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1200.

Map Ref: E4

Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS)

Operating from the Terminal Building on Bogong High Plains Rd, the Accommodation Transfer service will transport you, your group and your luggage to your accommodation in the village. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the ATS terminal.

Hours of Operation: Saturday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm Fridays: 8am – 12 midnight

Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open for GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations. If you’re into biking and would like to enjoy some good action, be at Falls Creek this weekend. Further detail from 03 5758 1200. •

For More Information

St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.

For more details about Falls Creek Resort, please visit: www.fallscreek.com.au

are now closed to traffic.

Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon - Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old and is run by fully qualified educators and is eligible for government rebates.Booking is essential. Phone 03 5758 1244 or

Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends

activities, visit the Visitor Information Centre (above the Slalom Street Day Shelter) for maps and info. Open

For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level,

section in the museum commemorating the occasion, pop by for a look when the yellow flags are up.

Speaking of commemorating, about this time of year, I highlight the contributions of the ‘army’ of people who make Falls Creek happen. Very broadly, I’d like to thank – (in no particular order) : Subaru, Falls Creek Ski Lifts, Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, Falls Creek Alpine Association, YMCA, Sport and Recreation Victoria, DWA, AGL, Parks Victoria, Vic Roads, the Emergency Services – CFA, SES, VicPol, Ambulance Vic, Falls Creek Ski Patrol, Falls Creek Medical Centre, 4-Site, Tourism North East, The Falls Creek Historical Society, Falls Creek Race Club, Falls Creek Primary School, the Kangaroo Hoppet committee, Snow Australia, the Alpine Academy crew, our stakeholders, business operators, apartment owners, restaurateurs, and the entire cohort of staff across the resort, as well as those in the valley and the North East who promote the resort…(apologies to anyone inadvertently left out). You are all what makes our resort the greatest in Australia.

The success of the resort and great guest experiences are built on the hard work and dedication of you all. So, thank you.

On a slightly humorous note…I read with interest last week, that on good authority (a chat with a towie), one social media contributor stated that the snowmakers had ‘all gone home’, so the season was over, doomed. I nearly rolled off the couch with laughter, as if on cue, the very next day, the guns were blazing. Guess what, these guys live here, or just off the hill, they are a part of our community. In any case, if you met one of these legends, or the crew that are part of the incredible ‘invisibles’ team, shout them a beverage or at least a hearty thanks.

These guys and gals are working incredibly hard and often during unsociable hours to give you the very best product in Australia!

The Winter blues are normal. You don’t have to face it alone. Meet new Mental Health Clinician Leah Walker, supporting Falls Creek Staff and Locals for the remainder of the season.

Where: Wellbeing Room in the FCAR Admin Day Shelter

When: 10am-3pm, every second Thursday from 14/9 Book: Stop by for a chat or phone 0499 806 691 or email leah.walker@each.com.au

Drovers was still looking pretty good last Friday 1st September. Pic – FCSL (Royce/Arthur/Matthews)

DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA

Fab Fund Raiser

Generosity of spirit from one side provokes a response in kind from the other side

We often assume that something infectious is bad for our health. This was certainly the case during COVID! There are however a few things in life that are infectious in a positive way, and if you attended the DWA social and fundraiser event last Saturday evening at Powderkeg at Falls Creek, you’ll know exactly what I’m referring to.

Earlier on in the ski season, the DWA Falls Creek Resorts Services Team, made up of myself and Lincoln Budge, thought it would a good idea to have a social event, and raise a few dollars to put towards our new on-mountain facility in Slalom Plaza. Little did we realise that we would be overwhelmed by generosity, with more than forty businesses and organisations supporting us by donating their time, and more than 60 items in the form of goods

and services to the value of $18,000 that would be used as part of a raffle and auction as a way of raising funds.

When it come to the day of our social and fundraiser event, we managed to sell more than seven hundred raffle tickets, and have a room filled with passionate and giving people wanting to take part in what we thought would be a humble little event! The energy in the room was electric to say the least. Skiers, sit-skiers and snowboarders, friends and families, on-mountain staff, ski instructors and lifties, DWA volunteers and of course, those with disabilities. The room was filled with a generosity of spirit like never seen before. As a wise man once said, ‘Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.’

