After World War II, the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened on 9 June 1958 (with telegraph and telephone facilities only until 1964) .Despite strong opposition from the head of the Kiewa scheme, who didn't want tourists clogging up his roads and destroying his "dry" construction camps by bringing in booze, Falls Creek boomed as much as Hotham, partly owing to its relatively good access road. Early lodges included Bogong (c.1946), Skyline (1947), Albury (1949), Myrtleford (1949) and Dawn (c.1950).The souvenir postcard photographed and produced by an enterprising local businessman Mr S K Pearce, was produced as a memento for skiers and other visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region, or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the falls creek area around the late 1950’s to early 1960’sColour postcard folder (unused) containing 13 photographs of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds. Inside cover has a brief description of the area and the services available to visitors Printed on front cover- FALLS CREEK SKI VILLAGE. Your Souvenir Folder Photo of skiing slopes of the village Inside front flap - a brief description of the Falls Creek area and the services available to visitors 1. Diana Lodge parking area and Spion Kopje 2. Winterhaven Lodge 3. Ski Hirage Centre and skiing slopes 4. Ski Lodges from main road 5. Nelse and Arundel Lodges 6. Day visitors’ shelter and parking area 7. Summit T-Bar lift 8. Spur T-bar looking towards Village and Spion Kopje 9. T-bar lower station and Snow Crystal Inn 10. ‘Akja’ rescue sled in use 11. Falls Creek road and Grand Coeur Lodge annex 12. Rope tows and beginner slopes 13. Back cover- Published by Nucolorvue Pty Ltd Mentone Vic. Printed in Australia For S.K.Pearce Pty Ltd Tawonga and Mt Beauty falls creek, snow, bogong high plains, victorian alps

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2012 the Men's Winner was Alexander Legkov from Russia in a time of 1:23:00. The winner of the Women's event was Maria Graefnings of Sweden in a time of 1:33:14. The planned course was modified and shortened due to the predicted high winds and poor visibility. The 42km Hoppet course was shortened to 30km.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a skier dressed in blue and red with trees in the background. Stylised snowflakes are on either side. The page border is red. Logos of AGL, Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort, Alpine Shire, Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are across the bottom of the poster.At the top right hand corner within a circle: Australia's PREMIER X-COUNTRY SKI RACE 22 Beneath the image KANGAROO HOPPET 25th August 2012 FALLS CREEK VICTORIA AUSTRALIA / 42KM 21KM 7KM / www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

These publications were developed by the Falls Creek Resort Management Committee to promote activities and facilities at Falls Creek for the Winter Seasons of 2001, 2003 and 2005. They include extensive information about ski trails, maps as well as ski and lift passes and packages.These items are important because they document seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort over time.Three glossy coloured flyers featuring images and information about skiing and trails at Falls Creek. Prices for different lift passes, ski gear rental and season passes are included.falls creek marketing, lift passes, ski packages falls creek, falls creek trail maps

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Cover - Rudi Wurth, winner of the National Slalom and Downhill titles at Kosciusko, 1954. Page 2 - Dawn Ski Club is a great place for families as it was designed specifically to cater for children. Toni St. Elmo is writing a book about skiing to be illustrated by Mollie Hill. The introduction will be by a well known Australian skier. Page 3 - A new standard downhill course is to be cleared on the Frying Pan Spur by Myrtleford Ski Club. In honor of the work he has done for the Falls Creek Village and for skiing in that area, it is to be named the "Tom Mitchell Course." Falls Creek Alpine Village is to be enlarged. Three new club lodges have been started, including Snowden and Nissen. Holbrook Ski Club will also be building at Falls Creek this summer.tom mitchell m.l.a., toni st. elmo, downhill courses, falls creek alpine village

