Onesie Weekend

Onesie Weekend features a big "treasure hunt" where you get points for taking photos of specified people and places. It's also a fun day with a chance to dress up and enjoy the spring skiing.

Andrew & Myra wouldn't miss chance like this.

2015 Hero Pass

It's on again, same price as last year: $749 for an adult season pass, that's less than half the full price of $1549.

Pay $199 by 1 October and $550 by 30 April 2015. ($99+$330 for kids and seniors)

Details at skifalls.com.au/HeroPass

Lift Co Deals: First-Timers, Dads and Big Kids

The lift company have announced some great September deals. Why not book into the lodge to take advantage of the these offers.

First Timers

Just announced is the lift company's BFF Plan. If you buy a lift ticket in September, you can introduce a first-timer to skiing or boarding for free. They get a two hour first-time ski or snowboard lesson, 1 day access to first-timer lifts, and 1 day ski or snowboard rental. There are lots of conditions (mainly seem to be about making sure it is only for genuine first timers).

See skifalls.com.au/BFFPlan for details

Dads

Father's Day is Dads ski (or board) free day if they have a child (any age) with a lift ticket for the day

See skifalls.com.au/DadSkisFree for details

Big Kids

Usually child tickets are only for 14 and under, but this September all kids up to 18 can ski and board at child prices

See skifalls.com.au/BigKids for details

Village Roads and Access

FCRM have advised that the roads will be cleared in the next few days and the roads will open to normal vehicles, probably on Tue 2nd or Wed 3rd Sept.

This means that you enter the village for 30 minutes to drop off or pick up.
When you park, the carpark shuttle will return you to ATS (oversnow). The village shuttle will detour via ATS to pick people up, but only between 8am-5:30pm, or maybe longer depending on demand. You could also use Gully chair to get back to the bowl.

The advice also says

"ATS operating hours remain unaffected: Sat-Thurs 8am to 10pm and Fri 8am to 12 midnight (or as demand requires). Outside of these hours there will be no village access for guest vehicles."

In other words, no guarantee of timely service to take you to the lodge after 5:30pm and you may not be able to drive into the village at all after midnight Friday, or 10pm other nights.

Have your say to shape our future

Falls Creek, like all the Victorian snow resorts, is required by government to produce a MasterPlan for the resort. (This is a Falls Creek Resort Management plan, not a lift company plan.)

They are now in a consultative phase, guided by a discussion paper and with a website for you to provide feedback. In particular they want to know what people see as the big issues facing Falls Creek and what "big idea" might bring a big increase in visitation to the resort.

It is important that the Master Plan reflects the needs of clubs and ordinary snowsports lovers, not just businesses and bureaucrats. You've got till September 7 to have your say. Log on to the website at masterplan.fallscreek.com.au; have a look at the discussion paper and tell them what is important to you and your family and guests.

Sunny September is almost here

There is still a metre of snow, more in the snowmaking areas. All the runs are open.  The days are getting longer and it's great enjoying the spring skiing.

There are vacancies at the lodge, and off-peak prices are a bargain. You still get a continental brekkie to get you off to a great start.

Check out the vacancies in the booking system and make the best of this great spring.

AAC Falls Creek Race

Race week was a shocker weather-wise, but the sun came out for a beautiful race day.

Race start

James C in action

Natasha P, Mellisa C, Jacinta P

Results

Children

Tess B, Matt W 2nd, Sophie W, Ella B 1st, Tim C 3rd

Women

Natasha P 3rd, Emma P 1st, Mellisa C 2nd

Men

Will C 3rd, Ross B 1st, Gerard GS 2nd

Snowboard

Chris B

Thanks to Nigel and Ross for photos and results.

You can see more photos in the 2014 Album

AAC Inter-Club Races

It was another great year for AAC Falls Creek. This year the races were held at Perisher.

The Falls Creek team had a clean sweep with the A team 1st, B team 2nd, Masters 1st and also 3rd overall.

Congratulations to all our racers

Perisher AAC Falls Creek Team from L to R:John C, Will C, Marj P, Gerard GS, Nigel C, Mellisa C, Emma P, Heidi F, Carla B, Ross B and James C.

Winning A team of Mellisa C, Will C, Ross B, Emma P being presented the winning trophy by Perisher president Roland

Winning Masters Team: Heidi F, Marj P, John C, Nigel C

July just kept on giving

It seemed that every week there was at least one more great snowfall

Thank heavens for Andrew and the Bloody Big Shovel

(and thanks to Robert L for the pics)

Powder Day

Will C on the Ys. Tristan behind the camera.

What a week -sunshine & fresh snow

The 2nd week of Vic/NSW school holidays started with about a meter of snow under clear blue skies. Chairman Nigel & Fiona headed out to Wishing Well.

