billy carts and other summer fun

Every year there seem to be more summer activities at Falls. This year has plenty lined up.

• Christmas Carols 24/12
• The Summit chair will be running for walkers, sightseers and mountain bikes from 27 Dec to 3 Jan. Day passes $20 adults, $12 kids. Single rides $11 and $7. Kids under 5 are free.
• Cricket Match in the Nordic Bowl 26 Dec
• Kids Club summer activities every day from 27 Dec to 30 Jan. (Kids must be accompained by parent or guardian).
• Outdoor cinema on 27 Dec and Wed nights
  
• celebrate indigenous music and culture at the Big Fella Festival Jan 2
• Billy Cart Derby Jan 9 - cart inspection 9-10, racing from 10:30. Limited numbers so register early.
• Bush Bash Jan 9 in the Village Bowl
• Taste of Falls Creek 16-17 Jan
  
• Dragon Boat Races 23-24 Jan

And not forgetting

• Mountain bike hire from The Board Lounge at St Falls (Quay West)
• Falls Creek Sports sale 27 Dec - 3 Jan
• New Year's Eve parties at various bars and restaurants
• Guided walks, the Alpine Wild Walk shuttle, Sunset tours - for bookings and times call 1800 2 FALLS

More information and Billy Cart Derby entry forms available at http://www.fallscreek.com.au

mountain muster - mingle with the other club lodges

The Falls Creek Alpine Association is organising The Mountain Muster on 16-17th January, the same weekend as Taste of Falls Creek.

It kicks off on Saturday night with a meeting/dinner at the Myrtleford Ski Club (Falls Creek) commencing at 5pm. The guest speaker will be Chris Derrick, General Manager Operations, FCRM.

The meeting will be followed by a BYO meat/salads BBQ. Wine will be provided. 

On Sunday you can join the lodge walk-about. It will commence at 10.00 am at Carey Alpine Club. It's a rare opportunity to look through participating flats/lodges.

RSVP by latest Wednesday 14 January to president(at)fcaa.org.au.

a mystery solved

We're not sure where Pete the Snow Dragon hides during the summer months at Falls Creek, but his friend Samara Tanton spends her time in Niseko's Hanazono resort with 'Kamonohasi' (the ninja platypus).  You can watch a video here.

Samara and Haruka Ito also deliver a clever bilingual Hanazono TV Daily Powder Report on conditions in that part of the Niseko resort.

Resort Management 2010 prices

FCRM have proposed the following prices for Season 2010

Resort Entry	2010 price
Day ticket (per day)	$32
Night entry (per day)	$32
Season’s pass	$270
Early bird season’s pass	$230

These rates require Ministerial approval.

The XC trail fees and oversnow prices have not yet been announced.

memberships available

In 2010 a small number of memberships will be available:

• up to 6 Full Memberships
• up to 8 Intermediate or Junior Memberships

Anyone who wishes to apply for a membership in any category should fill in an application for consideration in February 2010. To download a membership application and get other information about membership of AAC Falls Creek, visit www.aacfallscreek.com

locker policy

A locker policy has been implemented to make best use of the lockers available at the Falls Creek Huette. The next stage in implementing the policy is the introduction of a $10 Locker Fee from 2010. If you have a locker, you can expect an invoice for this fee.

The Locker Policy in full:

AAC Falls Creek
Policy : Lockers
Date : November 2009
Objective:
To allow the equitable use of the 98 lockers across the membership and to allow the responsible transfer of use of the lockers as a club asset occupying space in the FC Huette.
In general:

• 1 membership debenture will entitle the debenture holder to a request for 1 locker.
• Lockers will be returned to the club on relinquishing a debenture.
• Lockers will be transferred with the debenture if the debenture is transferred to a family member.

Records:
The committee will maintain a register of lockers with Member Names and Debenture Numbers. To be reviewed annually at the Working B and/or the Committee weekend.
If a locker is unclaimed then it will be reallocated by the locker sub committee or the full committee.
Initial Implementation:
A $50 credit against future locker fees will be attributed to each member holding a locker as at 2000 as per the register held at that time and still a financial member.
Implementation:
From calendar year 2010, additional invoices will be sent to each member for the sum of the “Locker Fee” for each locker held.
As at 2010 the “Locker Fee” is set at $10 p.a.
Review: this policy is subject to Committee review from time to time.

bookings closure over Christmas

Bookings will be closed for AAC Falls Creek from Thursday 24 December, re-opening Monday 4 January

new rates have been set for 2010

The committee has agreed rates for Falls Creek Huette for 2010. As the Treasurer's Report explains, the increase will allow us to start the planned building works.

The new Falls Creek rates can be viewed at the www.aacfallscreek.com website.

