Longest Lunch

It's on again on  this Friday 16 March. Barry Iddles from Elk will be catering for the Falls Creek Longest Lunch as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.
There are other special activities on offer over the weekend too.

More info

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Peaks Challenge March 2017 - get in quick

The Peaks Challenge (formerly 3 Peaks) cycling event is big. Hundreds of cyclists stay at Falls Creek before and after the grueling circuit ride that takes them down the mountain, across Tawonga Gap, over Mt Hotham, down to Omeo and back up to Falls.

Falls Creek Resort Management encourages all lodges to make beds available for this event.

In 2015 & 2016 the club worked with Falls Creek Central Reservations to enable competitors to become Summer Associates and stay at the lodge for the weekend. It was very successful and we will do the same again. As well as contributing to the development of green season, this event bought a healthy injection of summer revenue to the club.

We expect that all rooms will be booked well before the event.

So if you or your friends and family are intending on coming to the lodge for that weekend, BOOK NOW

Special arrangements for Peaks Challenge weekend

• Bookings are for 3 nights starting Friday 10 March
• Linen is provided
• If you book through the club, costs are Members $210, AAC $240, Guests $270
• There is no discount for children
• Bookings through Central Reservations will attract a higher fee.
• Bookings for members are open immediately. Beds will soon be made available guests through Central Reservations.
• The games room and TV rooms will not be available - they are reserved for bike storage

Summer specials

The committee understands 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 continuing the trial of selected weekends/holiday periods having no minimum fee.

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

• Ignition Mountain Bike weekend - 18-20 November
• Christmas/New Year week
• Easter

The committee hope to be able to announce one or more extra times for 2017, probably to coincide with mountain bike shuttles.

IGNITION - opening of the MTB season

November 19 - 20 is when the MTB trails reopen and Blue Dirt are putting on a special weekend.

The focus is on  the new Flowtown trail from Gully to Howmans which will open for the first time. Combined with the existing Frying Pan Spur, Thunderbolt and Wishing Well trails, that will make a 10km single track all the way from Summit to Howmans.

• Shuttles to take you up to the top of the trails
• Organised backcountry rides all the way down to Mt Beauty with a shuttle return
• Skills sessions
• Demo Specialized bikes
• If you've still got some energy there will be sunset rides and even a night ride on Flowtown
• Music, food, bands, beer hall
• $130 for both days (single day tickets too but they don't include everything)

More info at ignitionmtb.com.au

This should be a great weekend so why not book into the lodge with family or friends for only $40 per night per person. The $300 min booking fee will not apply for Ignition weekend

Blue Dirt Mountain Bike Shuttles

Mountain bike shuttles operate at Falls Creek roughly every second weekend from late November to late April. Shuttles take you up to the Summit, or to the Blue Dirt is the company who run them as well as the bike cafe and bike rental in Slalom St car park.

They also run shuttles at Kinglake, Mt Buller, Bright & Mt Beauty Last year they offered a season pass which covered all these locations.

Last year a day pass for the shuttles cost $50 and the season pass was $400, or $250 for an early bird pass. A nice deal if you intend doing a lot of shuttle assisted riding

I don't think they have announced the season pass yet this year, but stay tuned.

More info at bluedirt.com.au

ANZAC Weekend - Mountain Bike 2 for 1

If you've been meaning to come and try the mountain bike trails, there's a special deal this weekend that might appeal.

It's the last mountain bike shuttle service until November. Normally shuttles are $50 per day or $90 for the weekend, but for Saturday and Sunday there is a 2 for 1 deal. Either 2 people for the price of 1 or 2 days for the price of one.

The shuttles go from Slalom carpark up to the top of the summit and run from 9am till 4pm.

There is also a beginner skills course available on the Saturday. Bike hire is available both days, from Slalom carpark or Fruehauf

Bookings are needed for shuttles, clinics and hire

More info

Easter 2016

After the success of the mountain bike weekend in January, all the participants returned to do it all again at Easter - and brought more friends along for a fun long weekend. Another long time member Clive B brought his extended family along too. Between these 2 groups we had a full lodge for Easter.

Clive's family were seen walking, riding and generally having a good time.