Tim & Zac had a ball too.

Another storm brought ~40cm more of fresh dry snow. Perfect, for everyone except the birds that struggled to find their new feeder.

Pinata Party

Otto had lots of friends in the lodge to help celebrate his 5th birthday

Pete the Snowdragon at AAC

In the first week of the holidays the weather caused the cancellation of Pete's show. When Andrew told Pete how disappointed the kids were, Pete made a special visit to AAC to dance with the kids here.

A week's a long time in the Australian Alps

On Monday there was no snow.
On Tuesday morning there was a white blanket
On Tuesday evening there was half a metre
On Wednesday FC Express, Towers and Mousetrap opened
On Thursday Drovers opened
On Friday Ruined, Scotts and Eagle were expected to open

If the anticipated snow arrives on the weekend, Summit is expected to run next week.

And it's still June

Working Bee 2014

Once again the working bee brought a dusting of snow to inspire us in our efforts to get the lodge ready. The lodge even featured on the News that night.

• The wood stacking chain was a slick well-oiled machine

• Some new lockers were added
• Much paint was spread
• More native plants were planted to out-compete the weeds
• Kitchen cupboards and contents were cleaned and refilled
• Kitchen bin drawers were rebuilt
• Lights were checked
• Mattresses were turned and a few new ones installed
• The spa was serviced
• Stores were stored
• a myriad of other essential tasks were carried out

• and of course Myra kept us well fed all weekend

Working Bee is a great way to get to know other club members better, to feel more a part of the club and to make an important contribution to keeping our lodge so good. It is held (almost always) on the first weekend in May.

Room 5 renovation

Room 5 has had a make-over.

It is our only room with twin beds, which is just what some people need. However the lack of storage has been a real issue for many. Not any more.

The beds have been replaced with new beds that include huge under-bed drawers. There is also a big new storage unit, and a high shelf for bags. A new rail for hanging is planned too. The heater has even been moved away from the bed.

It's looking fantastic.

Thanks to Justin and Andrew for making it happen and John B for the ideas to get things moving.

Expresso Coffee

The club now has a Nespresso coffee machine for those who prefer an expresso style rather than the drip coffee.

You will need to bring your own pods if you want to use it. They need to be Nespresso brand or a compatible style. Piazza D'Oro is a compatible brand stocked by Foodworks at Falls Creek, although choosy coffee-aholics (like me) will probably prefer Nespresso.

The drip coffee maker is still available and coffee for it is provided by the club.

Please take a moment to read the instructions on the wall above the machine. It works a little differently to many popular machines. In particular, you have to choose the length of shot before putting in the pod.

One of the barriers to getting an expresso machine has been concern about cleaning and care of the machine. This style of machine has been chosen because it needs little care. To minimise cleaning, there is no milk frother. Please look after the machine including emptying the trays and flushing.

Bird Feeder

Andrew has made a simple bird feeder that is suspended outwards from the balcony rail. This means we can enjoy feeding our beautiful feathered friends without inviting them onto surfaces used for food. It should also minimise mess from husks falling onto the balcony.

Beautiful as they are, native birds carry some diseases that are pretty nasty in humans. Please use the new feeder and not the table or barbecue.
(Thanks to Noel P for the photo via Instagram)

Ski Lockers

An audit of the ski locker was conducted during the working bee and some equipment was identified that was un-named and/or un-bagged. Older skis that might have been abandoned were also identified.

Ski locker space is limited. There is no room for abandoned, un-named and un-bagged equipment and these may be removed at the manager's discretion.

The committee has determined that it will not be necessary for everyone to remove equipment at the end of the season, at least at this stage. However old equipment that is no longer in use must be removed.

Falling snow and ice

The tragedy at Mt Buller this week is a shocking reminder of the need to be careful around buildings in the snow. When there are heavy snowfalls it is inevitable that there will be snow sliding off roofs. Keep clear of the edges of buildings; look up to see if there is a threatening overhang or giant icicle before walking past; teach you children and guests not to play in the danger zone.

Changed parking and Oversnow arrangements

This season FCRM has engaged a private contractor (4Site) to operate car parking, accommodation transfer, freight, shuttles, snow-clearing, cleaning of public buildings and enforcement (eg parking infringements). This has brought some changes to car parking and ATS (oversnow).

If you are intending to arrive late it would be prudent to check with ATS on 5758 120.

Car Parking

Attended car parking closes at 6pm Mon-Thur. There are a number of late-arrival spots below the ATS terminal where you can park on your first night until 10:30am the next morning. If you have not purchased your entry permit on-line you will need to purchase the next day.

