Interschools resolution

School Snowsports Development Foundation (SSDF) and Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) have put out a joint statement.

In essence

• In 2013 Victorian Interschools will be at Buller from Sunday 18th August to Sunday 25th August
• 2013 National Interschools will be held at Buller from Wednesday 4th September to Sunday 8th September

The statement makes some references to simplified operation and ongoing discussions with Falls Creek about school based events but says nothing specific.

While it may be disappointing for many that Interschools will not be held at Falls Creek next year, it is good to have resolution of this issue. Let's hope this really is settled.

Cup Weekend fun

We're looking forward to a great summer in the renovated  lodge. Cup Day was a great excuse for members to enjoy a long weekend at Falls Creek. There was even a little snow left out the back for a few turns.

Interschools - what's happening?

Since the previous post, the Interschools situation has become unclear - to say the least.

In essence, there is a disagreement between Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) and the School Snowsports Development Foundation (SSDF) over who has authority over Interschools.

SSA has said that it has arranged for both Victorian and National Interschools in 2013 to be hosted by Mt Buller.

On the other hand SSDF and Falls Creek Ski Lifts are both confirming that the events will be held at Falls Creek as previously announced. The Victorian Snowsports Association (VSA) is supporting this position.

We won't try to second guess the outcome. We will let you know more when the situation is clearer. Let's hope that is sooner rather than later and that we can confidently look forward to 2 great events at Falls Creek.

Vic Interschools at Falls Creek in 2013

The School SnowSports Development Foundation has decided to move the Subaru Victorian and Australian Interschools SnowSports Championships to Falls Creek in 2013. Events will run for 8 days from 18th to 25th August. Interschools will stay at Falls Creek until at least 2017.

Buller has hosted the huge Victorian Interschools event  for 55 years, so this is a very significant change. It will bring thousands of competitors and supporters to Falls Creek, many of whom may never have been before.

Australian Interschools will also be conducted at Falls Creek in 2013, 2015 and 2017. In 2013 this will be from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th September.

 more

Dubai

is our chairman checking out the prospects for a new AAC project or just pining for the great conditions he left behind at Falls Creek?

this season just keeps on keeping on

After about a foot of new snow late last week the sun came out on Sunday and Monday.

The main international runs were in excellent condition.

The summit was fantastic and everywhere over the back was perfect.

There's another 10-20cm forecast for tomorrow and another top up late next week.

Looking straight down Short & Curly with the lodge in centre background

There's only a few weeks left till the lifts stop turning for 2012 - make the most of this great season.

Hoppet

The annual Kangaroo Hoppet XC marathon race was held again on Saturday 25th August. While the Russians and other international elite athletes were battling it out with the top Aussies in the main race, Ron & John were once again competing in the 7km Joey event.

John has had such a stranglehold on the over 80 years class that they've abolished that and the 75-80 class. Now he has to compete against hearty young lads like Ron in the over 70 class.

The weather was pretty rugged but they finished in great shape.

2013 Hero Pass

The lift company have just announced details of the Hero Pass (extra early bird season pass for Falls Creek & Hotham) for next year. This is a great offer and one that quite a few members have enjoyed this year.

• For current season pass holders (including Tertiary, Valley, Alpine and Spring Pass), total price is $699 (same as this year).
• For new Hero passes, the total is $749, but you can save $50 if you dress-up as a super hero and ski/board on Monday 10 September.
• Children and seniors who are current season pass holders are $399; $429 for new children & seniors

• Pay $199 deposit by 5pm 8 October
• Pay balance by 1 May 2013
• If you pay the balance by 5pm Thursday 6 December 2012, there are some summer benefits available too

Hero passes go on sale Monday 10 September.

Details at skifalls.com.au/HeroPass or heropass.com.au

the best spring skiing in years

The conditions are fabulous with over a metre of snow falling in the last 2 weeks

• all lifts are open 
• 179cm average in the snow-making areas
• fantastic cover on summit
• the whole maze is open
• there's heaps of snow in the village for true ski in / ski out
• more snow is forecast for later this week

Prices are great value

• from Sunday 2nd it's low tariff time, eg
• members are $38 per night or  $228 per week
• guests are $152 for a weekend

The lift company is offering a Spring lift pass that will let you ski till the end of September 

•  $499 for adults
• only $299 for kids and seniours
• free for over 70s

Spring is a terrific time at Falls

• fast morning groomers
• fun in the slush bumps or the park
• gorgeous off-piste corn snow 
• touring or xc to explore beyond the resort
• blue skies
• relaxing sunny afternoons
• barbecues on the deck

Don't miss out on the best spring conditions for years

• School holidays are filling up quick - only a few rooms left
• The phones are running hot for September 2-8
• September 9 - 22 still have plenty of room
• Don't leave it too long to make your spring booking

fabulous new snow

July was a bit wet and disappointing but August has been getting better and better, culminating in the big system that came in on 15 -18 August. It brought us about 70cm. Cover over the back is the best in many years, and now International, the Maze and Last Hoot all have a good cover too.

The new snow created a bit of work for some

This

 and hard work by Andrew

 created some nice new stairs

Mark still had the job ahead of him in this shot

The lodge is full until 25th August, but then there are plenty of beds available to take advantage of a great Spring. Don't forget that even though weekend bookings can't be confirmed until the official opening date (19 days prior for members), you can put your weekend applications in early.