Thanks to the generosity of the businesses from Falls Creek, Mount Beauty and Melbourne, along with Jessie at Powderkeg, and the DWA crew that supported Lincoln and myself on the day, the event was a great success.

The success was not just in terms of fundraising, but also in terms of the social connections, the palpable desire to support the DWA Falls Creek community, along with the overwhelming sense that people from far and wide hold the DWA program at Falls Creek in high regard.

The event started off with a few words regarding DWA’s on-mountain program at Falls Creek, and not before long the auction bidding began! Thanks to humorous and talented craftsmanship of our infamous auctioneer Greg ‘Speedy’ Stroud, the local Falls Creek plumber, we auctioned off and gave away the 60+ items up for grabs.

In total, DWA raised $25,000 from raffle ticket sales and the auction… an incredible result for our first event.

As the DWA Board Member and Director Ross Passalaqua, who attended the fundraiser event, stated ‘when you see someone bid $1500 for a ride in a sit-ski, you know we’re doing something right.’ That someone was Marisa Campion, who currently resides in Falls Creek, normally

DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA

Sydney based, who so kindly outbid others in a bidding war on the night to secure a ride in a sit-ski. It was the likes of Marisa, along with others, that brought such an amazing and infectious energy to the room, and a generosity of spirit that made the day so memorable.

In addition to the above, we are also very grateful for the support we received from Nadine, Zac, Kristy, Leo, Izzi, Summer, Madi, Phoebe, Ava, Petar and Kate in the lead up and on the day of the event. Without you, Lincoln and I would have looked something akin to deer in headlights!

Those that attended the night brought such an amazing energy to the room, and turned what we thought would be a small gathering into something so much more. We felt such a community spirit in the room, and something that we hope to build upon in the seasons to come at Falls Creek. It’s our hope that we do justice in continuing to convey that support that comes in many form to our participants and their families in the years to come. As Desmond Tutu once said, ‘The generosity of spirit from one side provokes a response in kind from the other side.’

We are so fortunate at Falls Creek, with the newly acquired on-mountain facility located in Slalom Plaza, and the commitment from Falls Creek Resort Management to create the best accessible ski resort facilities in Australian for people affected by disabilities; and these funds raised will go a long way to bringing our vision to fruition.

Thank you again to all those that support the DWA, and on behalf of myself and Lincoln, and the participants and their families that benefit from the generosity shown by the Falls Creek community and beyond, we are so very grateful.

We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s social and fundraiser event! • Jeremy Limpens

A complete list of sponsors will appear in our next edition. Ed.

Bookings recommended

The key team making for a great night: auctioneer Speedy with DWA team Lincoln Budge, Izzi Limpens and dad, Jeremy Limpens. Pic – Courtesy DWA

GAY SKI WEEK

Good Times Continue

The Gay Ski Week Australia 2023 Festival is well underway and heading for it’s big finish this Saturday with Pride Day celebrations across the resort.

Tuesday marked changeover day, as guest numbers doubled. New arrivals joined those who were already here, forming a wonderfully diverse group hailing from various corners of the globe.

Traveller's from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne mingled with guests from South Australia, New Zealand, Canberra and even as far away as Canada, creating a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds and experiences.

Guests that arrived last week have enjoyed an incredible array of entertainment. Frock Hudson and DJ Cliterally kicked the festival off with Après last Friday. DJ Sugar Plump Fairy rocked PowederKeg Saturday night for

the fun Winter Onesieland Party. Sunday was celebrated with the Frosty Fruits Cabaret, and the Late Night Piano Bar with Cameron Thomas launched on Monday night.

There’s been two sessions of Cocktails & Karaoke to welcome new arrivals, with the St Falls Resort staff also showing their skills in front of the mic, as well as behind the bar!

Speaking of bar skills, a number of venues have created special cocktails for the ski week crowd.

