These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This advertisement was featured in The Australian Ski Yearbook 1937. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it contained promotional material for Australian Ski Resorts and also honoured Cleve Cole.A black and white advertisement for Skiing in Victoria. It is accompanied by a detailed sign which explains key items in the publication. This edition of the Australian Ski Year book also contains an account of the death of Cleve Cole on 19th August 1936. Cleve Cole was ever an adventurer, and his passion for skiing led him, year after year, to pioneer new runs and open up new country. He pushed hard for the development of Mt. Bogong as a "skiing resort". After his death £500 was sought to build a "substantial stone building on Mt. Bogong which would give access to really excellent ski runs on the highest mountain in the State". Today, the Cleve Cole Memorial Hut (altitude 1,760m) stands 4kms south of Mt. Bogong, about 15kms NE of Falls Creek across the Big River. Cleve Cole's death led to the Victorian Government making a grant of £50 for the erection of snow pole lines on Mt. Bogong so that "all those who desire will now be able to spend a holiday in Victoria on Mt. Bogong" (Australian Ski Year Book 1937, page 55)ITEM No. 2 The Australian Ski Year Book 1937 "For Perfect Skiing in Victoria... THIS WINTER!" (advertisement page xxxi) george shirling, falls creek, the australian ski yearbook 1937, cleve cole hut

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover shows a group of skiers descending the slopes. Page 61 described work that had been carried out at Skyline Lodge reading for the coming season. Page 64 included an advertisement for exclusive accommodation at Snow Crystal Inn.schuss journal, skyline lodge, snow crystal inn

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photo of snow gums at Mount Buffalo. Page 24 has a photo taken by C. Bottomley, of the Chair Lift at Falls Creek where the National Championships were to be held. On page 26 there was Birdseye view photo of Falls Creek with the Ski Tow in the foreground and Mt Nelse towering over the village. Page 27 had a short report of the beginning of the construction of a road "over the top" of the Bogong High Plains. It included a note on the farewell held for Dick Walpole by the Myrtleford Ski Club as he departed for the Winter Olympics. The Galleon Ski Club Lodge was advertised for sale on page 30. On page 41 a report explained the extension of the Downhill Course at Falls Creek in preparation for the National Championships to be held from the 21st to 27th August 1960. This would result in a course with a vertical descent of 1,200 to 1,300 feet and about a mile in length.schuss journal, national championships 1960, dick walpole, galleon ski club lodge

Falls Creek is a resort town in northeastern Victoria. Its development began during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme by the SECV in the late 1940s. The resort continued to develop becoming a destination all year round for skiing, bush walking and cycling. Falls Creek began to develop during the construction of the KHES.2 Black and white photos of Falls Creek during winter. 1. 5 buildings in Falls Creek Bowl including the Frying Pan Inn, Bogong Ski Club and Cummings Ski Hire and about 20 skiers on the slopes. Photo is taken from the bottom of the Summit T-bar looking towards the Gully chair and part of the Village T-bar. 2. View taken from Falls Creek village looking towards Spion Kop. 1960s cable binding skis in the foreground.On the back reference to Laurie Richards photographer.falls creek village, skiing, snow sports, laurie richards

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a view of Mount Bogong across the Kiewa Valley in a photo taken by C. Bottomley. On page 115 - 115, R D McNabb & F Griffith reported on a variety of Falls Creek Highlights. Page 117 included an advertisement for Snow Crystal Inn. page 130 announced that Austrian Ski Instructor, Siegfried Haberzetti would be teaching at Falls Creek Ski School. A short article on page 134 mentions key contributors to the development of skiing at Falls Creek. It also mentions Cecil Dobson and Ory Frueauf and the introduction of their power sled transport service.schuss journal, ory freauf, cecil dobson, siegfried haberzettl, fred griffith

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photo early snow falls at Mt. Buller. Pages 234 - 235 gave a detailed account of activities over the Queen's Birthday weekend at Falls Creek, where residents were surprised by early snow falls. This was written by Molly Bunyan. Page 236 included information regarding transport arrangements for the National Championships. "Falls Creek Kaleidoscope" by Tom Mitchell, Sandy McNabb and Molly Bunyan included small items of information about activities at Falls Creek. Page 239 outlines the introduction of parking fees at Falls Creek and regulations for the Winter season. On page 244 it was announced that the National Fitness Council was going to conduct a National Fitness Ski School at Howman's Gap from July 23rd until August 6th.schuss journal, tom mitchell, national fitness council howman's gap

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photo Mt Buller taken during the National Championships in August 1959.. Page 263 includes an announcement of the birth of a son to Bernhard Plohberger and his wife Trudi. Their son, Gerhardt was the first child born on the Victorian snow fields. Skiers in resident at Falls Creek also held a "snow-making" ceremony on 18th July, led by Julian Brown.schuss journal, bernard plohberger, julian brown