When there is no snow in the village there will not be guaranteed transfer from ATS to lodges after you have been parked. You will be parked and then returned to the ATS terminal.There may be limited ATS services for dropping guests at lodges (and vice versa) via shuttle buses. There will be no fees for these services, however they will be scheduled based on demand levels. Of course you have the option of riding up Gully chair if it is within lift hours.

There are also changes (reductions?) in the day parking spaces.

ATS

Mon-Thur ATS closes at 8pm. If you arrive after this you will be walking up.

Hours of operation are 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight Friday, 8am to 10pm on Saturday and 7.30am to 10pm on Sunday.

Hours of operation are 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight Friday, 8am to 10pm on Saturday and 7.30am to 10pm on Sunday. - See more at: http://www.fallscreek.com.au/ResortParking#sthash.QVmRkVtA.dpuf

AGM News

The AGM was held on 20th May at Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

The committee remains unchanged.

The special resolution to adopt new a new constitution (consistent with Victorian legislation and the new model rules) was successful. Consumer Affairs have since given formal approval to our new Rules of Association (informally known as the constitution).

The new Rules are available on the website. They meet the new legislated requirements while preserving important Rules, policies and practices of the club. As part of this process, some areas of uncertainty in the old Rules were clarified.

AGM Special Resolution

The Annual General Meeting of AAC Falls Creek will be held

7:30pm

Tuesday 20th May

Royal Brighton Yacht Club

253 St Kilda St, Brighton

You can download the Notice of Meeting and  Nomination & Proxy forms.

As well as election of committee members and the usual items of business, the meeting will consider
consider, and if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

That the proposed New Rules ... on the AAC Falls Creek website (http://aacfallscreek.com/xDocs/rules/proposed-rules.pdf), be adopted.

Reports and further information about the AGM will be provided early next week.

Why change the Rules?

The Victorian government passed the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. A new set of Model rules have been written by the Department of Consumer Affairs. These can be adopted as is by an association or modified to meet the association’s needs. The proposed new Rules meet the new legislated requirements while preserving important Rules, policies and practices of the club. As part of this process, some areas of uncertainty in the current Rules are clarified. Read more...

The AGM is a great opportunity to hear about progress, contribute to the running of your club and meet with other members. We also hope to conduct a short demonstartion of the booking system for anyone that is interested.

Early Bird reminder

Special early bird deals on season passes for lifts and resort entry expire tomorrow 30th April.

If you paid a deposit on a Hero Pass last spring, your credit card should already been charged for the balance.

Working Bee reminder

The annual working bee is this weekend, 2-4 May. Thanks to everyone who has already offered to help.

Contact our Lodge Supervisor, Justin Checcucci if you haven't already confirmed your attendance or need more information.

Club gossip

There's always something going on, even in the summer

Congratulations to Harrison C on landing a job as a towie for this winter.

Commiserations to Ian F who broke a leg in Niseko and had to be medevac-ed home.

Online Booking System is open

By now members should have received an email with their userid and password.

You can logon now  Online Booking System 

Instructions on using the system can be viewed or downloaded at aacfallscreek.com/xDocs/Booking-System/User-Instructions.pdf.

New online booking system

For some time the committee has been considering the possibility of an online booking system. We thought it would be useful to have, but we needed something that would fit our booking rules and practices and not increase the cost of your stays. We have now decided to adopt the system that is already in use for AAC lodges at Anton, Dinner Plain and Perisher. This system was developed by an AAC member and has evolved over the last few years to meet the varying needs of the different lodges. While it may not have all the bells and whistles you might ideally like, it should make booking more convenient for many members.

When complete, the new booking system will allow you to

• see actual vacancies
• see your bookings
• submit booking requests online
• pay for your booking online by Visa and Mastercard
• pay for your booking by EFT (outside the system)
• in future, book into other AAC lodges from the same system

The same booking conditions apply to bookings made through this system and through the booking forms. Some of these are automated, but others rely on you following the rules. Just because the system might not seem to enforce a rule doesn’t mean that it no longer applies. The booking officer has final responsibility for balancing lodge occupancy against individual member requests. Your booking is not confirmed until you receive an official email from the booking officer.

To use the booking system you must:

• be a financial member of AAC Falls Creek or an affiliated lodge that also uses the same booking system
• have provided a current email address to the club. (The system relies on your email address so it is essential that you keep your contact details up to date.)

You don't have to use the new system; you can continue to use the booking forms if you wish and the booking officer will give them equal treatment to those submitted online. Indeed you will still need to use booking forms when making bookings in the period before 1 March. Demand for school holidays and some other weeks can be so high that the only way of handling the bookings fairly is to keep all bookings manual for the "members only" booking period.

We are still sorting out some final details but we hope to make the booking system available to members in the next week or so. Our plan is to send all members an email with their username and password and instructions on using the system. Please advise ProAcct (03 9880 9600) if your email address has changed or you may miss out on getting your userid and password to access the booking system.