Astra presented a gin based cocktail, the Love Potion. PowederKeg has their ‘Queer Quencher,’ and a swag of colourful offerings by Cloud 9 celebrated the special Après session on Wednesday.

There’s also been a couple of short film sessions where a colourful and diverse series of individually produced short’s where presented, offering both high hearted and some more serious snapshots of the LGBT+ communities and their lived experiences. These sessions were generously supported by Bendigo Queer Film Festival and Queer Screen (Sydney).

Thursday night was a special evening, with new local boutique “I Dream of Snow” presenting Freddie Merkin’s 80’s Trivia Night. A great night was had by all in attendance, with suitable prizes awarded to those who excelled in their knowledge of all things ‘eighties.’

Looking to this weekend, tonight at PowderKeg is Frock Hudson’s Alpine Antics, with camp fun entertainment from Frock, Cliterally and DJ Sugar Plump Fairy, a threesome of talent you won’t soon forget. Saturday is a wonderful celebration of Pride, diversity and inclusivity as the festival paints the mountain with rainbows! Lunch is at Cloud 9 with DJ Cliterally doing a 1 hour lunch set, with Freddie Merkin popping up between pizza’s to strut their stuff.

After lunch guests, all deck themselves out in rainbow colours, flags and even speedo’s on display (weather permitting) as they go cruising around the resort, celebrating and revelling in the joy that comes with your love of snow! Final tickets for Friday and Saturday’s events are available from pointsofdifference. com/snow, or enjoy FREE entry after 8pm on both nights at PowederKeg. •

Gay Ski Week Australia 2023 @ Falls Creek Resort #itsnotjustforthegays

DJ Cliterally lets it rip on the piano at Lakeside. Pic – Courtesy GSWA

Falls Creek

Oktoberfest is back for 2023

Spring is well and truly here at Falls Creek and with it comes a number of emotions, goggle tans and of course events. Pull out your Lederhosen, dust off your Dirndl because it is time celebrate Oktoberfest at Falls Creek.

Organised and run by members of the Falls Creek Tennis and Social Club this is the third inception of Oktoberfest at Falls Creek in recent history. The day is not only one to dress up, drink up and enjoy bratwurst and pulled pork (hot off the spit) but to support the Falls Creek Tennis and Social Club in raising revenue to go towards upgrades of the tennis courts, pump track and pizza oven facilities in the Village Bowl (just to name a few). Easter Sunday at Falls Creek would just not be the same if the Tennis and Social Club were not hosting the Easter egg hunt and famous egg toss competition. The Falls Creek Tennis and Social Club is run by volunteers from the local community. A yearly membership (single or family) offers access to a range of free activities over the summer months, invitations to community events and of course discounted food and drink at Oktoberfest.

So come and join us for great food, beer, wine and an afternoon of fun in the Village Bowl.

Date: Saturday 16th September 2023.

Time: 12pm - 6pm. Location: Village Bowl. •

Falls Creek Primary

As a very young resort, more technically described as a ski village or ski community, Falls Creek comprised quite a few young families. As such, schooling was going to be an issue. Therefore, as is quite the standard for small communities, everyone got together and started raising money with express purpose of establishing a school in the village. Early students in the first year were: Mark Steven, Katie Steven, Debra Humphreys, Danielle Humphreys, Regina Losch, Chris Losch, Victoria Losch, Steve Lee, Tracy Lee, Murielle Paviet, Matthew Dobson, Michelle Caddie, Julie Smith, Lisa Tanner, Sue Heberle, Chris Heberle and Scott Caddie. That’s 17 kids that needed a school.

As a result of some dedicated hard work, an ex SEC Aluminium shed was erected on the site and the school opened mid-year 1972. To celebrate this significant achievement, friends, past students, teachers and families will be gathering at the Falls Creek Hotel, next Thursday afternoon.