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The Victorian Ski Club Association was established in July 1955 to combine the interests of all Victorian ski clubs to advance the combined objectives of the clubs in the development of Victorian skiing areas and advancing the technical standards of the sport. The Association had 33 Foundation member clubs and a further five clubs joined in its first year, representing over 3,500 individual members. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This is representative of the Association which coordinated and supported the development of snow skiing in Victoria from the mid 1950s.A sticker bearing the logo of the Victorian Ski Association printed in blue and green with a plastic coating. VICTORIAN SKI ASSOCIATIONgeorge shirling, victorian ski association, snow skiing in victoria 1950s

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The card was from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments, originally called Kilimanjaro Flats, built c1967 for Jon and Marnie Searles. In 2024 Kilimanjaro Apartments was still operating with one, two or three bedroom accommodation available. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This card is significant because it was produced by a Falls Creek accommodation service which began operation in the late 1960s.A Christmas card from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments at Falls Creek, Victoria. The front shows an image of Kilimanjaro Lodge surrounded by snow with a skier dressed in red. The card is decorated with stylised fir trees. The reverse included a photo of the owners Marnie and Jan Searles and a Christmas message. It also includes a place for an address and a postage stamp to be added.On Front: Seasons greetings from Kilimanjaro/ Falls Creek Ski Village On Back: Kilimanjaro Logo, Postage and Contact details. An image of the owners in yellow and black ski clothes as well as text "Hope to see you & ski with you next year Marnie & J.J. Marnie & Jan wish you a Joyous Xmas & Happy New Year"george shirling, kilimanjaro flats, marnie searles, falls creek accommodation

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It accompanied a copy of Ernest Forras' autobiography "Earnest Escapades" given to George Shirling - two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry. Ernest Forras died on Sunday 31st October 2010 at Mt Buller. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it links two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry.A message from Ernest Forras to George Shirling in a wooden frame. An explanatory sign explains Ernie Forras' background. The autograph says: "To My dear Friend George Koki's Creator From Hungary with Love!! Ernie F." ITEM No.4 Ernest Forras "Earnest Escapades" The autobiography of a pioneer of the Australian snowfields First published in 1994. Ernest, later the owner of Kooroora, Mt. Buller on his first visit to Falls Creek in June 1951 writes about the lodges at Falls Creek... Albury, Bogong, St. Arnauds, Wangaratta, Skyline (Ski Club of Victoria), and Myrtleford ski club, St. Elmo's hut, Bob Hyman's small chalet, and Tom Mitchell's (then, State Attorney General) private hut. When learning that the State Electricity Commission controlled Falls Creek in the early days, Ernest wondered why the Egg Board and the Potato Board had missed out! Ernest acknowledged the impressive development in the Australian snowfields but remained concerned about a "head in the snow" attitude which argued against privatisation of our snowfields, park entry fees, and the compulsory carrying of snow chains. Is anybody listening?george shirling, ernest forras, "earnest escapades"

non-fictionChauvel Country is the history of a family whose roots can be traced into France, then England, and who came to Australia as pioneers of the Clarence River in New South Wales. It is the story of the individual members of that family, soldiers and sailors who fought their battles in the far places of the Empire. There are memories of the First World War of the author's hero father, and of the idyllic English countryside. In more recent times we share the author's experiences of riding through the Australian bush, of the lure of distant snow-capped mountains to be explored on skis, in the days before easy access roads, of skiing in North and South America, Europe and New Zealand. We also share the lonely years of the Second World War, when she carried on the family property while her husband was a prisoner of war in Changi prison. Elyne Mitchell is a remarkable woman, and in this book the reader is led on a unique journey through her life from childhood to an aware maturity and wisdom.elyne mitchell, clarence river (nsw)

Ski Victoria Booklet from 1980 featuring 48 pages containing all information required for the ski resorts of Victoria. Falls Creek is featured on pages six to eleven. This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine with white front cover, featuring a large square image of a person in black and white ski clothes skiing down hill surrounded by snow and blue sky. Centred above image is Ski Victoria in green with a ski figure in same green, a blue vertical line illustration of the state of Victoria. 1980 is written in smaller black letters underneath with Victoria Has Mountains of snow below text and above image in black capital letters. 'SKI VICTORIA / 1980 / VICTORIA HAS MOUNTAINS OF SNOW'skiing, snow field, snow victoria, tourism victoria, ski victoria, snow, winter, winter tourism

A small book of 83 pages including black and white illustrations featuring a downhill skier on the front cover. It was published by The Victorian Ski Association and sold for 2/-.non-fictionThis book subtitled "A Guide to Snow Sports in Australia" includes an introduction to The Victorian Ski Association, followed by sections about Victoria's Ski Resorts at Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek as well as New South Wales Ski Resorts, Australian Capital Territory Ski Resorts and Tasmanian Ski Resorts. Other sections include a Skier's Guide to Equipment, a Skier's Guide to Snowcraft, a Skier's Guide to Tests and Rules as well as the Golden Rules of Racing.australian skiing, skiing handbook

A book of 36 pages including photographic images, sketches and text explaining stretching techniques suitable for skiing and other forms of physical activity. The cover features a black and white image of a pair of gloves on top of ski poles set in the snow.This book focuses on stretches suitable for developing flexibility suitable for skiers and other athletes. It includes drawings, cartoons and sketches provided by Ashley and Sue Moorehead.skiing lessons, flexibility for skiing, falls creek ski and board school

A book including images and texts which tells the story of the Astra in Falls Creek, Victoria.non-fictionIn 1987 Falls Creek local Roy Morris opened the ‘Astra Lodge’. Rosy Seaton acquired ‘Astra Lodge’ in 2014 and renamed it just Astra. Rosy with Grant Amon Architects completed major renovations and new buildings in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which included a new Day Spa, and six new apartments. Astra Bar and Restaurant. The revitalised Astra welcomed its first guests in the 2017 snow season. This publication tells the story of the redevelopment which has earned recognition in the ‘Best Boutique Ski Hotel Australia’ for eight consecutive years by the World Ski Awards.falls creek, astra falls creek, rosy seaton, accommodation falls creek

A book of 203 pages including photographs and illustrations. The dust jacket features an image of the authors on both front and back covers.non-fictionJean-Claude Killy is a French former World Cup alpine ski racer. He dominated the sport in the late 1960s, and was a triple Olympic champion, winning the three alpine events at the 1968 Winter Olympics, becoming the most successful athlete there. He also won the first two World Cup titles, in 1967 and 1968. In this publication he presents information on techniques to enable a skier to handle himself in all conditions and situations. He reveals the strategies he has applied to a wide variety of snow and terrain conditions. First, there's a quick review of basics: exercises for getting in and staying in shape; tips on skiing equipment; a summary of the fundamental elements for the intermediate skier. Then he explains situations, how to "think ahead" as you encounter steep slopes and moguls, gullies and glades, ice and hard-packed snow, and deep powder. He discusses high altitude skiing, tells how to ski glaciers and back-country trails, and even gives away know-how learned in his championship years of downhill, slalom, and giant slalom racing.jean-claude killy, skiing techniques

A publication of 240 pages including illustrations and diagrams as well as a detailed table of contents and an index.non-fictionThis comprehensive handbook is packed with information about ski equipment, how to buy and maintain it, ski wear and everything a well-prepared skier (expert or beginner) needs for the slopes. Pre-ski training is discussed in detail so you will arrive fit and raring to go. It includes step-by-step instructions for all mountain touring, or performing acrobatics. Skiing is such an unpredictable sport, full of surprises, and no two days are ever the same. All types of snow from spring to powder are outlined, with hints for tackling the different conditions. Since skiers need to be prepared for all circumstances, first aid, avalanches, general safety rules and even weather problems are discussed in detail. Whether you are a cross-country rambler or an athlete planning the route for a challenging competition, you will want to ski your best. Once you're out on the slopes all the preparation will pay off - and this book tells you how to make the most of it. ski technique, ski equipment, ski preparation and training

A book of 188 pages including illustrations and maps. The cover is blue with white text. It features a map and a list of ski fields included in the publication.non-fictionA complete guide book for enthusiasts of the great winter sport of snow skiing-a sport which attracts over one million bookings a year to Australian and New Zealand resorts. A Skier's Guide to Australia and New Zealand aimed to answer questions about ski locations in one up-to-date package. It covers where to go and how to get there, where to stay, tariffs and facilities, emergency services, equipment hire, restaurants and night spots, and information about package deals. Regional maps show where the ski areas are situated with village maps of the major resorts and full colour maps of the ski runs offering a guide to the slopes.skis and skiing- australia-guide-books, australia-description and travel, australian skiing

A large volume of 175 pages features illustrations, maps, portraits and photograph. It includes bibliographical references and an index. non-fictionThredbo is not just Australia's winter wonderland, where the brightly attired soar on crisp white snow beneath clear blue skies. For many it is home all year round. This comprehensive history reveals the trailblazers and characters who carved out a lifestyle from the mountains, living through blizzards, bushfires and landslides. More than just a company town, Thredbo is a pure expression of the multicultural ethos, built by immigrant pioneers, enjoyed by generations of Australians.thredbo history, australian ski resorts, snowy mountains

A small booklet of 37 pages including illustrations and a foreword written by the author. non-fictionIn 1936 Franz "Frank" Skardarasy was brought to Mount Buffalo from Austria by the Victorian Railways to run the first ski school in Australia. He introduced skiers to the Arlberg technique which enabled better handling of deep snow than the Telemark technique which was practiced at the time. Franz was based at Buffalo, but also taught at Mount Hotham.skis and skiing, franz "frank" skardarasy, arlberg technique, mount buffalo