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

These items are 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. 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 is documents progress being made at Falls Creek.A set of tickets for the Nissen Poma Ski Lift for 1965 & 1966 mounted in a frame behind glass.george shirling, nissen ski tow, poma lift falls creek

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 3 - Commercial ventures are prospering in Falls Creek. Plans ahead for developments at Nissen Tow. Betty Plunkett will spend the year on the snow helping Skippy with the canteen. Les Mikel will help Toni with the tow. Bob Hymans and his wife leave for Europe soon to get fresh ideas and equipment. Bob intends to install a £15,000 chair lift with special cable which allow it to go round corners. Page 5 - Fred Griffith, President of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee has been in Melbourne lobbying for Government help to build a comfort station to provide facilities for a ski patrol shelter - aided and abetted by a "well known skiing M.L.A. toni st. elmo, skippy st. elmo, bob hymans, nissen ski tow, 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. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 42 - SKYLINE LODGE at Falls Creek is in good demand again this season and many bookings have already been made. There are still vacancies in July, but members wanting them will have to hurry if they wish to sample the powder snow of that period and ride the Nissen Ski Tow. Easy road access to Howman's is of course one of the big attractions here. Several new club lodges are in progress at present in the Falls Creek village.schuss journal, skyline lodge, nissen tow

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 2 - Trees are being planted in snowland experimental plots on the Bogong High Plains. Tom Mitchell had suggested the plots should be established to ascertain whether suitable species could be easily introduced. Page 3 - Nissen Ski Tow would again be operating with provisions available at the Tow House. Cecil Dobson will be managing Loon's Store. He will be bringing in fresh food two r three times a week by horse sled which will also be used by Bob Hymans.tom mitchell m.l.a., snowland experimental plots, cecil dobson

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: Concerns about progress in Falls Creek in the coming year with programme cuts in SEC Copperhead snake killed in snow on High Plains similar to a feat by Elyne Mitchell in 1936. Tom Mitchell visits the NSW Snowy Hydro Electricity Authority. Nissen Ski Tow worked "well enough" at times. Page 11 Reminiscences of the Inter Dominion Ski Tour by New Zealand with planning underway for the next year. Australia to send a small team to the Winter Olympics in Oslo in early 1952. Falls Creek Village Advisory Committee establishedlski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, oslo olympics 1952, falls creek advisory committee

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. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Cover - Features a photo by H.Gibbs titled "Western Cliffs of Mt. Bogong" Page 65 - BOB HYMANS reported news of Falls Creek. At his own Ski School, notable improvements to accommodation have been made and additions to the building itself, which will make it very much more comfortable and serviceable to visitors. Water supply and heating are amongst the items in hand. Bob has acquired a Land Rover which will be a power of assistance to him in maintaining fresh supplies and in servicing his project generally. Kiewa Valley Ski Club members are making splendid progress with the erection of their Lodge. This is the latest building addition in that area and raises the number of clubs resident there to nine. Nissen Ski Tow members intend to operate their tow on the upper slopes of Falls Creek every day during the coming season that conditions permit. They are to be warmly commended on their enterprise. Page 65 - Advertisement for Bob Hymans' Ski School and Lodgeschuss journal, bob hymans, kiewa valley ski club, nissen tow

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 2 - Fred Griffith, Albury Ski Club's dynamic President should be pleased with the article about his property "Toollanook" in the Leader newspaper and Tom Mitchell celebrated 40 years of skiing with a day spent on the Dargals in the Kosciuszko area. Page 4 - Albury Ski Club appointed a new supervisor, Mr Les Orton formerly catering officer with a British migrant hostel in Sydney. The SEC has also allowed Falls Creek clubs to use timber from the stack at Rocky Valley for firewood. Page 5 - Broadcasting Station 2AY Albury has interviewed some N.E.D.S.A. skiers - Tom Dunlop, Toni St. Elmo, Fred Griffith and Neil Newton. This is a sign of the tremendous interest in skiing in the North East and the publicity it is given. Nissen Ski Tow charges had been set for the season at 8/- per day and 6/- per half day. The novice tow is also ready for a good season. Page 17 - A page of suggested places to ski in Victoria included Bob Hymans' Lodge which was the only commercial concern in the area and the Bogong Ski Club Lodge was available for booking by members of other ski clubs by arrangement with the Secretary. Inside Cover - an advertisement for Fred Griffith's "Toonallook" Romney Stud.fred griffith, bob hymans, tom mitchell, les orton, tom dunlop, toni st. elmo