If you would like to be involved, scan the QR Code and register. The event is free, but the Registration will help with numbers. •

ALTITUDE AND ELEVATION

Points of Difference

Someone recently asked me what altitude Falls Creek sat at in comparison to other ski resorts. I didn’t have the answer to hand but had a vague idea of the statistics, so did some googling. As always, google gave me a warm welcome to the rabbit hole called research and then bid me goodbye for the next few hours of my life. We all know that information is not always accurate online, that some websites pick and choose their information to suit a need or a point of view. I have no idea what need, or viewpoint, was in contention in regard to Falls Creeks elevation, but I came across five different statistics before getting irritated at the variations and beginning my

Falls Creek

Open 8am – 7pm Daily

• Extensive grocery range

• Bottle shop: beer, wine, spirits

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Hot pies and sausage rolls

• Heat and eat meals

• Phone re-charge

• ATM

• Newspapers and magazines

Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Phone: 5758 3009

For pick and pack deliveries please visit www.foodworkshighcountry.com.au

research into the elevation of Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Thredbo and Perisher. Apparently, Mt Buller also suffers from the same affliction as Falls Creek regarding varied data and it was making me a little cross as I was looking for a quick and easy answer rather than finding myself distracted from work for several hours on end due to a suitable answer not being readily accessible. So, when in doubt, go to the source. That is what my thesis supervisor always used to tell me. Therefore, I picked up the phone and spoke with Katie at Resort Management. The conversation went something like this…

NF: Katie, what is the village elevation of Falls Creek?

Katie: Well Nyree, it depends where in the village you are… Slalom Plaza is at 1550 metres above sea level, but the village bowl is higher again. When you first enter Falls it is lower than the Plaza.

NF: Yeah, but I think the village starts at the Gully car park… because that’s where the first buildings are (plus it’s where Race Club is!). What do you think?

Katie: how about I get you the elevations for the Gully, the Bowl and the Plaza and then you can decide?

I only thought about where Howman’s Gap fits into all this after ending the conversation with Katie. Is Howman’s Gap really the start of the Falls Creek Village? What about all the buildings down there? CAN.OF.WORMS!

Why was I interested in the altitude of Australia’s various alpine resorts? Because last year I was working with French brand Coast & Valley to design an Australian Alps series of cushions and I didn’t want to print inaccurate information on the creations.

Exasperatingly, my friend Bronwyn Wruck from Attunga who is a retired pilot explained to me that while the phrase I ended up going with, ‘it’s all about your altitude,’ is clever, it’s an inaccurate description because elevation refers to the height of a point on Earth's surface above mean sea level while altitude refers to the vertical distance of a point or object above a reference level, which can be mean sea level or ground level, depending on the context. Accurate definitions like this matter to pilots… not so much to me when trying to come up with witticisms for cushions.

Interestingly, I also found that Zermatt in Switzerland is at the same elevation as Falls Creek… it’s just a hell of a lot colder over

there in winter. Have a great week and see you in store! •

Cheers, Nyree www.idreamofsnow.com

Above Foodworks, through the public seating, head towards the bathrooms & up the short flight of stairs.

For your reference, the high water mark of Rocky Valley Dam is 1600 metre above sea level.

The Race Lines (or aqueducts) that take the run off above the aqueduct and feed it back in to the lake have a fall rate of one in 300. i.e. While they appear almost flat, they can’t be because the water flows to the lake. The Race Line above the village is about 4km long (4000 metres). With the lake end of the aqueduct being at 1600 metres ASL, the Wishing Well end would be at about 1613.3 metres ASL.

ALTITUDE AND ELEVATION

Interestingly, the high water mark of Pretty Valley Pondage is actually higher at 1640 metres ASL than that of Rocky Valley Dam and when not generating power, the water from Pretty Valley flows, via the tunnels, into Rocky Valley. The Cope Saddle Aqueducts that serve Pretty Valley are at about 1650 metres ASL.