Treasurer's Report

The Club has again performed well from a financial standpoint in 2009.Your Committee has taken the view that if we are to have adequate funding to be able to undertake the substantial redevelopment of the lodge that is required for our Lease renewal, the Club had to be able to operate at a recurrent profit for years in advance of major works being undertaken.To this end the rates for subscription, accommodation, both Winter and Summer including guest rates, must increase a little ahead of inflation in order to ensure that we are able to commence the major project that will include the re securing of our Alpine Lease.Occupancy rates are higher now that the "Blog" has been able to show when rooms are available and our Summer bookings are increasing steadily as Falls Creek increases its attractions in the high Summer period.  

The Committee is pleased to advise that the Club has again delivered a strong "cash" profit,  but this will be reduced as a "reported" profit after capital items and depreciation are deducted. However, our bank balance has increased strongly in the year and broadly speaking we are optimistic about the likely financial position for 2010.

DW Stogdale
Treasurer

fox baiting around Falls Creek

Parks Victoria are continuing their programme of fox baiting to protect native fauna, including the mountain pygmy possum. Baits will be laid in the Alpine National Park and some parts of the Alpine Resort area. Of course, dogs are not allowed in the National Park, but anyone with dogs in the area needs to be aware of the risks. Parks Victoria have provided the following information.

• Baiting will continue through to the 30th June 2010. 
• Foxes may sometimes carry  baits to a different location and cache them (store them). These baits are still poisonous.
• 1080 may remain active in poisoned animals and/or baits for several weeks dependent on prevailing environmental conditions.
• Your animals may be poisoned if they eat baits or carcasses of poisoned animals. It is unusual for domestic pets to ravage fox carcasses.
• Steps (eg. muzzling, restraint) need to be taken to ensure that domestic dogs do not gain access to 1080 pest animal baits or poisoned animals.
• Closely monitor the health and behaviour of your domestic pets. If you notice any unusual or uncharacteristic behaviour contact your local veterinarian immediately. Do not disturb sand mounds or bait stations.
• A map of bait stations is also available
  

For more information on fox baiting at Falls Creek, contact Iris Curran from Parks Victoria, Mt Beauty on 03 5754 4693 or Ben Derrick from Resort Management on 03 5758 1235 or benderrick(at)fallscreek.com.au

dragon boat races

Dragon boat racing has been an important summer event at Falls Creek for a few years. It is a fund raiser and awareness raiser for the Cancer Council, as well as being a fun weekend. There are 6 titles up for grabs including the Club Lodge Challenge, Corporate Challenge and Women's Challenge.

If you are interested in an AAC Falls Creek team please reply to aacfallscreek(at)gmail.com You can also download an entry form and more information from Falls Creek website.

booking patterns for 2009

Booking numbers for winter 2009 have been tallied and analysed. This chart shows the weekly occupancy rates during the winter season. Weekends often pushed occupancy higher.

end of winter season resort survey

Falls Creek resort is now conducting a survey on the 2009 winter season. In addition to providing the resort with feedback, there is the incentive of entering a draw to win two five-day Adult lift passes at Falls Creek in 2010. To see or complete the survey, please click here.

end of winter

The lifts stopped turning at Falls Creek this afternoon and the official 2009 winter season has ended. In summary, the season had a great start, a fairly average middle period in August and finished with major snowfalls in the final week of the season, demonstrating once again that winter isn’t over at the end of August. A pleasing aspect of the 2009 winter season was the lift company providing some flexibility in their ticket pricing according to the snow conditions, with significant discounts offered at both the start and end of the season.

bookings
Bookings have been at record levels this season, despite what were sometimes ‘character building’ weather conditions. Details of our bookings during the season should be posted on this weblog soon. Thanks to lodge managers Greg and Jenny for all their hard work and wonderful hospitality during the season.

Falls Creek resort also shifts into its summer mode, with a series of events scheduled over the next few months. While we are members of a snowsports club because we participate in snowsports, some of us also like to use the lodge during the summer, often bringing a group of friends and family. Details of the summer bookings to date.

membership
Membership of AAC Falls Creek is currently ‘full,’ with a small waiting list. It is likely that a limited number of new members will be admitted in 2010 (both as full members and as intermediate or junior members).

lodge development plans
The AAC Falls Creek committee has also been considering lodge development plans associated with lease renewal and bushfire protection requirements. It is also in response to the views expressed in the membership survey conducted at the end of last season. In the spirit of ‘continuous improvement’ this will include a renovation of the dining area of the lodge and changes to the balcony. A detailed proposal, including cost and timing will be presented at the Annual General Meeting in May 2010. See some of the lodge development plans. Members are also encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions to the committee.

lodge development plans

The AAC Falls Creek committee is working on lodge development plans associated with the lease renewal and bushfire protection requirements. Pictured is a front and side elevation showing a combination of colourbond and timber cladding, new double-glazed windows and revised entrance.