An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria. This building, along with most of the town of Marysville, was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.marysville, victoria, cross counry ski hire, lake mountain, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of a child skiing in snow somewhere in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a child skiing in snow somewhere in Marysville in Victoria. This postcard was produced by Nucolorvue Productions Pty. Ltd. as a souvenir of Marysville.MARYSVILLE/ Victoria/ A touch of snow at Marysville. NU-COLOR-VUE/ AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL POSTCARD COMPANY AFFIX/ STAMP/ HERE/ 17MA017/ NCV 8675 POSTCODE COPYRIGHT Nucolorvue Productions Pty. Ltd.,/ Telephone: (03) 560-1788/ Made in Australiamarysville, winter, snow, victoria, nucolorvue productions, postcard, souvenir

A colour photograph of a child skiing in snow somewhere in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a child skiing in snow somewhere in Marysville in Victoria. This postcard was produced by Nucolorvue Productions Pty. Ltd. as a souvenir of Marysville.MARYSVILLE/ Victoria/ A touch of snow at Marysville. NU-COLOR-VUE/ AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL POSTCARD COMPANY AFFIX/ STAMP/ HERE/ 17MA017/ NCV 8675 POSTCODE COPYRIGHT Nucolorvue Productions Pty. Ltd.,/ Telephone: (03) 560-1788/ Made in Australiamarysville, winter, snow, victoria, nucolorvue productions, postcard, souvenir

A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek ski region for the winter holidays, this brochure includes a lesson timetable planner and booking details. It was produced by Falls Creek Ski Lifts Pty Ltd.This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA small brochure including a lesson timetable and Family Ski Holiday Plannerfalls creek marketing, ski lesson timetable, falls creek winter programs, falls creek school holidays

The post World War II migration of European "snow skiiers" into Australia combined with the construction of Hydo Electricity Schemes in both the N.S.W.and Victorian Alps regions, opened up these winter snow areas to a greater influx of tourists and holiday adventurers interested in "winter" sports. The ability to project, on a global scale, skiing facilities of international standards to those in the northern hemisphere during their summer has opened up the Australia ski resorts and their facilities to a much greater winter sport orientated population. These cross country skis were purchased by a member of the Bogong Ski Club and were part of a bulk ski stock consignment from Finland in 1966/67. They were introduced into the Victorian Alps to encourage skiers to take up cross country skiing both at Falls Creek and Mount Buller. This initiative spurred on the now annual 42 kilometre cross country "Kangaroo Hoppet" race at Falls Creek. This race is currently the biggest cross country snow skiing race in Australia. These snow skis were made in Finland. They are wooden (hickory) skis and made from four strips (glued and shaped) pieces of wood that are not laminated. There is a painted blue flash on the top of the skis that extends the full length of the skis. The face of the underside of the skis is flat and is coated in black Stockholm tar. Glider or grip wax was applied onto this base. The top body of the skis is tapered from shoe position to both front and back tips.Tapered curvatures from foot radiating to all sides provides the required aerodynamics. Metal boot bindings consisting of a toe plate with adjustable toe clip and a heel plate, both of which are screwed onto the skis. "KILPA, KARHU URHEILUTARPEITA SPORTART1KLAR, Karhu-Valtz Finland. Hickorypohjin"snow skiing, cross country skiing, falls creek winter tourism

Pomoca is Swiss based company established by Louis Dufour, a hotelier in Avants, Switzerland. His son Éric developed the production of non-slip skins, and later adhesive skins, as well as many other mountain accessories in1940s.The glue was used by the donor to glue skins on his cross country skis when skiing on the Bogong High Plains.This item is significant as it was an important product used in the ski industry.A small tube of Pomoca skins glue in a blue container with white behind brand section. The box also features instruction in German and French.COLLE POUR PEAUX POMOCA ANTIDERAPANTES DE SKI Translation - Glue for Pomoca anti slip ski skinsski equipment, ski skins, pomoca products

