Alexander Warrender was born in Melbourne and educated at Melbourne Grammar and Geelong Grammar School. He began skiing at an early age and spent many winters at Falls Creek. After leaving school in 1973, Alex decided to live at Falls Creek and went on to join the Falls Creek Ski Patrol. He was quickly promoted to second in charge of the Patrol aged 20 and was one of the first fulltime paid patrollers on the mountain. Alex also played in the band at the Frying Pan in the Bowl. Tragically he died in a car accident on the Oxley Road leaving the mountain on 23rd of August 1976. His funeral was a St John’s church in Toorak, and ashes were scattered on The Summit in a ski formation of the letter A by his young brother Simon and members of the Patrol. After Alex’s death, a small hut was constructed at the top of the Summit in 1980 which houses first-aid equipment used by Ski Patrol where a plaque was placed by Ski Patrol. Each year since Alex’s death, at 5pm on the 23rd of August, Falls Creek Ski Patrol gathers at this hut along with members of the Falls Creek community to remember Alex and other patrollers no longer here. This annual event is referred to as the Warrender Night, and celebrates the spirit of the Ski Patrol. Members of the Ski Patrol also raised funds and materials to build The Alexander Warrender Memorial Ski Patrol Base located on the ridge to the left at the top of Eagle Chair. It was officially opened by Alex’s mother Pamela on August 23rd 1990.This image is significant because they capture the image of one of Falls Creek's First Official Ski Patrollers whose memory is still honoured today.A colour photo of Alex Warrender Ski Patroller at Falls Creek and a framed photo of a group of Ski Patrollers and friends who attended Warrender Night in 2008Beneath framed image: Ski Patrol Evening 23 August 2008 - Summit Hut - Falls Creek Thank you from The Warrnedersalex warrender, falls creek ski patrol

In 1948 Bob Hymans (1922-2007) built a small lodge on the corner of Falls Creek Road by the oversnow called Four Seasons or The Grand Coeur Annexe. Believed to be a wonderful host Bob also owned and operated Southern Cross and Grand Coeur. Grand Coeur unfortunately burnt down in 1961. These skis, now located in the Falls Creek Museum, were donated by Bob’s daughter Bridget. They hung in the main room of the Lodge for many years, never touching snow.These skis are significant because they were owned by Bob Hymans, a pioneer of Falls Creek, Victoria.A pair of wooden skis with bindings and poles.bob hymans, four seasons, grand coeur chalet

The Recco system was developed in response to an avalanche tragedy in Are, Sweden in December 1973. The inventor and founder of RECCO, Magnus Granheed assisted in the rescue work. He was frustrated by the primitive methods for locating buried victims that existed at that time, by “probing” with ski poles and digging at random. Unfortunately two people were found deceased. created a passive reflector that could be carried by a skier at all times. After careful research and consultation with professional rescuers, the first prototype was finalised in the beginning of the 80s. In 1983, the company called RECCO was founded. Today the system consists of two parts: a reflector integrated into clothing, boots, helmets and body protection worn by skiers and riders and a detector used by organised rescue teams. These avalanche reflectors were given to participants at the 1987 Interski International Ski Institute Instructors' conference held in Banff, Canada.The invention of these reflectors was critical to increased safety for participants in outdoor activities including skiing at Falls Creek,Two Recco Reflectors which are worn on a skier's equipment or clothing. These strips contain a passive reflector which can be detected by searchers in an emergency situation.From left to right: INTERSKI Banff 1987 / RECCO Avalanche Radar Reflector / INTERSKI ARE 1991recco reflectors, recco system, avalanche rescue, magnus granheed

"TOKO" is a Swiss company founded in 1916, which has produced waxes, tools and other products to maintain the surface of skis and improve their performance.These items are from the world's highest selling range of ski maintenance products, regularly sold and used at Falls Creek.A yellow soft plastic pouch and four scrapers used to apply wax to maintain skis for peak performance.TOKOtoko wax, ski maintenance