The plan view shows the proposed extension of the dining area and changes to the balcony. A detailed proposal including costings and timing will be presented at the Annual General Meeting in May 2010. Members are encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions to the committee.

If you have any specific questions please use the Comments facility below and the committee will respond to them.

summer booking status 2009-10 (1)

Current booking status at the lodge for the 2009/10 summer period is outlined below. This is intended as a rough guide and is subject to change. Dates shown are those where there is some booking activity. If not otherwise stated, the lodge will be vacant. Please remember that $220 is the minimum booking for the lodge outside the winter season.

guide
green = many rooms available
amber = some rooms available
red = no rooms available

30 Oct – 02 Nov
w/e 4-5 Dec
05 Jan – 11 Jan (tbc)
w/e 5-6 Feb (tbc)
21 Mar – 27 Mar

If you wish to book into the AAC Falls Creek lodge during the summer, please contact Alan or Ken Long.

summer events calendar

05 Dec 2009 Alpine Assault (100km mountain bike event)
24 Dec 2009 Carols by Candlelight (6:30pm, outside Nelse lodge)
26 Dec 2009 Mile High Cricket Match (Village Bowl area)
27 Dec-30 Jan 2010 Summer Kids Club (children's activities)
31 Dec 2009 New Years Eve - Party in the Stars (various bars & restaurants)
02 Jan 2010 Big Fella Festival (indigenous musicians in the shadow of Mt Bogong)
09 Jan 2010 Billy Cart Derby & Bush Bash (Village roads become a racetrack)
16-17 Jan 2010 Taste of Falls Creek Festival (High Country wine, food, music)
23-24 Jan 2010 Victorian Mile High Dragon Boat Championships (Rocky Valley Dam)
24 Jan 2010 Audax Alpine Classic (2,000 cyclists on the Bogong High Plains Road)
13 Feb 2010 Mile High Tennis Tournament (Village Bowl)
05-07 Mar 2010 Artist Camp & MasterClasses
07 Mar 2010 3 Peaks Challenge (230km bike race; Falls Creek, Tawonga, Hotham)
21-27 Mar 2010 Terra Australis (7-day 600km mountain bike race in NE Victoria)
02-05 Apr 2010 Easter Family Carnival (including Easter egg hunt)

More details about these events are available here.

If you wish to book into the AAC Falls Creek lodge for any of these events, please contact Alan or Ken Long.

resort entry tax on cars to be cut by 50% for final week

Australian alpine resorts are unique internationally with their imposition of resort entry taxes. In addition to the resort entry tax on overnight car parking at Falls Creek, there is also a resort entry tax of $10 per adult / $5 per child imposed on buses entering the resort. A family comprising two adults and two children staying in Mt Beauty and travelling daily to Falls Creek by bus (with no parking) would pay $30 resort entry tax per day, while the owner of a car parked overnight at the resort would normally pay $31 resort entry tax per day.

As the 2009 winter season draws to a close, the Falls Creek resort entry tax for cars will be reduced, with a 50% discount to $15.50 on daily rates from Sunday 20 September. The resort entry tax imposed on bus passengers will remain unchanged, making that form of transport to Falls Creek less attractive during the final week of ski lift operations.

national races

AAC Falls Creek retained its grip on the Roslyn Wesche trophy at the AAC interclub races held on Saturday 5 September through the efforts of Ross, Emma and Melissa. Falls Creek was followed by Anton, Dinner Plain, Perisher and Niseko. Anton won the Masters category, followed by Southern Alps and Falls Creek.

The races were hosted by AAC Dinner Plain and held on the Sun Run slope at Hotham. Southern Alps Ski Club has offered to host the 2010 races at Thredbo.

spring

Spring Season Passes are now available.

PURCHASE ONLINE or
DOWNLOAD FORM

singles week

Falls Creek resort is promoting 13 - 18 September 2009 as ‘Singles Week.’ In addition to snowsports, there is also a predictably busy après ski program.

Sunday Night - Welcome Drinks in Falls Creek Village (venue tba).
Monday Night - Village Treasure Hunt and Bar Crawl.
Tuesday Night - Snow Tubing and Snow Bike Fun in the Village Bowl.
Wednesday Night - Traffic Light Night Party (venue tba).
Thursday Morning - Singles Week Ski Races on Nastar Racecourse.
Thursday Night - Sunset Drinks on the Summit.

More details here.

If you wish to make a booking during this period, please contact Ken or Alan Long (contact details under 'stay with us' in the sidebar).

interschools

The Australian Interschools SnowSports Championships will be held at Falls Creek, between 9 - 12 September 2009.