Our group of about 20 had many riders, but also a few who were more interested in walking or just relaxing and enjoying good food and good company. Mark R with wife Helen, daughter Kristo and friends Michelle, Dale and Brian arrived on Thursday so they could get some riding in on Friday. The rest came in in dribs and drabs on Friday, with many finding time for a stroll or short ride. Angie’s & John’s 14 month old granddaughter Holly charmed everyone with beautiful eyes and very sweet behaviour.

Mark R & daughter Kristo

On Saturday morning some rode the MTB trails, others opted for easier terrain and walkers enjoyed perfect weather. Garry H was surprised to find that a riding companion had kindly slipped several heavy rocks into his backpack to intensify his training. We all regrouped at the boat ramp for a picnic before splitting up for more riding, walking and scenic drives. The boat ramp area was abuzz with yachting, cyclists, picnics and people just enjoying our "beach".

Beautiful day for a ride around Sun Valley and beyond

The summit chair was running on Saturday and Sunday, for sightseeing and bike carrying. Garry H decided to use the chair to really work on those challenging trails around Summit and International on Sunday. Others split up much as they had the previous day, with drives, walking,  riding on roads, single track and fire trails. There were a few thrills and spills but no broken bones or stitches. Once again we met for lunch, this time for a huge barbecue at Raspberry Hill. Afterwards most headed back to the lodge or trails. Angie F, Bron S and Jenny H decided to ride back from Langfords West along the aqueduct trail so that they could properly admire Angie's beautiful bike and start plotting how to acquire something similar.

We had decided to share the food and cooking duties. Putting together meals for our big group was a bit of an undertaking, but it worked very well with everyone helping at times, and relaxing at others. We certainly ate well. Special thanks to Michelle and Mark R who oversaw most of the catering.

The village was pretty busy with families, runners, walkers and of course riders. Many places were open for lunches, dinners or drinks. The mountain bike trails are certainly helping to build green season visitor numbers, but the growing vibrancy is attracting non-riders too.

If you haven't visited the lodge in summer, get a group of friends together and give it a try

Peaks Weekend

Once again all rooms in the lodge were booked for the Peaks cycling weekend and all our guests seemed very happy with the facilities.

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is the 235 gruelling kilometre loop from Falls Creek, over Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham and the Bogong High Plain - in a 13 hour time limit. Held on the Labour Day weekend in March each year this event is huge and needs every bed that the village can provide.

This is a welcome boost to summer income but it's also an important step in the overall growth of Falls Creek as a summer destination.

As Myra said

"It's a crazy busy weekend. It is the biggest event that Falls Creek sees all year.
Great atmosphere in the village. Finish line was a great spot to be."

a drone captured this amazing picture of the pre-dawn start - click picture for larger version

The lodge books out very early for this event, so if you'd like to come up and part of the festive atmosphere (or participate in the ride) you need to book early. There is no longer an opening date for summer bookings, so don't wait till spring. There is a special package for the lodge for the event: minimum 3 nights with linen and cleaning provided.

Cycling Weekend - what a great time

Thanks to Angie for organising our first mountain bike weekend and for this report. Thanks to Garry for the pictures.

If you like the sound of this, there is another minimum-fee-exempt weekend on Feb 12-14 and Blue Dirt shuttles will be operating if you want some help getting to the top.

And if you can't come that weekend, Blue Dirt have announced extra dates when shuttles will run (normal summer minimum fee applies)

Cross country skiers set the bench marks – 2016 MTB weekend at AAC-Falls. 

The first AAC- Falls Creek mountain bike (MTB) event was a huge success. A group of AAC-Falls members spent the second weekend of January testing their personal fitness, balance, strength and bikes on the new Falls Creek MTB trails – none were found wanting.

John G has set the bench mark for AAC-Falls by riding from Mt Beauty to the Nordic Bowl (in one day), backing up the following day with a ride up to Cloud Nine, and then descending initially via a single track, and then the road all the way to Mt Beauty.