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

Skippy and Toni St Elmo were responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. They left Melbourne in 1945 and settled at Falls Creek and moved into the first building constructed of corrugated iron and timber at Falls Creek in 1946. They were Falls Creek’s first workers with Toni employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data up to the construction of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow called Nissen on the same route as the Summit Quad. He also established the Nissen Ski School with ski instructor Milan Kovacic and was involved in the building of the resort’s first ski club Bogong in 1949. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand.Skippy and Toni St Elmo were pioneers of the Falls Creek area, promoting local ski sports and tourism. The played an important role in opening up the Falls Creek area and developing its sporting potential by establishing the first ski school, ski lifts and early lodge facilities. Skippy and Toni St Elmo were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek on November 17 2006, with the spreading of their ashes at the place which played such an important part in both their lives.Set of 8 black and white photographs of Skippy St Elmo and other skiers 1. Skippy and 3 others in New Zealand 1951 2. Skippy and 5 others Falls Creek 1955 3. Cake celebrating 20 years of sport at Nissen Lodge 4. Skippy and friend outside Nissen Lodge 5. Skippy on the ski slopes 6. Skippy on the ski slopes 7. Albury Ski Club team New Zwealand 1957 8. The Bogong Ski Club 1950 Written on back of photos 1. Bob Howe Albury, Skippy New Zealand 1951 – 942H 2. Falls Creek 1955. Skippy St Elmo: H Devonassore; Margaret ?; ?; Tony St Elmo; Olive? 3. Written on cake Nissen Alpine Club. 20 years of sport. FRED 4. Skippy St Elmo 5. Skippy 6. Skippy 7. Bob Howe (Albury) Skippy New Zealand 1957. Albury Ski Club Team raced in NZ 8. The Bogong Ski club, Coronet Park, 1950. M Denham (Capt); B Wiltshire; R Roberts; Skippy St Elmo; Gwen Morris; J Frazer; J Smith; L Piera; Manager & Coach Toni St Elmo. J D Knowles Photographer Box 188, Queenstown. 744B falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains

Nissen Lodge was built by 1953 at Falls Creek. The first lodge at Falls Creek was built in 1947 by SECV staff members. By the 1954 Ski Season, Falls Creek Alpine Village had 10 club lodges, plus a ski tow house and a commercial lodge that both provided skier accommodation. Several other club lodges were under construction. The Nissen Alpine Club operated a rope tow with a 240m rise in altitude..Ski lessons were also available. Re: Tony and Skippy St Elmo Beveridge See KVHS 1113 By 1953, the SECV was issuing entry permits for private cars used by skiers with bookings in a Falls Creek lodge.The Nissen Ski Lodge was one of the early ski lodges at Falls Creek. Toni St Elmo Beveridge was involved in the early development of skiing at Falls Creek including assisting with the building of the early lodges, and establishing the Nissen Ski School. See KVHS 1113. The book was later used for visiors to the KVHS museum located in the old Tawonga South School.Deep red, bound, thick cardboard book with gold outline of Australia and 'Visitors" on the centre front. Many pages each with a column for Date, Name in Full and Address in Full. Written in ink and pencil both sides of each page with the first date being 14 - 6 - 1953 to 17th September 1960. Entries follow from 1985 to 1994 when the closure of the display at the old South Tawonga Primary School is noted by the KVHS Secretary. The book also has 'Tony & Skippy St Elmo Beveridge' on its cover page. nissen ski lodge, visitors book falls creek, nissen school

SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.This ski pass is significant because it was issued to a pioneer of the ski industry in Falls Creek, Victoria.A plastic covered ski pass for Axamer Lizum resort in Austria. It was issued to C. H. Bridgeford. in 1968. Charles (Bill) Bridgeford built a family lodge called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgeford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield.On front: Photograph and text Innsbruck Olympics 1964 logo in top right Tage M Axamer Lizum № 000157 Gültig für alle Sessel-und Schlepplifte (Valid for all chairlifts and drag tows) 15. FEB. 1968 until 21. FEB. 1968 Preis laut Tarif (Price according to tariff) On back: Condition of use in German, English and Frenchcharles bridgeford, alpine development holdings pty ltd, ski pass, axamer lizum resort

SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These ski passes are significant because they were issued to a pioneer of the ski industry in Falls Creek, Victoria.Passes for Phyl and Bill Bridgford for 1991' Charles (Bill) Bridgeford built a family lodge called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgeford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield.Card 1 - 91 Season Adult BILL BRIDGFORD "SNOW CRYSTAL" Card 2 - 91 Season Adult PHYL BRIDGFORD "SNOW CRYSTAL" Card 3 - 91 ADULT MORNING AUG 18 - 18 VIC VETERANS RACE !! On Reverse - instructions $032.00 Card 4 - 91 1 DAY ADLT JUL 26 - 26 FRYERS FRIDAY FRENZY On Reverse - instructions $043.00bill bridgford, 1991 season pass, vic veterans race falls creek 1991

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

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBelow photo The ski tow at the foot of Bogong High Plains, an area of 280 square miles of unequalled ski-ing country.fred griffith, falls creek pioneers

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. The reporter also interviewed Skippy and Toni St. Elmo and gave a description of the tow and its fees. He outlined Toni's earlier background with the SEC and noted that Toni had recently named a peak in the area Mt.. Hillary in honour of the success of Edmund Hillary in conquering Mt. EverestThis article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBeneath photo Toni St. Elmo and his wife, Skippy, who run the ski tow and a ski school. Skippy won the Albury Club Club Championship against men.bogong high plains, skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Toni 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. Toni 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 1950s 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. Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club which became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in the 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 September of the same year. In November 2006 they were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.A black and white photograph of Skippy and Toni St. Elmo standing in the doorway of their hut on the Bogong High Plains. A line of washing stretches behind the hut connected to the outside toilet.skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo, sec hut skippy and toni st. elmo

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

FALLS CREEK ROPE TOWS Toni St Elmo brought back plans for a Hamilton rope tow from New Zealand. He had a rope tow built in the summer of 1950-51 and it went into operation the following winter. Skiers were charged 10/- per day to use it. Skiers held onto the rope with a locking device called a ‘nutcracker” attached to a webbing belt. This tow, known as the Nissen Tow, continued to operate until 1960. Bob Hymans installed a shorter portable rope tow for his guests at Skyline from 1954. Other tows included the Village Tow and the Nursery Tow. Eventually most of the tows were taken over by Alpine Developments. From 1960 onwards they were gradually replaced by T-bars and then later on by chairlifts. This belt is from the original rope tow used between 1951 and 1960 in the Falls Creek ski lifts. These items are significant because were part of the earliest rope tows constructed at Falls Creek.A canvas waist belt with leg hoops and metal joining and hook used to attach skier to the rope tow. The wheel is also a damaged component of the Rope Tow.falls creek, nissen alpine club, rope tows, toni st elmo

This is a framed receipt in the name of Skippy St. Elmo for completion of the Ski Club of Victoria Junior test for ski instructor. The test was completed on 25 August 1945 at the Scout Hall, Bogong High Plains. The receipt was found inside the cover of a typed manuscript. Mavis Grace Lindsay (Skippy) 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.This certificate is an early document belonging to Skippy St Elmo, a pioneer of Falls Creek.Framed marking sheet for a Junior ski test for Ms Skippy Elmo at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945. The test sheet is attached to a white backing paper which has 'My First achievement....skiing. Bogong High Plains' typed on it. The sheet has been framed for displau.skippy st elmo, ski instructor test, ski club of victoria, bogong high plains

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

This photo is part of the Fred Griffith Photographic Collection. Frederick Charles “Fred” Griffith was born in Albury, NSW on 2 March 1910. He was one of the pioneers behind the development of Falls Creek and an inaugural member of the Albury Ski Club. The Nissen rope tow was built by Toni and Skippy St Elmo in 1951, but after 5 years it became obvious another tow was needed for the novice and intermediate skiers. A proposal was put to the Management Committee to erect a Village rope tow, with interested people becoming shareholders. This tow, designed by Albury engineer, Jock Wilson, was working by 1958. Fred Griffiths and some of his family members were amongst the shareholders. After a serious work accident, Fred retired in 1985 and moved to Rosebud, Victoria where he died on 19 August 1992.This image depicts an important development allowing further access to Falls Creek Alpine Resort.A black and white photo of the opening of the Village Tow at Falls Creek in 1959. It shows the buildings and a group of people gathered for the occasion.fred griffith, albury ski club, falls creek, bowna ski club

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. This issue features a photo of skiers on the Frying Pan Spur Slopes by R. D. McNabb. Page 128 includes a brief article relating the successful recruiting of ski instructors at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. Page 134 has a photo of a skier at the Cornice, Frying Pan Spur near the Nissen Tow, Falls Creek taken by R. D. McNabb in November 1956. Spion Kopje is in the background. Page 138 "Skimming Around Falls Creek" gives a progress report on developments at Falls Creek. This includes an update regarding Bob Hymans' chair lift and new snow vehicles, Milan Kovacic's new "Snow Crystal Inn", a new Coffee Lounge at the Falls Creek General Store operated by "Cecil and Orest" and other work and maintenance carried out for the 1957 Winter season.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, bob hymans, snow crystal inn, cecil dobson, ory freauf