Booking priority at the lodge is initially being given to members and reciprocal members to book with their immediate family. If you wish to make a booking during this period, please contact Ken or Alan Long as soon as possible (contact details under 'stay with us' in the sidebar).

spring migration

Falls Creek will be the venue for the Spring Migration Festival, a major gay and lesbian event held annually in North East Victoria, between 28 - 31 August.

Festival events will include a 'loudest and brightest ski gear' fashion competition on Saturday and a Masquerade Ball / Cocktail Party next door at Trackers lodge on Saturday night.

Details of the Spring Migration Festival events here.

spring season passes

Falls Creek Ski Lifts has announced that they are offering Spring Season Passes in September for $399 (adult), $299 (youth) and $199 (child). Spring Season Passes will be valid at Falls Creek and Hotham (no advice about Perisher).

PURCHASE ONLINE or
DOWNLOAD FORM

Spring Season Passes are slightly cheaper than 6-day 'Value Season' passes and considerably cheaper than 6-day 'Peak Season' passes (that would otherwise apply until mid-September).

This is an extremely welcome initiative by Falls Creek Ski Lifts, which we hope will boost September utilisation rates for both them and us.

Wild weather over the past few days has delivered some exceptional 'season-saving' snow to Falls Creek and the natural snow depth is now back over one metre, with more snow forecast.

Accommodation rates at the AAC Falls Creek lodge for members and their guests are 30% cheaper in Spring and there are still plenty of rooms available, except between 9 – 12 September during the Australian Interschools SnowSports Championships, when booking priority will be given to members, reciprocal members and their immediate family members.

cross country season pass refunds

The current Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations include a price cap on cross country fees. Since season 2006, Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM) has been imposing fees in excess of the regulated price cap, based on a cost recovery principle.

Following a review of the interpretation and application of the relevant legislation, it has been determined that the imposition of fees in excess of the price cap was inappropriate.

Based on this determination, a refund will be provided to cross country skiers who held a season pass and were charged above the regulated price cap. Refunds are likely to be issued in early September.

It has also been decided that as a gesture of good will to day pass holders, a free ski day will be provided during season 2010. This free ski day will be able to be redeemed on any day during the ski season except on competition days. Details will be publicised on the FCRM and the Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE) websites in 2010.

DSE will administer the receipt of applications and the issuing of passes for the free ski day.

hoppet

The Kangaroo Hoppet is on this Saturday 29th August from 9am at the Nordic Bowl, Falls Creek. With over 1200 participants, and more than 20 nations taking part, the Kangaroo Hoppet is the largest annual international winter sports event in the southern hemisphere.

Members and their guests staying at the AAC Falls Creek lodge will be able to watch the competitors at the start and finish of the 42km, 21km & 7km cross country ski races. Competitors skill levels range from elite Olympic and National Team members to first year skiers, with ages ranging from five to over eighty.

Spectators can make their way to the Nordic Bowl by walking along the Bogong High Plains Rd for approximately 20 minutes (approx 800m past Windy Corner). Alternatively they can ski to the Nordic Bowl via the aqueduct.

There will be a BBQ, hot beverages and snacks available, along with entertainment from Pete the Snow Dragon and local musician Richard Perso.

More information about the Hoppet.

stylewars

Stylewars, an Australian ski and snowboard festival, combined with live entertainment is at Falls Creek this week.

A variety of artists, including Space Invadas, Koolism, DJ Danialsan, Katalyst, Motley and DJ Perplex will be performing at 'The Man' (on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday).

Members and their guests staying at the AAC Falls Creek lodge this week should have an excellent opportunity to watch the outdoor events, including music and a 28-stair 'rail jam,' on Wednesday night in the heart of Falls Creek, the Village Bowl.

More details about Stylewars.

resort management board

The Victorian Government is seeking expressions of interest for appointment to the Falls Creek Resort Management Board. The Resort Management Boards don't represent alpine resort stakeholders, but rather they are appointed by, and report to, the Minister for Environment & Climate Change. Details here.

epic & super

Analysis in April this year revealed that United States adult day ski lift prices were the highest in the world - see 2009 Annual Lift Prices Survey.

Possibly demonstrating that adult day ski lift prices alone may not always provide optimal comparison data, six United States resorts are offering what they call the Epic Pass; an unlimited season pass for the six resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Arapahoe Basin. The price of the Epic Pass is US$599 for adults, meaning a break-even point of about seven peak season days.

The Super Pass offered in Australia enables access to Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher. The full price of the Super Pass is A$1,299 for adults; which means a break-even point of about 13 peak season days, based on a A$97 adult day lift pass. The discounted price for the 'early bird' Super Pass was A$1,099 for adults; which means a break-even point of about 11 peak season days.

annual races 2009

The 2009 AAC Falls Creek races were held on the Father Fosters course on Saturday 8th August.

