Australia's 2010 Ski Season: An overview of Australia's 2010 Ski Season
Australia's Ski Season: 12th June – early October
You know the lyrics “it's raining men...halleluiah”, ok now change that because it's started raining snow! Many Australian ski resorts have received a welcoming of snow to lure skiers & boarders for the official June 12th Australian snow season opening. If you're contemplating whether or not to take a ski trip for the Queen's Birthday long weekend, Meteorologist Aaron Cook reassures mountain goers and said “We don't need it snowing in Melbourne for good skiing at Falls Creek! It just has to be cold enough, with plenty of rain. The persistent westerly winds do a good job of this.” So, with that in mind, its time to pull out the winter suit case, re-water proof any ski pants or tops have been gathering dust over the summer, and start price hunting for your 2010 ski season pass.
Skiing: The Highs and Lows of the Wintersport
With all the winter ski promotions in Europe, Japan and even New Zealand, more and more Australians heading for the slopes and taking up either skiing or snow boarding. Whatever your poison, both skiing and snowboarding can have fantastic health benefits including improving your circulatory system, increasing aerobic fitness levels, improving balance and flexibility, and even core strength. That being said, there are many dangers involved in skiing… ego, bruises, regrets that you didn't take travel insurance and even a temper tantrum when you just can't go any further. That being said one of the greatest advantages of Australia's 2010 Ski Season is sure to be the après ski parties. As in previous years these are sure to provide much opportunity to mingle with friends, meet loads of interesting people, swap stories of fantastic falls, and let us not forget the opportunity to socialise with cute ski instructors.
Where to go this Ski Season
Now that the mind is conjuring up thoughts of gliding down untouched snowy peaks, roaring log fires, hearty winter fare and all the atmosphere of après ski, you will need to quickly decide on which Australian ski resort to make a b-line for. Australian ski resorts offer a plethora of options for black run skiers and the newby, so before you book anything, read on to ensure you end up at the right resort for you.
Mt Buller - Ski, snowboard and event overview
Mt Buller, Melbourne's closest big hill, will be launching the season with celebrations and blessings for a buzzing season. Its official Queen's Birthday opening on Saturday will have plenty of entertainment in the Village Square from 3:30pm. On Sunday mountain goers are invited to Mt Buller Chapel for the Blessing of the Snow commencing at 10:30am. That evening you're invited to bring out your favourite masquerade mask for the Olympic Winter Institute Cocktail party, from 6pm at the Mt Buller Chalet Hotel. Tickets can be pre - purchased online. Other highlight events throughout the season include Mark Adams Ski & Golf Day, Army Championships, 22nd Annual ABOM Mogul Challenge and Eighties Day.
Famed as Australia's most accessible ski resort Mt Buller has 25 lifts; capable of moving 40,000 people per hour, over the 300 hectares of trails. With some promising snowfalls already recorded (2-3 cm of snow in early May) this user-friendly mountain is gearing up for a booming 2010 season. Mt Buller has three terrain parks designed for all skill levels, a half pipe and an ultra cross course, with a dedicated snow grooming team to maintain their condition. The mountain is also home to Breathtaker on High Alpine Spa Retreat, Australia's highest day spa. There is also a range of other activities from cinema, to retail therapy and rock-climbing.
Mt Hotham - Ski, snowboard and event overview
Mt Hotham is a mountaintop village caters for every level and is known as 'The Powder Capital of Australia'. It is the only national resort which offers its own airport only 20kms away. Exciting news for Hotham this year is the $1.7 million spent on snowmaking equipment. Snowmaking power at Hotham Alpine Resort will increase by 40% this winter 2010 season. Further more 22 state of the art high output TechnoAlpin fan snow guns will be installed on hydrant points throughout Hotham's Heavenly Valley snowmaking network. The additional guns bring the resort's total snow gun network to 77 high-output fan guns. Hotham offers a range of accommodation options, bars, nightclubs and restaurants of all varieties; the après ski seems to be a popular past time as the skiing and boarding. Making it easier for everyone The Alps bus link will be running again. On trial for the last 18 months it has been extended again for the 2010 winter season.
Falls Creek- Ski, snowboard and event overview
Falls Creek offers 14 lifts and 92 runs, from gentle bunny runs, to south facing bowls, and boasting some of the steepest alpine runs in the country. Falls Creek is also renowned amongst freestyle skiers and riders as the 'Park Capital' of Australia. Exciting for snow goers this year is the sled dog event that will take place this July, after negotiation over 4 years the anticipation of the dogs arrival is high; just like its highest altitude of 1,842 metres. New to Falls this season like Hotham, is the news of a snow making investment. Nearly a million dollars will be spent on snow making equipment at the alpine resort. Plenty of events and entertainment are shaping up the 2010 season including Falls Creek Victorian Children's Championships, Falls Creek Big Air Comp & Singles Week at Falls Creek. As always the aprè ski entertainment lineup promises to ease any ski boot aches and pains.
Thredbo- Ski, snowboard and event overview
Thredbo, set at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciusko, Thredbo is the self-proclaimed premier alpine resort in the country, with a European-style atmosphere, renowned long runs and vertical descents. With 1000 hectares of pristine mountain terrain to play with, Thredbo offers a huge variety of activities to its guests. Thredbo is making it easier for you to enjoy your time on the mountain this year with a couple of new features: the Thredbo Club card will now double as your lift pass, so getting onto the mountain has never been easier and quicker. You can now arrive and spend more time on the mountain also, thanks to Aeropelican, they will now fly the Sydney to Cooma route commencing in June.
Perisher Blue- Ski, snowboard and event overview
Perisher Blue is Australia's biggest resort, created by the merger of four resorts; Perisher, Blue Cow, Guthega & Smiggin Holes. With so much diversity, the resort caters for everyone from beginners to the most extreme skiers and snowboarders. While Thredbo is home to Australia's highest mountain, Mt Perisher is home to Australia's highest chairlift, reaching an elevation of 2034m. The resort hasn't wasted any time over the break and is eager to show off its improvements and they have purchased over $500,000 of additional hire equipment for the various Perisher Snowsports Hire outlets, The Happy Valley Kiosk has re-opened and is a great place to stop for a snack while exploring the mountain and they have also purchased a Prinoth Bison X snow-grooming machine to modernise Australia's biggest grooming fleet. There are plenty of entertainment and party options including the Snowy Mountains Festival of Music and The Ministry of Sound Sessions Tour.
Charlottes Pass- Ski, snowboard and event overview
Before wrapping up, one cannot forget Charlottes Pass - perfect for a private escape to a special destination. Charlottes Pass is Australia's highest alpine resort and is only accessible via snow transport from Perisher Valley.
Restaurants & Accommodation are also available at Jindabyne with access to Thredbo, Perisher & Charlottes Pass.
Australia's 2010 Ski Season: To Conclude
Now that you have in mind ‘your' type of resort, don't miss out on the abundance of early bird deals out there for you to take advantage of. The Socceroos are sweating it out in South Africa for the Fifa World Cup, so let's speed down those slopes, breaking all the speed limits, and show how as a nation we have sporting ability across all terrains; from the tropics to our sparkling slopes.
