19 December 2017

Be part of summer at Falls Creek

If you can't make it to the mountain bike weekend, you can still enjoy summer at the lodge. You can even avoid the $300 summer minimum fee if you choose one of the minimum-fee-free times.

Summer at Falls gets better every year. Gone are the days when nothing was open and tbe place was a ghost town. There is a real buzz in January, Easter and weekends.

The mountain bike trails and shuttles have been the catalyst for this vitality but there's a lot more. Road cyclists love the challenge of the challenging ascents from the valley, or the undulating high plains road way above the lowland heat. The aqueduct and fire trails make great riding for all abilities and appetites for adventure.

There's fishing in Rocky Valley Dam, Pretty Valley Pondage and the streams and aqeducts. Bushwalks may be easy rambles to historic huts, manageable climbs to scenic lookouts or challenging ventures to far flung parts of the high plains.

Trail running has taken off too, with 45km of named trails including s trail running 3 trails in the 7 Peaks Run programme. You might be rubbing shoulders with elite athletes who train at Falls Creek in January.

Bring a canoe or a tinny and explore Rocky Valley - reputedly the highest navigable lake in Australia. Take a picnic to Raspberry Hill or Buckety Plain.

You can hire bikes, fishing gear and tennis rackets.

Local's favourite cafe/bar Be Foodstore is open and buzzing most days and very handy for a social drink or three. Every year we see more food/drink outlets open in summer.

At only $30 per night for members, it's a wonderful summer break (just remember that you need to bring linen/towels & brekkie ingredients and that you need to clean up before departure)

17 December 2017

Club Mountain Bike Get Together

It's becoming a tradition: club members getting together at the lodge for some mountain biking and good times in summer (maybe even some bushwalking and road bikes).

I've been a bit remiss about advertising it this year, but there's still time, and space at the lodge, if you'd like to join us. This year we'll see in the New Year together: Thursday 29th December to Tuesday 2nd January.

It's very casual but you can expect some MTB trail riding, easy rides on the high plains, maybe a challenging ride on the high plains, some advice on bike maintenance, maybe a picnic, and lots of relaxed friendly times at the lodge.

Blue Dirt mountain bike shuttles will be running every day from 27 Dec to 14 Jan (and then every weekend).

The summer minimum fee has been waived from Boxing Day to Jan 6th, so members stay for only $30 per night, guests $42, kids U17 half of those rates.

If you'd like to know more or maybe join in some common meals, contact Garry.

We are between booking systems at the moment, so contact Alan directly to book.

Vale Ken Long

Ken passed away peacefully on 9 December aged 89.

Many of you will have known him from his booking officer days, a role now carried on by son Alan. Ken's involvement with AAC goes back much further.

He was a founding Member of AAC Falls Creek and briefly on the Committee. He was involved in multiple work parties at the lodge.

He was also a founding member of AAC Anton Huette where he held every position on Committee and was Chairman from1986-1996. He was a consistent representative at AAC National  meetings.

Along with Warren Peck was involved in the setting up of Patscherkofel although he was never a member. He also skied cross country with Warren across NSW high country and used most AAC projects at some point, including, Roslyn Lodge at Thredbo, Perisher Huette, Illawong Lodge, Patscherkofel, Guthega etc (all Lodges that were part of AAC at the time).

Ken was awarded Life Membership of both Anton and National. (Read the citation for his National life membership)

Away from AAC, Ken was heavily involved in Fremasonry. He also belonged to 3 car clubs: Buick, Rolls Royce and Masonic Car Club.

Our condolences to Alan and all Ken's family.

Photos for the website

We'd like to add some more recent photos to the website. Do you have some photos of  members and guests enjoying themselves at the lodge or Falls Creek in general? Summerand winter shots are needed.

If you've got some suitable photos, please email to me. (If you have a lot and you know how, you could use a cloud service like Dropbox or Google Photos.)

Our beautiful spa

Is it Cinderella or the ugly duckling transformed? We were very disappointed that the spa renovation couldn't be finished in time for last skiseason, but wow! Worth the wait. Hard to believe it's the same space.



As of the last committee meeting there were still some finishing touches to be completed. As well as the cosmetic changes, the renovation has replaced a supporting wall with a strengthening beam to open up the space, improved drainage to prevent flooding into the corridor, removed rotted sections of walls, rerouted spa plumbing to bring it all indoors (away from the worst of the freezing conditions) and swapped the shower and toilet areas.

Special thanks to Lodge Supervisor Justin for a huge effort in overseeing this project and to Andrew for his dedication to quality work on the spa.