An early start in excellent conditions with a freshly groomed course and blue skies.

Race results here.

blue skies follow fresh snowfalls

Sunday's conditions were best described as 'difficult' with rain and fog conditions. This was followed by an overnight dusting of about 5cm of fresh snow and blue skies today. Snow cover is good and all lifts are now operating.

'life begins' for the 'iconic' International Poma

The International Poma turned forty this year.

Mountain murmurs suggesting its closure might be imminent led to the formation of a Facebook group called International Poma - Falls Creek - Should Be National Heritage Listed!

Concerned that the 'Inter' hadn't yet started running and that it might disappear like the former Village T-Bar, the Facebook group (now with over 380 members) scheduled a rally for Saturday 25 July to demand that the ski lift start operating.

As it eventuated, the International Poma started running on the day before the scheduled rally and Falls Creek Ski Lifts heralded the ski lift as 'iconic' in their media release.

Some nice 'Inter' photos from the Facebook group here.

vacancies & snow alert

Vacancies due to cancellations
· Sunday 2 August to Thursday 6 August: five midweek nights (for the price of four) in Room 6 (standard room configuration).
· Sunday 23 August to Saturday 29 August: full week available in Room 15 (bunk room which sleeps five people).

Please contact Alan Long on (03) 9328 4491 or click here.

Snow alert
Natural snow depth is now 93cm. 17cm of fresh snow fell in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning. The International Poma is expected to open soon.

Update: The International Poma started turning today.

South Australians enjoying Falls Creek

South Australian AAC Falls Creek members and their guests having "a fantastic time" during South Australian school holidays.

ski patrol seeking new members

The Falls Creek Ski Patrol is seeking new members and will hold an information session for prospective trainees and volunteer ski patrollers next Saturday.

The 2009 Ski Test & Information Day will be held at the Alexander Warrender Memorial Ski Patrol Base (located at the top of the Monkey Bar Lift) at 10am on Saturday 18th July. People wishing to attend are asked to confirm by calling the Ski Patrol base on 03 5758 3502.

More details about the Falls Creek Ski Patrol's Ski Test and Information Day here.

More information about the Ski Patrol in Australia here.

another way to get airborne ...

Harry S, a junior member of AAC Falls Creek, riding an Avalanche board near the Helipad during the Victorian school holidays. Harry was sharpening his skills in the Snowboard Training Camp run by the Falls Creek Snowsports School [photo by 'Top Shots'].

e-mail elation

The e-mail sent to the AAC Falls Creek list in July had a zero failure rate for the first time, with no invalid e-mail addresses.

On-line in ‘09
E-mail and this weblog are replacing the three newsletters previously sent to AAC Falls Creek members each year. Members who aren't registered to receive e-mail may only receive the AGM reports and subscription invoices. If you don't have an e-mail address, you can nominate anyone to receive the e-mail to pass it on to you.

Updating your contact details
If you are already receiving e-mail from the Australian Alpine Club (AAC) and you wish to update your details, you can do so by clicking on 'UPDATE MY DETAILS' in the e-mail footer.

Why your mobile telephone number is important
If an e-mail sent to you ‘bounces’ because your e-mail address is no longer valid, the system will automatically send an SMS text message to your mobile telephone reminding you to register a new e-mail address (your invalid e-mail address will also be manually deleted). On very rare occasions we might also use the system to send you an SMS text message alerting you to special offers.

Just once, please
Please note that in order to avoid multiple messaging, e-mail addresses and mobile telephone numbers have to be unique and can only be entered once.

Who can register
Anyone who wants to receive AAC e-mail, including members, prospective members and anybody else interested in receiving information about the AAC and any or all of its member lodge projects can self-register their details. They are able to register e-mail, mobile telephone number and other contact details for the e-mail system directly through the link on the www.australianalpineclub.com home page.

If you know of people who you think should be receiving these e-mails that aren't, please encourage them to register their details. Please remember that it is an open communication mechanism, not the membership database, so if your postal address or other details change you will need to advise the club directly.

another glorious day @ Falls Creek

so you think you can cook?

Iron Chefs battle it out over breakfast at the lodge this morning. Theme today: Eggs Benedict.

Falls Creek to Hotham, airborne

school holidays @ Falls Creek

Decent snowfalls over the past week have meant that all the chair lifts are now turning, Ruined Castle and Scott started operating at the weekend and the Summit opened today. The International and Lakeside drag lifts are still waiting for just a bit more snow.

snow time

After a 'character-building' start to the week, with fog, rain and strong winds that resulted in wind-hold conditions for the lifts on Tuesday, the winter snow has finally arrived.