Angie F gained the highest peak by bike (Mt Mackay) via single track ascent to Cloud Nine and then the road, backing this up the following day with a ride from the lodge to Mt Beauty and a ride from Raspberry Hill to the lodge; her bike’s attraction to the many puddles along this route setting the bench mark for the muddiest bike rider. As John and Angie are both Nordic skiers the challenge has been laid down to Alpine skiers and boarders to beat these bench marks next year.

Additional awards go to Garry H for the longest distance in a single day and the highest number of descents from the Lodge to Mt Beauty (3). However, Garry hasn’t achieved the highest ratio of km to words – that honour goes to Bron.

Falls Creek Management have completed a good number of the new MTB trail network. These include heart thumping elevation changes (Plaza to Cloud Nine and Gully to Summit), and adrenaline pumping descents (you may use your imagination here). For the less experienced (or less fool hardy) there is a very pretty network of “green” trails going in around the Nordic Bowl which are easily accessed from the aqueduct (also rated green). Riders can also cross the dam wall and follow the road and / or aqueduct out to Wallace’s and Cope’s huts.

The social aspects of the weekend deserve a mention. All enjoyed Jenny H's fabulous cooking, Garry and Marks’ ongoing narration of the weekend, Myra’s fabulous organisation of picnic and BBQs, Bron’s bruising walks and Brian’s impressive personal best ride. Mark’s unexpected (and belated) bah mitzvah was toasted and Elvis Presley’s 83 birthday was celebrated karaoke style. 

The committee is to be thanked for supporting MTB at Falls via waiving the $300 min fee for the January weekend, the weekend of Feb 13/14, and Easter. MTB at Falls is a lot of fun. If you aren’t into MTB you can road ride, or simply walk the High Planes and enjoy the Wild Flowers. We look forward to more MTB events. 

More pics

and if you don't know the people involved, we were a mix of downhill skiers, snow boarders and xc skiers. The xc skiers might have been the fittest but we all had a great time

A new cafe in the bowl

We have a new food business in the bowl - Cafe Max (briefly @1542) is now under new management and renamed "be foodstore". They have been open over summer holidays and quickly become very popular with the locals for coffee, cakes, healthy juices and afternoon drinks. (Not sure about their opening hours now)

New proprietors Jason & Melissa have been running Altitude Apartments for quite a while. Initially they are just doing drinks and treats but they plan to serve meals in winter. What's more they plan to stock bread and milk as well as specialty groceries and packaged grog. Hooray!

Summer Special Offer

At the AGM, there was discussion about visiting the lodge in summer. For some members, the $300 minimum fee is a deterrent. Ideas were floated about helping members to get together for summer visits so that the minimum fee was not a burden.

The reason for the minimum fee is twofold:

• even with only one person in the lodge, there is a significant cost for hot water, lighting and sometimes heating
• a summer manager often needs to be engaged to open and close the lodge (eg turn on hot water; check that dust etc has not built up too much since it was last occupied; replenish coffee, toilet paper etc; check that guests have cleaned up properly; turn off services and lock up)

The committee has decided on a trial of a small number of times in 2016 where no minimum fee will apply. We hope that this will make it easier for members to visit in summer.

The no minimum fee times will be:

• Thur Jan 7 to  Tue Jan 12: Inaugural AAC Falls cycling weekend
• Fri 12 Feb to Sun 14 Feb: one of the weekends when mountain bike shuttles will operate
• Thur 24 Mar to Tue 28 Mar: Easter

As well as avoiding the minimum fee, we hope that there will be more of a sociable buzz in the lodge at these times.

Mountain Biking at Falls Creek

Stage 3 of the mountain bike trails opened in November. This brings the total to 20km of  cross country mountain bike trails (mostly single-track). Even more are planned for next summer. The Bogong High Plains offer longer rides too.

For those who enjoy down more than up, there are a many opportunities.

• The Blue Dirt company are running shuttles roughly every second weekend over summer. For $50 per day ($90 per weekend) they will transport you and your bike from Slalom car park to the top of the trails. We've timed one of the no-minimum-fee lodge weekends to coincide with this.
• The summit chair also operates on some peak summer season days and can take bikes. Keep an eye on the fallscreek.com.au website for specific dates

Trail descriptions
Download a mountain bike trail map