AAC Interclub Races at Hotham

The team at Hotham

Not sure of the exact results, but I think we nailed it again.

13 December 2017

Booking Officer - Changed Contacts

With the closure of Ken Long Tyres, the contact details have changed for Alan Long, our booking officer.

Phone: 0409 417 253 Mon-Fri 6pm-8:30pm
Email: book.aacfc@gmail.com
Post: 24 St James Rd Heidelberg 3084
 and in the new year a new online booking system

FAX and over the counter bookings are no longer available


New Booking System

The booking system that AAC adopted several years ago was great for checking availability but relatively few members use it to make bookings.

AAC Anton moved to a new booking system for last ski season and their members have been much more enthusiastic about using it. After careful consideration, the committee have decided to move to this system too. AAC lodges at Dinner Plan and Perisher are also considering this system.

We are working towards having the new system available by the time 2018 ski season bookings open on 1 February. Alan will be using the system to manage summer bookings and we will be fine tuning the system to meet AAC Falls Creek needs.

In the meantime, if you are making summer bookings, please email Alan Long. The old booking system should not be used.

Dec 20 - Last Day for Resort Entry Season Early Bird

If you plan on coming to Falls Creek for more than a week next ski season then it's worth considering a season pass for resort entry.

If you buy before 5pm on 20 December you can get the early bird pricing of $325 ($260 for over 65s). Better still, you can opt to pay $95 now and the balance on 31 January.

more details at fallscreek.com,au

18 October 2017

Summer specials

Once again the committee has designated some summer periods as free of the minimum fee ($300).

We understand that for many members, the $300 minimum fee in summer is a deterrent. While we can't get rid of it all together (getting the lodge up and running does cost a bit), we are again exempting selected weekends/holiday periods from the minimum fee.

For this summer, you can stay without fear of minimum fee on

  • Ignition Mountain Bike weekend - Fri 17- Sun19 November
  • Christmas/New Year: Sat 23 Dec - Sat 6 Jan
  • Australia Day weekend (Dragon Boats): Thur 25 - Sun 29 Jan
  • Longest Lunch: Thur 15 - Sun 18 Mar
  • Easter: Thur 29 March - Tue 3 Apr
Come up and enjoy the lodge in summer. At $30 per night for members it's a very affordable getaway.

13 September 2017

Facebook for AAC Falls Creek

Love it or hate it, Facebook has certainly become a widely used way of communicating. Some members are keen to use Facebook for club information and for sharing photos and chat about the club.

A Facebook page has been set up at https://www.facebook.com/fallshuette/ or just search Facebook for AAC Falls Creek. You'll know you are in the right place by the familiar wallpaper. You should be able to see the page without having a Facebook account.

Facebook will be an additional communication channel. The blog and email newsletters will still be used. In fact we are trialling a facility to automatically send blog posts to Facebook too. There is no pressure to use Facebook if you prefer not to.

Posts will need to be approved by our moderators before they appear. Please also be considerate of members and guests when posting or tagging.

11 September 2017

Extended Season to 8 October

The lift company have extended the season until Sunday 8th October. To allow you to enjoy this to the full, we are pleased to announce that the off-peak season at the lodge will also be extended. Linen service, continental breakfast and room cleaning will be provided. Summer season will now commence on the night of Sunday 8 October.

It's our best season in over a decade. All runs are open, with great cover. Enjoy some lovely September skiing, right up until the end of Vic & NSW school holidays.

05 September 2017

Hero Pass 2018

It's on again - if you are a frequent Falls Creek skier or boarder then this deal is too good to miss.

$799 for a 2018 season pass valid at Falls & Hotham. Kids & Seniors only $459.

Pay a $99 deposit by 5pm on 9 October and the deposit in April

The side benefits are a little different - best check the details if they are important to you

More info at fallscreek.com.au/heropass

25 August 2017

Spring Pass

Today, Fri 25th August, is the last day to pick up a spring lift pass.

There's a metre and a half of snow and the runs are all in great shape. Spring Pass lets you ski from Mon 4th Sept till the end of the season. $449 for Adults and $269 for Kids and Seniors


07 August 2017

The blizzard we've been waiting for

It's been a few years since we had a big snow storm. Starting on Friday 4th August we've had wind and whiteout and thunder and lightening - and lots of lovely dry snow.

It's been a bit chaotic on the road with trees down, power lines down, vehicle accidents and an influx of Hotham skiers unable to get up the road from Harrietville. They ran out of day car parks today. But as I write, the road has reopened to all traffic.