Falls Creek reported snowfalls of 28cm on Wednesday (the heaviest recorded in the Australian alps) with a further 24cm on Thursday. More snowfalls, albeit lighter, are forecast today and Saturday.

The Eagle chairlift has now begun turning and all the home trails are now open, relieving the need for travel on the Village Shuttle. Lifts yet to begin operating are International, Lakeside, Ruined Castle, Scott and Summit.

Update: Ruined Castle and Scott expected to open at the weekend.

member discounts

AAC Falls Creek is a member of the Falls Creek Alpine Association which issues a discount card that is accepted by many Falls Creek restaurants and retailers. FCAA discount cards are available for members at the lodge (contact the lodge managers).

In addition to the on-mountain discounts, the FCAA discount card will also entitle members to a 10% discount at a warehouse outlet in Melbourne which sells jackets, pants, gloves, goggles and snowboards.

Bob's Golf & Ski Warehouse
5/2 Apollo Court
Blackburn Vic 3130
Ph: 03 9878 5264
Melways ref: 48 C10

current conditions

update from Falls Creek Ski Lifts

Despite cold temperatures, it is not getting cold enough for substantial snow making to occur, the next 48 hours does hold some opportunity though, we will see what happens. The art of making snow requires low humidity and cold temperatures and at the moment we have high humidity and overnight temperatures hovering around -1. Every night we have the system charged waiting for a window of opportunity. Although the natural snow fall is sporadic, every centimetre helps.

Where we are right now, assuming no major snowfall, or no major rainfall/hot weather: -

Cloud 9 beginners areas will be OK into mid next week, when we will reassess.

Towers - Main Street will be fine through to late next week, Highway 83 will be OK, into next week, particularly with a few extra centimetres each day.

Drovers - Will be ok until mid next week, when we will reassess.

Wombats - currently closed, due to limited cover on north facing areas particularly below the aqueduct. I have advised our slope maintenance team that if an extended snow making opportunity occurs during the day, if practical, we will try to add some extra snow guns and run them until a reasonable time.

Ski patrol assess the runs regularly during the day.

Eagle chair - conditions remain the same for utilising Eagle Chair, it is too difficult an unload, until we get a lot more snow the RMB is providing extra shuttles to keep Guests moving to the Falls Express area.

Ski Valet - we will continue to run the nightly ski valet service from junior workshop until Wombats and Broadway re-open. The media department are working to ensure we provide an accurate picture of the conditions.

This is as accurate a picture, as I can provide, for people to make decisions, I have walked all the areas this morning, and spoken to the relevant department managers. By way of this email, could I encourage stakeholders who have not been to Cloud 9 to go up and have a look around, so that they can advise potential guests first hand.

In summary, it's early in the season, please be assured we're carefully managing every inch of snow we have and have the snow making system is staffed and charged.

while we are waiting ...

While we are waiting for some more snow to invigorate the Australian winter season, in the northern hemisphere some alpine resorts are lucky enough to be able to offer some summer skiing and snowboarding on their glaciers. An interesting promotional concept from the French resort of Tignes is the annual Bikini Contest à Tignes. Nothing at all to to do with Falls Creek, but apparently this You Tube clip made last weekend at Tignes is reasonably popular.

Samedi 20 Juin 2009: Tignes lance la saison de ski dété avec un contest décalé et osé sur le glacier: le Bikini Contest. Accompagnés de filles sublimes et de garçons sexy, rendez vous sur le snowpark, pour les premiers sauts de lété, à skis ou en snowboard et en bikinis! Pas plus de 5°C au thermomètre, mais une ambiance très chaude pour fêter larrivée de lété.

free stuff 2009

• Free skiing and boarding for kids 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
• Free Kids' Helmet Rental for children 14 and under when renting skis or a board at Falls Creek Sports.
• Free Snowman building competitions every Wednesday and Saturday from 4.30pm in the alpine resort’s Village Bowl. A pile of snow is provided for young imaginative to sculpt a snowman, snow woman or a snow monster. They are free to create whatever they decide.
• Free Sunday afternoon Skiing (conditions apply). Any consecutive day ticket of 5 days or greater starting on a Monday may be collected and used from 1pm the Sunday prior. If the product includes rental from Falls Creek Sports, equipment may also be collected from 1pm subject to availability. Please note that the Sunday afternoon use is for lifts only, no lessons are included in the free half day.
• Free Pete the Snow Dragon Show every Wednesday and Saturday from 5pm. This is a must-see event for kids! The big blue celebrity Snow Dragon is a winner with the kids (and their parents). His family-friendly show is just one of a number of free activities in the alpine resort’s entertainment precinct.
• Free Snocce (on-snow Bocce) takes place on groomed Snocce courts at the same time as the Free Snowman building competitions and just before the Pete the Snow Dragon shows every Wednesday and Saturday.
• Free binding check. Ensure your bindings are correctly calibrated with a free binding check on our Speedtronic Torque Tester at Falls Creek Sports.
• The operator of the oversnow vehicles offer children under five years free travel.
• There’s Free Resort Entry (conditions apply) for Sunday arrival for skiers and boarders if they’ve booked a 5 night stay (or longer) midweek. They are allowed to enter the alpine resort free from 1pm for the day of arrival.

Source: FCRM 2009 Winter Media Kit, p.7-8.

H1N1 influenza

Advice from the Falls Creek Medical Centre:

The symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to 'ordinary' Flu with fever (38C+), shivers, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and general muscle aches. At present it appears that healthy individuals infected with Swine Flu experience relatively mild symptoms and recover quickly.

Influenza vaccination will not protect against Swine Flu or the common cold but will protect against other influenza infections expected this winter. A vaccine against Swine Flu may be available in the future.

We are obviously keen to avoid this contagion infecting the lodge. If you contract H1N1 influenza prior to the period of your booking, please contact the Booking Officer to discuss some options.

sunday in the sun @ falls creek

Snowfalls on Saturday, followed by blue skies on Sunday. Six lifts operating at very reduced prices have contributed to a great start to the season. Empty slopes and plenty of space available at the lodge. Some members even did a day trip from Melbourne.

There is still plenty of space in the lodge until the end of June. It provides a great opportunity to introduce future skiers and boarders to snowsports.

lifts to start turning next weekend

Reports of almost half a metre of snow falling since the Queen's Birthday Weekend, with more forecast this week (ski.com.au snow cam photo taken today). See the reports & forecasts links in the sidebar.

A limited number of ski lifts will be operating at discounted prices next weekend. Details here.

take the plunge!

June 1st is the first day of winter, an occasion celebrated at Falls Creek with the annual Ice Plunge into Rocky Valley Dam. The event is a charity fundraiser for the local SES and will be held on Monday June 1st at 10am. Everyone who 'takes the plunge' (and gets totally wet) will receive a free T-shirt.

Click here for the flyer and here for the registration form.

work party 2009 - in readiness

The flag is aloft, there's lots of snow and the lodge is ready.

work party 2009 - accomplishments

Major projects

• new rubber matting for the entrance
• a new ski locker
• a new plasma TV and furniture in the Games room, allowing the old TV room to become a ‘Quiet TV Viewing Room’
• rooms 13 and 14 repainted
• a new pool gate in the spa room
• a new storage unit in the upstairs mezzanine
• hanging hooks in all rooms

Behind the scenes

• new emergency exit lights will be installed prior to Queen's Birthday opening
• a load of wood was split from wood collected on site
• new spa filter installed
• many other cleaning, maintenance and stocktaking tasks

Thanks to all who contributed to the successful weekend, including our new Lodge Manager Greg Frendo.

work party 2009 - not what it looks like ...

Not an H1N1 influenza quarantine cell or a holding pen for recalcitrant members, but a new 'super-sized' ski & board locker being installed at the Work Party weekend.

work party 2009 - inside & out

work party 2009 - sparkies & lumberjacks

work party 2009 - kitchen cleanliness

work party 2009 - down to business

work party 2009 - breakfast

more April snowfall pics

Source: Falls Creek Snowsports School

it's snow time!

webcam pic: ski.com.au

2009 ski lift prices survey

Adult day peak season ski lift prices at five major Australian alpine resorts were benchmarked against those sold at sixteen resorts in seven other developed countries. The survey does not compare other factors such as multi-day (or other) discounting, terrain, snow-depths or ski lift capacities. Additional 2009 survey features include an expanded coverage of New Zealand resorts and a trend analysis of Australian ski lift prices with the Consumer Price Index.

A copy of the 2009 ski lift prices survey can be downloaded from the AAC national website here (pdf).

ski lift prices & cpi

Ski lift prices at the five major Australian resorts have increased faster than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past five years. The highest percentage increase in ski lift prices has been at Perisher (22.9%), followed by Thredbo (19.3%), Falls Creek & Hotham (18.3%) and Mt Buller (17.1%), while the CPI has increased by 15.3% over the same five year period.

A copy of the 2009 ski lift prices survey can be downloaded from the AAC national website here (pdf).

four lodges, three resorts, one season lift pass

The acquisition of the Falls Creek and Hotham ski lifts by Arctic Capital in 2008 means that the owner of the Perisher ski lifts now operates two-thirds of the total ski lifts and controls about three-quarters of the skiable terrain at the major Australian alpine resorts.

A benefit of this new business arrangement for Australian Alpine Club members is that the combined ski lift companies are offering an Early Bird 'Super Season Pass' (before 28 May 2009) that will enable lift access at Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher.