Another point of interest is that the road to Falls Creek, as it leaves Mount Beauty and passes the golf course on the left is at an altitude of 400 metres ASL. Rocky Valley Dam at Falls is at 1600 metres ASL – giving us a 1200 metre difference. As a rule of thumb, on those stinking hot summer days, the temperature difference is about 1°C per hundred metres as you go up. Therefore on a 40°C day in the valley, the temperature on the high plains would be about a comfortable 28°C. Nice for a summer holiday. •

FEATURE PROPERTY

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Cope Saddle Hut at the Cope Saddle Aqueducts sits at an elevation of 1650 metres ASL. Pic – Ken Bell

Let’s Go Ski

A

Some of my favourite spring-time activities - going crust skiing early in the morning, exploring parts of the high plains that you don’t usually get to see during the winter, spotting the various huts, learning the names of the different knolls and mountains on the vast horizon, and overall just making the most of the sunny warm days by ticking off bucket list items in this beautiful snowy location.

Altitude

Altitude Physiotherapy & Massage Frueauf Village (below Ory's) BOOK ONLINE: www.altitude.physio PHONE: 5758 3766 Falls Creek

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:

Hard Waste Collection

Falls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day.

Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. •

Summer Debrief

s the snow is starting to melt away on the cross country trails it’s time to go finding our adventures in other ways here at Falls Creek.It’s days like that where you begin to feel that you could simply stay out there from dawn till dusk, if only it weren’t for our fatiguing muscles! It was days like this that have always made me want to train and prepare for a full day of skiing like that, and luckily enough this season I got to do just that when Katerina Paul and I set out to double pole 100kms in one go among the trails of Falls Creek. While the main reason for taking on this feat was for the love of the sport and challenge of the adventure, we had added motivation to train for this distance being Ski Classics athletes. The Ski Classic series has upwards of 700kms of racing throughout the season, with the 90km Vasalloppet race in Sweden being a main goal event for both of us. We set out at 6am and got the hardest hills out of the way by heading up to Mt McKay while the sun slowly rose around us until we were enveloped by a sea of stunning orange light and flashes of white dust across our faces as the icy wind scraped across our faces. Despite the wind, the sunrise was well worth the morning climb and the sacrifice in speed for the first 2hrs while we waded through the harsh but awe striking conditions.

It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.

A Life to Remember

A celebration of Lyn’s Life will take place on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some

and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. and it is understood that members of Lyn’s

Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity

Sunday 28th May 5pm

Mount Beauty Information Centre Auditorium. BYO drinks and nibbles.

Tickets: Mount BeautyNewsagency

Ph: 5754 4204

$25, $20 (members), $10 (students)

for

P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y Got Andrew Ph: Em:

2023 WINTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & RATES

Ed 15 * 15.09.23 * Oakley Freestyle Series - Bandwagon Banked Slalom 16th & The Dreamer 17th (C)

Ed 16 * 22.09.23 * End of Season Pond Skim and Oktoberfest. Summer Activities & Ignition. (C)

ADVERTISING RATES:

DISPLAY:

• 1 column (6cm wide) = $16.00 per cm. 4cp = $21.00 per cm.

Affordable

Ed 1 * 03.11.23 * Summer 23 – 24 Edition One. Cup Weekend. Ignition MTB Festival. Remembrance Day

Ed 2 * 17.11. * Summer 23 – 24 Edition Two. Ignition MTB Festival. Christmas Shopping Program (C)

skiing in your own backyard!

• 2 column (12.5cm wide) = $26.00 per cm. 4cp = $37.00 per cm.

• 3 column (19cm wide) =

WHERE

CLASSIFIEDS:

DISTRIBUTION:

• All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.

ONLINE:

• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/

WEBSITE:

• www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au

Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell. BUSINESS

ENQUIRIES

Kiewa

CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

energy from the initial rush of the morning, and warming up under the sun was making us both a little bit sleepy and delirious, which is when the more unhinged and eccentric conversations tended to take place. We left it very fine to make it back to our back-packs which were full of several types of drink and food refills, which meant we both majorly got the giggles and the “oopsies”, tripping over in the uneven windblown tracks several times before we got some more sugar into us. By this time the sun was in full boar, zinc was being reapplied hourly, and the skiing was getting easier in some ways, but harder in others. The grooming was done very well the night before, but of course due to the high wind blowing over the tracks the previous night and the hot sun softening things up during the day, there was no quick and cruisy - are we going to be able to do this. Nothing would have let these conditions get us down at that point though. We were having the time of our life. In fact, if there was ever a brief silence between us (which was rare), it would always be because we were admiring the fact we were out there on this day and regularly proclaiming, “this is what it’s all about.” We seemed to interpret that phrase more profoundly as each 10kms passed, almost as if it were our religion.