Mim (Mariam) Sodergren developed innovative, specialized ski programs for women and children in both Australia and the United States. She and her husband Mike originated from Tahoma, California, USA. They spent 17 years of their lives without a summer, working as ski instructors in Lake Tahoe during the northern winters, and then they’d head off to Falls Creek and Thredbo in Australia. Mim and Mike Sodergren were both inspiring instructors at Falls Creek Snowsports School, dedicated to education and had a deep-seated passion for fostering an inclusive Snowsports community. Tragically Mim and Mike were among the 18 people killed on 30 July 1977 in Thredbo, Australia, when a landslide tore through Thredbo’s ski resort village and demolished two staff lodges. In 1997 the Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors (APSI) established the Sodergren scholarships in memory of Mim and Mike. The Sodergren Scholarship recognises the rising potential of Snowsport instruction within Australian ski resorts and allows the recipients to further their professional development by providing all training free of charge for one season. The women’s program still operates at Falls Creek and is a "heartfelt tribute to the memory of Mim Sodergren. Designed by women, for women, and inspired by the enduring passion of Mim and her partner, Mike, who was also an instructor, this program is a wonderful opportunity to learn to ski in a friendly and supportive environment, just as Mim envisioned." (Falls Creek Website 2024). Mike’s Men’s Ski Program at Falls Creek is also named in honour of Mike Sodergren. Mim’s skis were kept for many years by Ski Lifts at Falls Creek and were recently donated to the Falls Creek Museum for safe keeping.These skis are significant because they belonged to an iconic ski instructor still commemorated at Falls Creek, Victoria.A pair of Atomic Arc Skis, primarily black with coloured logo.ATOMIC ARC MODULE 645SLmim sodergren, mike sodergren, atomic skis, thredbo landslide

“Fall-Line” was one of a series of magazines published by the Victorian Ski Association. It was produced from 1979 until 1985. It superseded their previous publication, “Ski” magazine and was followed by the “Australian Skiing” magazine. The Victorian Ski Association was formed in 1955.This magazine is significant because it documents developments in the ski industry in Australia.A magazine featuring a coloured image on the cover and containing articles and advertising related to developments in skiing in Australia. This issue included an update on improvements being made at Falls Creek. FALLS CREEK The chairlift access area near the medical centre, long famous as the Mudpie Parlour of Falls Creek, has been sealed and Falls Creek itself, the waters of which have filled many an unsuspecting gum- boot, has been bridged, also near the medical centre. A lock-up storage shed will be built along Bogong High Plains Road, just below the oversnow terminal, for the use and convenience of all village commercial operators and site holders. Direct access will be possible by snowmobile. Falls Creek rates have risen to $82.50 per bed (less 10% discount if paid on time). The rise is the first in two years, and is less than the corresponding rise in the C.P.I. over that period. The access trail from the water tanks at the base of the Home Trail to the nursery slope has been smoothed and widened to 12 metres, and a new six metre wide access trail has been cut from Falls Creek Road, just behind Diana lodge to the chairlift bottom station. The Village Bowl comfort station is being extended and renovated, and the finishing touches are being put on the comfort station in the upper car park. Construction of an akja station/toilet block in Sun Valley will commence in 1980. The Management Committee is investigating the purchase of a Mercedes 800 series snow-clearing machine to supplement the CRB equipment in use in village parking areas The village water supply has been re- designed to ensure adequate supply at all times.australian ski magazines, skiing australia, victorian ski association

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A handwritten letter from Bob Hymans to the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee requesting permission to use mechanical earth moving equipment to did trenches for sewerage disposal.falls creek tourist area management committee, bob hymans, falls creek administration