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Tony St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team to compete in New Zealand Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club and that fact became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in giant slalom and downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in the September of the same year. In November 2006 the pair was honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.Photograph of Ms Skippy Elmo and man at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945 as well as a framed receipt for the Ski Club of Victoria Junior Test for Ski Instructorsskippy st elmo, skyline lodge, bogong high plains, ski instructor test

Bogong Ski ClubBogong Ski Club - SECV employeesBlack and white photo of 14 skiers from Bogong Ski Club 1944bogong ski club

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

These publications were developed by the Falls Creek Ski Lifts Pty. Ltd. to promote activities and facilities at Falls Creek for the Winter Seasons of 1992 and 1994. They include maps of Falls Creek Village and the surrounding slopes as well as pricing for ski lifts and packages. Advertisements for Frying Pan Inn and Cloud 9 Restaurant are featured.These items are important because they document seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort over time.Two glossy coloured flyers featuring images and information about skiing and trails at Falls Creek. Prices for different lift passes, ski gear rental and season passes are included.falls creek marketing, ski packages falls creek, falls creek trail maps, falls creek visitor information

Established in 1960 on the Loddon River, the Bridgewater Water ski Club includes a general skiing area, a slalom course and a jumps course.Small pamphlet. Bridgewater water ski club present the Central Victorian water ski championships. Sunday March 4, 1973. on the front cover a male water skier and, on the back, a female one. The pamphlet lists the various categories and the names of the competitors. bridgewater, water ski club

These boots show an early design of ski boots. The design of boots, materials and closures have changed dramatically as technology has evolved. Early ski boots were little more than lace-up work boots. in 1928, the Swiss ski racer Guido Reuge invented a cable binding designed to hold the heel down for alpine skiing. He named the binding after the Kandahar series of alpine ski races. After World War II, custom bootmakers developed the double boot, with a soft and comfy lace-up inner boot protected and stiffened by a thick bull-hide outer casing laced with heavy-duty corset hooks. A solution towards making boots stiffer and more durable arrived in 1954, when Swiss bike racer and stunt pilot Hans Martin patented the ski boot buckle as shown on this pair of boots. The real revolution in boot design occurred in 1966, when the Canadian ski team were equipped with plastic boots for the Alpine World Championships. Since then manufacturers have competed to further refine designs to meet a range of needs from the weekend skier to elite athletes. These boots were donated by DIana and Neville Mashford who owned the Hub and Snowlands at Falls Creek.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry.Red leather ski boots with four metal buckles and black lining.SEROC Made in Franceski equipment, ski boot design, vintage ski boots

The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke in the 1960s. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. This item is significant because it is representative of a critical service at Falls Creek.Falls Creek Ski Patrol jacket, pants, under sweater and gloves from the early 1980s.falls creek ski patrol, safety falls creek, falls creek services

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this publication include:- Page 5 - A general reminder about fire safety in the summer. - The Albury Ski Club Ball was a great success. - Some race results not hitherto published. Bogong Ski Club Open Championship: A. Lejins 1, F. Sik-tane 2. S. Hooke 3. Albury Ski Club Championship Combined: Bob Howe 1. Bob Scott 2, Skippy St. Elmo 3.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, ski results skippy st elmo, bob scott

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this publication include:- Page 2: Reference to ski instructors and Ski Schools in Victoria including Bob Hymans' School and Ernst and Auriel Forras who operate the Nussen School with Max Denham. Page 5 Bogong High Plains locality map, with construction areas and power lines marked. It is accompanied by a notice regarding safety and access from H. H. C.Williams, Construction Engineer. Page 12 An article referring to Tom Mitchell's stallion "Debtor" and Ernest Forras, Ski Instructor. Page 13: Continuation of Ernest Forras' profile. Page 22 Comment by Toni St. Elmo and the Myrtleford Ski Club Tow. ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, ernest forras, nissen ski school