FOR SALE

Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.

Cane Armchair and footstool. $30. Six metal framed dining chairs upholstered in burgundy vinyl $30. Ph: 0477 443 964.

Championship Billiard Table 12x6’ excellent condition complete with Belgian equipment, cover and light. Handcrafted by ACE Billiard Tables for Kasman Billiards. One owner. $5500 ono. Ph: 0414 318 043. Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.

Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, $200 or best offer. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything. Ph: 0400 350 488.

ARBORISTS

A fully insured, GST Registered, ethically minded local business. Alpine Valley Arborists. Call Kane 0428 287 814 or Hayley 0427 272 777 – for all things trees!

ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE

Frueauf Village (below Ory’s Falls Creek), Ground Floor, Room 2, 43 Schuss St Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@altitude.physio

BONNIE LUVE BEAUTY

Exciting new business opening in Yackandandah and servicing the Upper Kiewa Valley, Bright and Myrtleford. Offering services such as Massage, Waxing and Lash and Brow Tints. In the coming weeks Facials, Body Treatments and Nails will be available also. Call Bree on 0438 680 440.

BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE

Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125.

BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.

CAKE MAKING & DECORATING

Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: hello@studioecakes.com.au

CAR DETAILING

Give Steve a call in Tawonga South. Ph: 0423 499 086.

CARPET CLEANING

Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0410 480 697.

CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

At about the 50km mark we started to see the majority of local skiers on the trails, and we started to realise that word had gotten around about what we were doing. We didn’t understand how the word was spread, or how they knew exactly how many km’s we seemed to be up to each time they saw us, but the immense positivity, support, and encouragement along the way really livened our spirits and was something that Kat and I both cherished from the community that gives us so much. We were even lucky enough to have some people go

RATED FIVE STARS ON AUSTRALIA247

(https://australia247.info/)

ARIEL'S LAUNDRETTE

OPEN: 8am - 8pm weekdays 9am - 7pm weekends & Public Holidays

41 Bogong High Plains Road, Mount Beauty · Ph: 0400 350 488

TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS

VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS

Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $6 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones (Personal Trainer). Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)

POSITION VACANT

Public Relations and Social Media Manager - Traverse Alpine Group. An outstanding opportunity has become available for a talented and creative Social Media & Public Relations Manager to join the Traverse Alpine Group Family. If you have a passion for the alpine environment, and love to work in a fast paced and dynamic role, please visit the TAG website: https://traversealpinegroup.com.au/join-our-team/

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES

Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862

CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL

Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au

COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES

I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www. idreamofsnow.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Altitude Electrical – no job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc Mb: 0419 801 109.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Electrik Charge – Cade Piera – Licensed Local Electrician. Mb: 0400 827 060.

FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK

Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.

HAIRDRESSER

Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.

LANDSCAPING

Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532.

out of their way to join us for a few kms here and there, which was greatly welcomed in those last 30kms especially, as our arms were getting very tired and in-need of distraction!

We eventually crossed over the 100km mark after 8.5 hours, which was a great feeling after not knowing how our form would hold up as the hours went on, and we found that we were able to maintain our form reasonably well the whole way due to choosing our route tactically and preparing our fuel and hydration appropriately.

WELCOME TO ❀ SPRING ❀

Time to get plan work around the home. Hardware, Homewares, Workwear, Clothing, Boots, Garden gear, Gifts & Outdoor supplies! Gift vouchers and free gift wrapping available.