Australian Alpine Club members will be able to use this 'Super Season Pass' while enjoying their reciprocal booking rights and staying at either the Anton (Hotham), Dinner Plain, Falls Creek or Perisher lodges.

Early Bird 'Super Season Pass' prices are $1099 for adults and $570 for children. Details here.

Update: 'Hottest thing in the Snowies'

resort car parking permits 2009

The Falls Creek website informs that the Minister [Gavin Jennings] is yet to approve the resort car parking rates for 2009, with the Resort Management seeking $31 for daily car parking rates and $248 for season car park permits.

However, the Resort Management is now selling ‘early bird’ season car park permits (before 30 April) at a discounted price of $207, with the added incentive of entering the draw for a pair of K2 Apache Interceptor skis if you buy online. A season car park permit makes good sense if you plan to visit Falls Creek for six days or more during the winter season and it avoids queuing at the resort entry gate when you arrive.

Click here to buy an ‘early bird’ season car park permit.

membership update

One full membership application was accepted in March, which means that there are now four full memberships and five intermediate or junior memberships in AAC Falls Creek available for the rest of the year. Details of the 2009 membership policy are available here.

annual general meeting

Date: 26 May 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Royal Brighton Yacht Club

booking patterns

snow jobs 2009

Applications are now open for a wide range of positions at Falls Creek for the 2009 winter season. Available positions include lift attendants, snowgroomers and retail assistants. Details here.

A link to the annual hiring clinic for the snowsports school is here.

See also the links to big planet placements and snowworkers.com in the sidebar.

patience is a virtue

In October 2007, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, requested that the State Services Authority (SSA) undertake a Review of the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council and five Alpine Resorts Management Boards.

Stakeholders were invited to make submissions to the Review by 29 February 2008 and a copy of the Australian Alpine Club submission can be downloaded here.

The final SSA report was presented to the Minister on 30 June 2008. It is understood that some copies of the report were secretly circulated to select groups at the end of 2008, however the Minister has not released the report to key stakeholders or the public.

Update: Alpine Resorts report released (under Parliamentary pressure) after eleven months. Copies downloadable here.

falls creek resort board chairman

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, has advised Falls Creek Resort Management of the appointment of Mr Mark Anderson as Chairman of its governing Board. The vacancy was advertised in early 2008, following the resignation of the former Board Chairman, Ms Judy Ward, in October 2007. The appointment is effective from 2 February 2009 and will continue until the current Board’s term expires on 28 April 2010.

Falls Creek Resort Management was provided with the following summary of Mr Anderson’s background:

Mark Anderson is the Chief Executive Officer at Doutta Galla Aged Services Ltd, an aged care provider caring for over 600 elderly Victorians. He is the current chair of the Audit Committee for the Victorian Auditor General’s Office, a Board member of the Melbourne Comedy Festival and an Audit Committee member of the Building Commission Victoria.

Mark has extensive experience in dealing with both elected and appointed boards. Prior to his appointment at Doutta Galla, Mark worked as the Director of Finance at Melbourne City Council for 10 years and he has also worked at the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Mark has had extensive experience working on large projects such as the purchase and planning of the Queen Victoria Hospital site, the development of the financial plans for Federation Square and the City of Melbourne Council House (CH2 building), and was a member of the finance committees for both the Docklands Authority and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant.

membership policy

The AAC Falls Creek committee has decided that the number of new members to be admitted to the club in 2009 will be limited to six full memberships and six non-debenture (intermediate or junior) memberships. Two new members (one in each of these categories) were approved for membership in February, meaning that there are now five memberships available in each category for the rest of 2009. People wishing to join AAC Falls Creek need to apply, details here.

hardings in honshu & hokkaido

AAC Falls Creek members John and Will Harding went to Japan in January, staying for several days at the Blue Dragon lodge in Hakuba (discounts for AAC members), then travelled by train via the underwater Seikan Tunnel between Honshu and Hokkaido to Niseko, spending several days at the AAC Niseko lodge.

early birds

'Early Bird' Season lift pass details here.

all downhill

Summer activities at Falls Creek have included the inaugural billy cart derby on 10 January (photo from 'The Weekly Times').

More details, including race results, here.

Forthcoming activities scheduled prior to the Winter season include:
• Gourmet Guided Walking Tour 30 Jan - 5 Feb 09
• Mile High Tennis Tournament 14 Feb 09
• Falls Creek Artists Camp / Master Classes 6-8 Mar 09
• Terra Australis Mountain Bike Epic 29 Mar - 4 Apr 09 : NEW
• Easter Family Festival 10-13 Apr 09
• Bogong High Plains Road Sealing Complete 15 Apr 09
• Anzac Day Dawn Service 25 Apr 09