Ski patrol are reporting average snow depth of 150cm. The lodge is pretty full for the next few weeks but there are a few nights with beds for singles. Check the booking system


Club Race

You will be shocked to learn that Ross B didn't win this year.

That makes more sense when I add that the race had to be cancelled because of the blizzard conditions.

31 July 2017

Club Race - Waiver Form

When reviewing the various insurance policies held by the club, the committee was very disappointed to learn that it was not possible to obtain cover for ski racing. The risk of a member seeking to sue the club in connection with a race is tiny, but if it did arise it could be ruinous.

The lift company already requires race participants to sign a liability waiver to protect the company. The club needs adult competitors to also sign a waiver form exluding liability for the club and waiving right to sue. Competitors under 18 will need to have their adult guardian sign their form.

Participants need to decide for themselves (or their child or minor under their guardianship) that the course and conditions on the day are suitable for their skills and abilities. There is no obligation or pressure for members to participate if they are not confident about the course or conditions, regardless of whether they have previously entered or said they intended to race.

You can read/download a copy from aacfallscreek.com/xDocs/Forms/Race_Waiver.pdf

27 July 2017

All lifts are now open

International poma opened at lunchtime Thursday 27 July, so we now have all lifts open.

25 July 2017

Ignition: Mountain Bike season opening celebration 18-19 Nov

There's still a lot of skiing and boarding to do this season, but we know that it won't last forever. Don't despair as spring brings patches of green and the sound of running water back to the mountain, Instead start planning you summer trip to Falls.

Mountain biking at Falls gets bigger every year and the Summer 17/18 season will kick off with Ignition weekend on 18 & 19 November. This weekend is supported by 4 local craft breweries Sweetwater (Mt Beauty), Blizzard (Dinner Plain), Bright Brewery and Bridge Road (Beechworth) so the beer hall alone will be worth the trip. Features of the weekend include Gravity shuttles, backcountry rides supported by shuttles, Flowtown night ride, demo bikes, drift trikes, skill sessions, tech sessions, mechanic, dinner & brekkie, street food.

To make it easier for people to attend, the usual summer minimum booking fee ($300) will be waived for this weekend, making it just $30 per night for members, $42 for guests.

Last year this event was sold out so don't leave it too late to book.

Details at ignitionmtb.com.au

More Blue Dirt information

19 July 2017

Booking Officer contacts details are changing

Alan Long will still be our booking officer, but after many years Ken Long Tyre Specialists has closed so contact details will change.

From 15 July, contact details will be

Phone: 03 9328 4491 (unchanged but likely to change after the season)
Email: mrkflong@bigpond.com (unchanged)
Post: 24 St James Rd Heidelberg 3084
 and of course the online booking system lodgebooking.com.au/aac_falls_creek/memberPortal.php

This change also presented an opportunity to review the service provided. It is rare for bookings to be made by FAX or in person. Bookings by these means will no longer be available.

We wish Alan all the best as he enters a new stage in his career.

Winter is here and Summit is turning

It's been a slowish start to the season but gradually the base is building and runs are opening. It's been snowing on and off since Monday morning. Last night there was excitement as we saw groomers on village for the first time. Now all the lifts are turning except Lakeside and Inter. Tuesday was blizzardy with lifts on hold much of the time. Today there are lots of smiling faces: wind has died down and there's plenty of fresh stashes to play in.

====

Saturday 22nd: Lakeside is turning too

Thursday 27th: and Inter means all lifts are open

Spa renovation

The gremlins have been paticularly troublesome, causing a few delays to the spa renovation.  The gremlins are now vanquished (hopefully)and it's almost at a point where we can open it. It's looking really good and we think you'll agree that it is worth the wait: new cedar panelling on the ceiling and walls, light grey non-slip floor tiles, pale blue spa tiles. The new shower and toilet can be completed after the spa opens, as can rock work on feature walls. The plumbing has also been improved to avoid external pipes and to improve access to some controls.




Racing success

Club members & guests have been competing in various events over the school holidays.


Firstly Sarah, Mia and Zara from St Catherines competed in Vic Junior Cross Country Sprints, with Zara winning the U14 division.

Then Ross B entered the Cranky Charlie cup for the first time and came away with the trophy



and the next day daughter Carla came 3rd in Division 2 of King of the Mountain

Congratulations to all our racers

Growing up in the lodge

Reeve is loving lodge life, coming out for a meet & greet most mornings and enjoying all the cuddles and attention

Working Bee

This year the working bee was a little different. Numbers were deliberately kept down to allow us to focus was on the spa renovation. The usual pre-season jobs were still completed, eg storing dry goods, kitchen spring autumn clean, weed control, firewood stacking. Firewood stacking has always needed a very big team, but the use of a builder's chute has let us get this big job done with less hands.