Mount Beauty Hardware & Drapery Store

Mon – Fri: 9am 5:30pm

Saturday: 9am 4pm Sun & Public Hols: 9am –2pm

12 – 14 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty Ph: 03 5754 1999

GARDENING TIP

I was digging a hole in the garden when I found some gold coins. I was about to run and tell my wife, then I remembered why I was digging the hole...!

MISSING BOOK

A hard-bound copy of Dr Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis titled ‘The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985’ was given to this community in the care of the late Bill Sutton. It has been loaned out –and not returned. This is a vital piece of the history of this area and it would be fabulous to have it returned. If you are going through your old bookshelves, keep an eye out for it. Fortunately your Editor has obtained a Digital Copy form the Melbourne University for reference. Any news, please call 0400 350 488.

LD’S HOME PET CARE

Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695.

LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN

Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com

PAINTING SERVICES

Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial.

Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.

PILATES

Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660.

PROPERTY INSURANCE

With over 15 years experience as Alpine Industry Insurance Brokers, we are very happy to help you and your business. Call Tim on 0429 852 452, or Em: tclarke@northeastib. com.au

SPORTS MASSAGE

Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au

STORAGE

Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com

TECH SUPPORT

For anything tech related home or business, call Ray! Ph: 0412 812 263 or Em: ray@raystechsupport.com

CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

Astonishingly we both actually felt amazing the next day and we were able to continue training as usual with a solid ski and gym session together, still with plenty more to keep talking about! I can’t say the same about our energy levels the day after… but it was still a really good lesson in how when you eat enough, drink enough, keep your heart rate at the right intensity, and ensure your skin is being protected from the sun, you can really save yourself a massive amount of recovery time. Both Kat and I would do this ski again in a heartbeat, and we think it’s so awesome and special to have such a good trail network in Australia to be able to do such a thing with minimal trail repetition. This place is truly one of a kind.

▼ Falls Creek

A

Pic – Courtesy Ella

If you would like to see some footage from the day Kat has made a great YouTube Vlog which you can check out here: http://tinyurl.com/ xcfalls100 • Ella Jackson

MEDICAL SERVICES

WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.

WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)

HOW Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day! 24 Hours for Emergencies

WHO General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.

WHAT First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 37 years experience.

Mount Beauty ▼

WHERE Tawonga Crescent.

WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.

HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments

WHO Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cussen, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson, Andrew Mason, Jacinta O'Niell & Matthew McAlpine.

WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 43 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.

“You’ve only got one head – put a lid on it!”

VILLAGE DIRECTORY

WHAT'S ON IN 2023

COVID-19 Restriction changes and weather may impact some of these events. Please check with the organiser for the most up-to-date information.

SEP 9, 16 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park 23, 30 beside the library in Lakeside Avenue. All Welcome. Enquiries to 03 5754 1118. No Park Run on 26th because of Hoppet.

SEP 1-10 Gay Ski Week Australia. Refer Advert and article in this publication.

SEP 14 RUOK Day. Mount Beauty Chamber hosting a BBQ at Tawonga South Butchery 12noon to 2pm. Local business owners invited.

SEP 14 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Falls Creek Primary School.

SEP 15 Start Victorian School Holidays.

SEP 15 Alpine Blue Light Disco 6:30 – 9pm Mount Beauty Community Centre. For Primary students.

SEP 30 SES End of Season BBQ Lunch at the Falls Creek Hotel, 12:30 start followed by the Grand Final.

OCT 7 Mount Beauty Writers Festival. West Peak Hotel. More detail in next editions.

AND FOR SUMMER...

NOV 17-19 Ignition Mountain Bike Festival – The start of the mountain bike season at Falls Creek. https://bluedirt.com.au/ignition-mtb-seasonopener/

NOV 25-26 Alpine Challenge – Running the High Plains with distances from 30km to 160km. https:// www.runningwild.net.au/alpine-runs/alpinechallenge.html

DEC 9-10 Fox Superflow MTB Competition @ Falls Creek.

For further details on coming events, got to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/

pretty happy pair, Kat Paul and Ella Jackson, after their enormous 100km ski – a credit to them both.