Because the booking system has much better occupancy information, we will no longer put the booking stastus on the blog.

We intend to demonstrate the booking system at the AGM. The instructions document should guide you through using the system, but we realise that some may prefer the reassurance of seeing a demonstration.

EFT Payments

We have been reviewing out banking facilities and can now offer payments by EFT (direct deposit), not just credit cards..

EFT is the club's preferred method of payment as it means that more of your money can be used for your lodge, instead of bank fees.It is critical that when you make payments by EFT, you always use a reference given to you by the club, eg a booking reference, member ID or invoice number. Where possible, please also include the member's name.

EFT details are

Name:	Australian Alpine Club Falls Creek Inc
BSB:	063130
Account:	10096410
Reference:	it is critical that you always use a reference that clearly identifies who you are and what the payment is for, eg booking reference, member id, invoice number or at least the name of the member

Autumn at Falls Creek

Why not visit your lodge in Autumn for adventure or serenity of the Bogong High Plains?

Every year, as part of the Melbourne Food &Wine Festival, there are a number of World's Longest Lunch events. On Friday 14th March Falls Creek will be the venue of a World's Longest Lunch. It promises to be a fantastic event beside Rocky Valley Lake (with a contingency for bad weather) and food will be provided by Barry Iddles of Winterhaven, Elk and Sorrento Catering Company. Details at fallscreek.com.au/LongestLunch

 
Falls Creek is increasingly popular with athletes: cyclists, rowers, runners, triathletes, even professional footballers. The roads and trails offer altitude training in picturesque surroundings. The lodge makes a great base for a club or group of friends.

And of course the new mountain bike trails offer a great new activity for the fit and adventurous.

See more about "green" season at Falls Creek at fallscreek.com.au/AllSeasonBrochure.

Mountain Bike Trails

The new mountain bike trails are open and reported to be heaps of fun.


Information from fallscreek.com.au/MTB

Wombats Ramble XC Loops

Intermediate
The most visible trails are found amongst the snowgums of the Wombats Ramble area (you may have seen parts of them riding the Falls Express Chairlift last Winter). Able to be ridden as one giant loop, the network consists of two trails - one riding uphill and one riding down. Whilst classified as cross country, there are some great downhill features and corners to navigate at speed.

The trails are intersected by the Aqueduct trail which means you can also ride each as a separate loop - one above the aqueduct and one below. Keep an eye out for some spectacular viewpoints and rocky outcrops along the way.

International DH Trail

Intermediate
We all love skiing and boarding the International Poma area in Winter. This downhill trail now brings just as much fun in Summer! Starting at the Summit Chair top (summit chair will run Ester Sat & Sun), the trail winds down under the Poma line before zig-zagging down Grand Coer ski run and cutting through Short & Curly to the base of the Summit Chair.

Gully XC Trail

Intermediate
This trail connects the popular "Wishing Well" spot to the Gully region by the base of the International Poma and Gully Chairlift. Winding its way down, it is classed cross country but with a downhill aspect.

Download a trail map

Working Bee - May 2014

Every May some members head up to the lodge to spend a weekend doing all those little jobs that need to be done before the season.

Attendance is optional. People with trade skills are particularly welcome, but all willing hands are appreciated.

Most people arrive late on Friday night. Andrew & Myra provide brekkie & lunch on Saturday & Sunday as well as Saturday dinner. It's great to stock up your locker and catch up with people before the season. For new members it is a great opportunity to meet old hands. However it is first and foremost a working weekend.

The tasks very from year to year but typically would include

• moving firewood into the store (a big job for many hands)
• painting
• cleaning & organising the kitchen cupboards & contents
• turning mattresses & mending protectors
• minor repairs
• small carpentry jobs
• checking & replacing light globes
• weeding and other gardening

Friday 2 May - Sunday 4 May

If you can help this year, please contact our Lodge Supervisor Justin Checcucci

Early Bird Season Pass

If you missed out on ordering a Hero Pass, you can still save money on a season pass.

Adult season pass is $1249 if you buy by 30 April, $300 off the full price.

see fallscreek.com.au/SeasonPass for details

Resort Management have not yet released information about resort entry season passes.

Winter Olympics special - 5 day any day ticket $399

If you are not planning on skiing or boarding enough to get a Hero Pass for this season, you might be interested in this deal from the lift company.

Th pass is valid for any 5 days in the 2014 season - they don't have to be consecutive. Offer is only open until the Sochi closing ceremony.

see http://www.skifalls.com.au for details

New Falls Creek Logo

The lift company and Falls Creek Resort Management have got together and agreed on a single logo for Falls Creek. It will be phased in gradually; noone wants to waste money replacing signs etc that are still ok in every other way. You should start seeing it on advertising.