31 August 2009

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).

27 August 2009

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.

26 August 2009

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).

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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.

21 August 2009

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.

12 August 2009

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.

08 August 2009

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.

03 August 2009

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.