Thanks to all those who helped

AGM and Committee Positions

The AGM went smoothly. The committee was expanded to 9 positions. All past committee members were re-elected plus Lynn Cameron.

The June committee meeting elects the office bearers. These are unchanged from the previous year.
President: Nigel Cowie
Secretary: Bronwyn Sigmund
Treasurer: Michal Szkilnik

Lodge Supervisor: Justin Checcucci
Booking Officer: Alan Long
Membership: Garry Hayes
Marketing: Tony Ryder
Communications & IT: Jenny Hughes

Lynn Cameron will have a chance to learn the ropes before being assigned a role.

Eagle replacement for 2018

The lift company still needs formal government approval, but preparations are well underway for replacing Eagle Chair next year. The old chair is 37 years old and becoming a bit of a maintenance nightmare. Instead we will have a fast quad detachable. Changing the alignment has proved too difficult because of environmental issues so the new chair will start and end very close to the current load & unload. Ski traffic through the bowl area will probably neeed to go behind rather than under the lift.

While we daydream of new lifts opening up more terrain, the new Eagle should still be a boon to AAC members. We will be able to easily take beginner guests up to the ideal beginner slope at Monkey Bar (Playground) and our own journey up Eagle will be faster and more comfortable. Hopefully the new lift will also see a return to a more lively vibe in the village bowl.

Village news

No major changes this year but a few minor things of interest:

  • There should be 2 village shuttles operating most of the time, compared to 1 much of the time last year
  • Slight increase in number of parking bays and staff/resident parking moved out of Lower Slalom to make more room for guests
  • Shuttle stop shelters have been turned around so snow drop is not onto waiting passengers
  • If you order food to be delivered from the supermarket, you should get an SMS to meet the delivery
  • Winchcat grooming rides are being offered by the lift company (not cheap)
  • FCRM are planning a 33% discount on resort entry for 3+ nights in September

22 April 2017

6 Day Any Time Lift Offer ends Sunday 23 April

If you can't justify a season ticket but want some flexibility, the 6 Day Any Day lift ticket might be what you are after.

$499 for adults,
$279 for kids and seniors

Valid for Hotham as well as Falls Creek

only available until 23 April

More

21 April 2017

AGM - Save the date

The Annual General Meeting will be on Tue May 23rd at Royal Brighton Yacht Club


Don't forget that AGM notices and associated documents will now be sent by email, not post.

Make sure that your correct email address and mobile number are registered with the club. You can do this online or contact ProAcct jnoye@proacct.com.au or 0398809600.

20 April 2017

Meet Reeve



Myra and Andrew have a beautiful daughter Reeve Ann.


She was born on 21st March in Wodonga. (Vital statistics: 3.3kg and 53cm)


19 April 2017

Spa Update

A reminder of what is being done

The aim is make a brighter, more attractive space while retaining the look (and practical properties) of cedar and stone.
  • The dark (and slippery) slate will be replaced with lighter tiles with a high non-slip rating.
  • The spa will be re-tiled in light blue tiles.
  • New cedar panelling will be installed, with some feature sections with rock effects.
  • The old shower area will become a new toilet stall.
  • The old toilet stall will become an open shower.
In order to remove the wall between the spa and shower/toilet area, an engineering solution was needed. This took a while but a sturdy steel beam has now been installed and the rest of the renovation can continue.


The toilet stall still has to be built, but the open shower will make the space more open.

12 February 2017

Another summer special

The weekend of Thur 30 March to Sunday 2 April will have no minimum fee at the lodge.

The Falls Creek Longest Lunch will be held on Friday 31st March, catered by Barry Iddles (Elk and Sorrento Catering Company)

more info

If you can't make it for Friday lunch, it's still a great chance to get up to the high plains. Ride the mountain bike trails, fish for trout, enjoy a walk on the high plains or a stroll along the aqueduct or just relax in the mountain air.

Blue Dirt now operate Mountain Bike shuttles and bike hire every weekend until 23 April

Easter will also be a minimum fee free time at the lodge.

Minimum fee free periods aim to make it easier for members and their guests to enjoy a short stay at the lodge over the "green" season.


11 February 2017

Australia Day Weekend

Justin & Tony headed up to the lodge to help with more work on the spa renovation. They took time out to watch the dragon boat racing on a perfect summer day




31 January 2017

Mountain Bike Weekend

After the success of the mountain bike weekend in 2016, most of that crew returned this January. Once again there was beautiful weather for riding the trails as well as further afield. Great food, great company and lots of fun.