Charles (Bill) Bridgford built a family lodge at Falls Creek called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield. In 1964 Bridgford, along with Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant which became known as the Frying Pan. About this time he also built the Alpenrose located next to the Wagga Ski Club Lodge in Sitzmark Street, Falls Creek. These plans illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the Alpenrose in 1988.These plans represent a business development by a significant member of the Falls Creek community.A coloured plan showing the front perspective of the Alpenrose Ski Lodge. Alpenrose Ski Lodge, Falls Creek Perspective View Prepared by David C Hoff and Associates - Architectsfalls creek businesses, bill bridgford, alpenrose falls creek

Charles (Bill) Bridgford built a family lodge at Falls Creek called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield. In 1964 Bridgford, along with Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant which became known as the Frying Pan. About this time he also built the Alpenrose located next to the Wagga Ski Club Lodge in Sitzmark Street, Falls Creek. These plans illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the Alpenrose in 1988.These plans represent a business development by a significant member of the Falls Creek community.A coloured plan showing the side elevation views of the Alpenrose Ski Lodge. Alpenrose Falls Creek Alternative 1 Elevations Prepared by David C Hoff and Associates - Architectsfalls creek businesses, bill bridgford, alpenrose falls creek

Charles (Bill) Bridgford built a family lodge at Falls Creek called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield. In 1964 Bridgford, along with Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant which became known as the Frying Pan. About this time he also built the Alpenrose located next to the Wagga Ski Club Lodge in Sitzmark Street, Falls Creek. These plans illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the Alpenrose in 1988.These plans represent a business development by a significant member of the Falls Creek community.A coloured plan showing the side elevation views of the Alpenrose Ski Lodge. Alpenrose Falls Creek Alternative 3 Elevations Prepared by David C Hoff and Associates - Architectsfalls creek businesses, bill bridgford, alpenrose falls creek

Charles (Bill) Bridgford built a family lodge at Falls Creek called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield. In 1964 Bridgford, along with Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant which became known as the Frying Pan. About this time he also built the Alpenrose located next to the Wagga Ski Club Lodge in Sitzmark Street, Falls Creek. These plans illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the Alpenrose in 1988.These plans represent a business development by a significant member of the Falls Creek community.A black and white plan showing the side elevation views of the Alpenrose Ski Lodge with an additional sketch labelling features on each level.Alpenrose Redevelopment Falls Creek Ski Lodge (12 Units) Sketch Proposal 8823 Sk. 4falls creek businesses, bill bridgford, alpenrose falls creek

Charles (Bill) Bridgford built a family lodge at Falls Creek called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield. In 1964 Bridgford, along with Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant which became known as the Frying Pan. About this time he also built the Alpenrose located next to the Wagga Ski Club Lodge in Sitzmark Street, Falls Creek. These plans illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the Alpenrose in 1988.These plans represent a business development by a significant member of the Falls Creek community.A black and white plan showing the side elevation from Sitzmark Street, an isometric projection and floor plans.Alpenrose Redevelopment Falls Creek Ski Lodge (10 Units) Sketch Proposal 8823/Sk. 2falls creek businesses, bill bridgford, alpenrose falls creek

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 short article related to Toni St. Elmo and the success of the Nissen Tow. Page 7 Beechworth Ski Club commences construction.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, toni st. elmo, beechworth ski club

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 2:- Tonl St. Elmo (Nissen Alpine Club) had been appointed as a Justice of the Peace. Climatologists with the CSIRO reported that the mean daily temperature of summer in Victoria and NSW had fallen by 3°F since 1880 whilst in the Northern Hemisphere summers were becoming warmer. Page 5: There was to be no Queen's Birthday holiday this year but Tuesday 2nd June would be a public holiday for Coronation Day. Page 11: Featured "They're Busy in the North-East" - nothing has been heard of the Sydney Clubs which had proposed building at Falls Creek and Beechworth seems to be in danger of losing its site. Nissen Alpine Club has had plans for extension approved. A new rope was being installed for the Nissen tow. Falls Creek was undoubtedly the most progressive centre in the North East. For a slightly rougher experience Cleve Cole Memorial Lodge was recommended.tom mitchell m.l.a., toonallook, fred griffith