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 1:- Resulting from a meeting between Bob Howe (Albury Ski Club) and Tom MItchell (Upper Murray S.C.) a group of Wodonga Boy Scouts have had their first skiing trip under the aegis of Albury Ski Club Page 11: Results for N.E.D.S.A. versus Southern Districts Ski Association (South Island, N.Z.) These events were held at Queenstown as part of the Trans Tasman Tour. Skippy St.Elmo placed 5th in the Ladies' Slalom and 4th in the Ladies' Downhill. Dick Walpole who was to become an Olympian in 1960, placed 5th in the Men's Slalom and equal 4th in the Downhill.tom mitchell m.l.a., toonallook, 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 industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Page 234 - 235 featured an extensive report on developments at Falls Creek, Victoria. FALLS CREEK SKI CENTRE CONTINUES ITS STEADY ADVANCE Falls Creek skiing has continued to show markedly improved standards over this past season. Better facilities in and around the ski village itself have been accompanied by better skiing on the abundant snow covering all adjacent slopes. Just to mention a few of those facilities in the village: There have been extensions and big improvements at the Hymans Ski School, a number of excellent new club lodges have come into being, Nissen Lodge is in operation at the foot of the tow and adjacent slopes all setting new standards of ski-living that must make other resorts watch their step. While the advent of Cecil Dobson's General Store and Ski Centre, added to the service already available at the Nissen tow house, has removed all the old problems of food supply. Nissen ski-tow, the enticing face of the Frying Pan has given good service for a number of seasons now. To it has been added this year Bob Hyman's small portable tow which has worked for most of the season on the slope just in front of Skyline Lodge. The racing programme carried out at Falls Creek through this season has maintained the high standard shown in all other affairs. The main events started with the N.E.D.S.A. Championships early in August, then followed the Victorian and S.C.V. Nordic titles, and the Intermediate events.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, developments in falls creek

Martin Romuld was born near Trondheim in Norway on September 26, 1905. He started jumping on skis at age 6 or 7 and became very good at it. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Trondheim and decided to come to Australia. He arrived on 7 March 1928 and found a job with the SEC. The SEC wanted to investigate the possibility of a hydrological surveys necessary to determine the flow of water over a period of years. These surveys started in 1934 and continued until 1941. He lived at Wilkinson’s hut for most of the time during those years both in summer and winter. In his role with the SEC, Martin visited all the various creeks to measure water flow rates as often as was necessary. These skis were used on his winter rounds during the time he spent in the area. Martin also competed in skiing during the 1930s. He won the combined Australian title 3 or 4 times. He was unbeatable in cross country, probably due to the continual practice in his job. Before migrating to Australia, Martin had been runner up in the 1926 European Jump Championships held in France. Jumping was his favourite thrill and he would often construct a jump for practice near the Scout Hut (or Rover Chalet) quite near to Wilkinson’s. In 1941 Martin joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after the War skied mainly at Mt Buller. He maintained his involvement in competitive skiing as an official. In 1958 Martin was the main judge of the National jump which was held to the left of the Nissen tow. He also designed the jumping course at the Donna Buang snow fields. Martin Romuld was Co Vice-President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs in 1949, along with Tom Mitchell M.L.A. Martin Romuld died on 14 July 1998 in Prahran, Victoria,These skis are significant because they belonged to a pioneer of Falls Creek and the sport of skiing in Australia.A set of skis made for Martin Romuld. They are made from American hickory which arrived in Australia via Norway in October 1933. Andy Broad made the skis and they were furnished with steel edges. There was enough hickory for 18 pairs of skis and a pair of competition cross country skis were also made for Martin Romuld. martin romuld', falls creek pioneers, australian skiing history

A colour photograph of the Lake Mountain Ski Hire shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Lake Mountain Ski Hire shop in Marysville in Victoria.marysville, victoria, lake mountain, lake mountain ski hire