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Management Committee Falls Creek in relation to his application to modify his chairlift. It states that other people went to the effort of committing proposals to paper and that Bob Hymans should have done the same. The plan submitted by Falls Creek Ski Tows Pty. Ltd. had been accepted. This precluded any of Bob's proposals. It also states that the Committee was reluctant to deal with any further applications from Mr Hymans until he dealt with other outstanding matters. These included lodging a complete proposal for his restaurant and also storage of equipment within the boundaries of his licensed area.falls creek tourist area management committee, chairlift proposals, planning, bob hymans

Brigade Magazine is issued to members of the Victorian CFA. The Spring edition of 2016 includes an article to acknowledge 21 years of service by the Falls Creek CFA. The article was written by Joy Nowakowski on behalf of the Falls Creek CFA with information provided by the Falls Creek Historical Society. Falls Creek Fire Brigade protects Falls Creek Village from fires throughout the year and supports other brigades to fight bushfires nearby and further away. In 2016 the brigade had 23 year-round volunteers. At a celebratory function at Falls Creek in June 2016, alpine pumper and brigade snowmobiles were on display. Falls Creek’s alpine pumper was the first of its kind in Australia. It had a pumping capacity of 4,000 litres a minute and its tracks enabled it to access areas of the village and ski fields. Until 2016 Falls Creek Village has been threatened by two major fires, the worst being in 2003 when CFA crews saved the village and the adjoining ski field infrastructure right at the boundaries. Snow making equipment was used to create a water/fog barrier that helped stop the fires from taking the village. The team that saved the village was considered heroic Support for fighting fires at Falls Creek dates back to 1956 but this support came from Mount Beauty, 30 kilometres down the mountain. Falls Creek locals were concerned by this, so used six available hydrants and a canvas hose to fight any fires on the mountain. In 1964 the SECV gave the village a trailer which could be used with both wheels and skis for summer and winter operations. But this trailer only lasted two years. In the early 1970s, the village was given a 2,000-gallon Ford Blitz 4WD truck, and additional equipment was quickly acquired by the village including a new locally-constructed trailer with a pumper unit. In the 1990s, a change in land status meant the Falls Creek area became the responsibility of CFA. This status was formalised in 1995 by a public meeting that formed Falls Creek Fire Brigade.This magazine is significant because it contains an article celebrating 21 years of Falls Creek CFA.A publication for CFA members which includes stories about recent incidents, brigades, training, events, community safety, health and safety and general CFA news. falls creek cfa, alpine firefighting, falls creek cfa 21 years

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The first nutcracker tow at Falls Creek was the Nissen Tow. Operated by Toni and Skippy St. Elmo, it had a capacity of five people at one time and cost 6/- day in 1951. The Nissen Tow was powered by a Buick engine and operated from 1951 until 1960. 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. In 1981 he graduated in sport psychology 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 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 is connected to one of the early ski tows established in Falls Creek.A woven hessian belt with leather and metal buckle. The metal fork enabled the skier to attach to the rope tow. A display card is included. On card: Item No. 115 Nutcracker - Nissen Rope Tow - 1950sgeorge shirling, nissen lodge

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. 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. In 1981 he graduated in sport psychology 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 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 includes a wide range of products used to protect skis and improve performance from the 1920s until the present.A variety of brands of ski wax for maintenance of ski surfaces. The brands included are:- "TOKO", a Swiss company founded in 1916. The Swix colour wax system which was first marketed on November 28th 1946 in Sweden. Bratlie Wax established in the 1920s. In the early 1970s the company was purchased by Astra, the parent company of Swix. Wax by Østbye of Norway patented c1920 by Peter Østbye. His company manufactured tar-based waxes until the 1990s. Australalp Ski Wax made by Danbril Laboratories, Elsternwick, Victoria Each item bears its original logo and brandinggeorge shirling, red onion, ski waxes

This book includes colour photography, black and white illustrations, and detailed maps accompanying advice about the Australian snowfields in the 1970s.Written by the former owner and editor of Skiing News, this is a comprehensive book on the attractions of Australia's snowfields and summer alpine holidays. The first part of the book gives a brief history of skiing in Australia, followed by a detailed guide to planning and organising a ski holiday. It includes advice on which resort to choose and advice on suitable equipment. As well as basic techniques for beginners. The second part of the book examines every major ski resort in Australia. As well as advice on facilities. Six New South Wales, five Victorian and two Tasmanian resorts are covered. skis and skiing australia, australian snowfields

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 volume of 731 pages including plans, tables, maps and illustrations plus 4 pages of colour plates. The cover is red with a silver border and title. It also features a representation of a skier.non-fictionThe history of the Ski Club of Victoria is really a history of skiing in Victoria. When the Club was founded in 1924, skiing as a sport was almost unknown and what primitive skiing there was centred on the Chalet at Mt. Buffalo. Today's alpine resorts were non-existent; the Victorian alpine region was a winter wilderness and ski equipment was scarce. So the handful of SCV founders and their successors set out to foster and develop Victorian skiing. The Ski Club of Victoria story highlights the dedication and spirit of its members united in their aim to develop skiing. It tells of the enormous difficulties endured and the supreme efforts of the adventurous founders who, in working damned hard for their pleasures, opened up Victoria's alpine resources for skiing. It tells too of the devotion and persistence of those who have willingly served on the Committees and of the numerous unsung heroes who have, throughout the life of the Club, contributed unselfishly to its maintenance and development as a "labour of love". Their collective zeal and dedication to skiing is reflected directly in the mammoth achievements of the Ski Club of Victoria, achievements that have been largely responsible for the steady and sound development of skiing in Victoria and needless to say the viability and respected status of the Club itself.ski club of victoria, victoria skiing history

This volume of 151 pages is an update of one of the first books dedicated to Cross Country skiing. It includes illustrations, photographs and text.non-fictionThe indispensable guide to cross-country for family fun, touring at all ages and competition, by the #1 writer. John Caldwell started the North American boom in this happy, cheap, safe, easy-to-learn (don't need lessons) for the whole family sport with his classic X-C ski book- the first devoted entirely to cross-country skiing. THE NEW CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BOOK is completely rewritten, newly illustrated and updated, including the latest information on the new no-wax skis. For new skiers it provides information the one-day tour and how to organize a tour-race as well as updated equipment reports. It also includes advice about training for expert skiers.cross country skiing, skiing training and equipment

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 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 book of 156 pages including photographs, diagrams and illustrations. The front cover features an image of the author skiing while the back cover has additional images as well as a synopsis of the book and an author profile.non-fiction Freestyle skiing is a new dimension, a new way of thinking about moving on skis. A mixture of ski ballet and acrobatics. It developed in America where it was known in the early days as "hot dogging", and grew in popularity all over the world in the late 1970s. In this publication Randy Wieman, inter-national freestyle champion, clearly explains the techniques of freestyle skiing and with the aid of dozens of graphic, step-by-step photographs explains the tricks, from the most basic to the more sophisticated, that make up a freestyler's repertoire. Spectacular colour shots of freestyle skiing all over the world, chapters on the freestyle story and equipment plus helpful hints make this a complete guide to the most exciting new sport in a decade.skiing techniques, freestyle skiing, skiing manual

A volume of 204 pages including historical information, equipment and techniques for improving skills in cross country skiing.Cross-Country Skiing will help skiers develop better form and style for more pleasurable skiing. With coaching based on the highly successful German Ski Association training program, the authors tailor their instruction to the needs of the amateur with aspirations. Step-by-step photo sequences and uncomplicated line drawings show crucial variations in movements that can mean the difference between smooth, efficient action and strained and wasted effort. For those aiming at competition, tips on technique, training, and waxing are included. Information on choosing proper equipment and specialised approaches to training, including overall conditioning, endurance building, and training tactics aim to assist skiers in building a competitive edge. cross country skiing, training techniques