Bernard Plohberger was one of the early ski instructors at Falls Creek. He was born in Austria on 14 January 1930. He was a ski instructor before he left Austria in 1955. He spent the winter of 1956 working as a ski instructor and during the summer Bernie worked as a chainman for the SEC Surveyor. He built the Ski School at Falls Creek in 1957 as well as the Frying Pan Inn. In 1960 the Frying Pan Inn was taken over by Bill Bridgford who had helped to finance its construction. Bernie married his wife Trudi in 1958 and their son Gerhard was born at the ski school in 1959, the first child born at Falls Creek. Both Trudi and Bernie worked for Bob Hymans for a period at Grand Coeur Chalet. After leaving Falls Creek, Bernie and Trudi moved to Canberra where Bernie took work on civil engineering projects such as the coal loader in Wollongong, the Vietnam memorial in Canberra, highway work on the Hume and Sugarloaf Dam in Victoria. Bernie Plohberger died on 18 May 2020. Felix Soratroi was also an Austrian Ski Instructor who was encouraged by Bernie to move to Falls Creek and work at the Ski School.This item is significant because it depicts early Ski Instructors at Falls Creek Ski School.A black and white image of two skiers near the Falls Creek Ski School.bernard plohberger, frying pan inn, falls creek ski school, felix soratroi

An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria.marysville, victoria, cross country ski hire, ski hire, lake mountain

An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Cross Country Ski Hire in Marysville in Victoria.marysville, victoria, cross country ski hire, ski hire, lake mountain

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 1:- Dawn Ski Club is formed by families with the aim of facilitating skiing for children. After the April meeting it took Dawn Daddies some time to round up many juniors aged from 2½ to 7½ years old. Page 3 - Fred Griffith was elected President of the Albury Ski Club; Toni and Skippy St. Elmo would be running a cafe at the Nissen Club's Tow House and would also be selling some groceries. Full postal services may also be available; Falls Creek was looking to have a successful season with Bob Hymans providing first class accommodation and instruction, the Bogong Ski Club offering accommodation to other clubs and the Nissen Ski Tow considerable improved and operating again. Page 23 - Arrangements which had been made by the SEC for access to Falls Creek were also clearly outlined. bogong ski club, toni st. elmo, skippy st. elmo, fred griffith, bob hymans, nissen ski tow

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 1996 the Men's Winner was Johann Muhlegg from Germany in a time of 1:28:00. The winner of the Women's event was Hanne Lahtinen of Finland in a time of 1:46:50.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A large poster with an image of Kangaroo Hoppet competitors with a cauldron of flames superimposed over the top. A title is written in the top half of the poster. The logos of QANTAS, Southern Hydro, Holden Jackaroo, Worldloppet, Holden Fontera, Alpine Resorts Commission Victoria and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are across the bottom. In top half: AUSTRALIA'S WORLDLOPPET SKI RACE/ KANGAROO HOPPET 31st AUGUST 1996, FALLS CREEK, VIC / 42KM, 21KM, 7KM. At the bottom beneath logos: Phone: (057) 54 3103 Fax: (057) 54 4475 P.O. Box 400 Mt. Beauty 3699 Australia Photograph by Nick Ivancokangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 1995 the Men's Winner was Andre Jungen from Switzerland in a time of 2:22:57. The winner of the Women's event was Maria Theurl of Austria in a time of 2:56:08.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A large coloured poster a main image of skiers ascending a slope. A smaller inset image features a large group of skiers. A title is written at the bottom of the image in graduated orange letters. The logos of Worldloppet, Southern Hydro, Holden, QANTAS and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are across the bottom.Beneath image: AUSTRALIA'S WORLDLOPPET SKI RACE/ 26TH AUGUST 1995, FALLS CREEK, VIC . 42 KM .21KM. 7KM. Phone: (057) 54 3103 Fax: (057) 54 4475 P.O. Box 400 Mt. Beauty 3699 Australia In Border around photos: Photographs: Glen Tempest - Open Spaces Photographykangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty