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

Giovanni Caberlotto was born on 27 February 1941 in Montebelluna, Italy into a family of boot makers and street vendors. In 1960 Giovanni was called up for military training and enlisted in the Alpini skiing company, learning to ski and gained a military instructor's license. During this time, he learned to recognize boots and materials and looked for innovative solutions to make them more comfortable. He returned home after his military service and convinced his father he no longer wanted to be a street vendor. In 1963 the Caberlotto family sold a piece of land to finance the new business: Caber and established a ski boot factory. In 1965, upon the death of his father, Giovanni took over the reins of the family business. He looked with interest at a new material for ski boots: plastic, travelling to the USA to carry out further investigation. Giovanni began to use plastic polymers which, once heated and melted, were injected directly into the mold and left to cool. He also began a range of sponsorships to promote his brand including the 1964 World Cup slalom event in Cortina d'Ampezzo. He also gained a four year deal with the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI). In 1974 he sold Caber to the US company Spalding, remaining as President of the company until 1979. In 1974 the Caberlotto brothers exploited the second part of the family surname and founded Lotto. For non-competition reasons they work on tennis and leisure shoes. The new company, in addition to tennis, becomes a successful brand in football, basketball and athletics. Giovanni left Spalding in 1980 and returned to Montebelluna, becoming the General Manager of Lotto. He died on 3 March 1997 In 1990, Rossignol acquired the Caber boot factory in Italy and rebranded the product under the Rossignol label.These boots are significant because they represented an advance in ski boot technology and were a popular brand in the 1970s.Lime green and black Caber ski boots. Each boot has five metal fastenings.On side of boots - Cabercaber ski boots, skiing equipment, skiing technology

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 Mt. Beauty Rotary Club President Bob Flower.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry.Black leather ski boots with five metal clips on each boot and black lining. A carry case is included. Tyrol is a family owned specialty outdoor store selling quality gear. It was started in 1965 by Jerry and Barb Schliep in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. In 2003 the store was purchased by their daughter and son-in-law, Kristin & Robb Welch.TYROL is imprinted on the carry case.ski equipment, ski boot design, vintage ski boots

These boots were purchased in at "Sports House" in Salzberg, Austria by the donor, Gordon Smith. They were used in Austria and then at Falls Creek, Victoria. Mr Smith used the boots until he joined the Ski Patrol for the SEC when he was provided with new boots. These boots are significant because they are representative of skiing footwear in the early years of skiing at Falls Creek.A pair of leather ski boots from the 1950s. The boots have been resoled by the owner. There are metal hooks to secure the laces which are yellow.ski boots 1950s, ski clothing, gordon smith

The sport of skiing was revolutionized with a technical innovation from Ed Scott. His invention of the first tapered aluminium ski pole immediately replaced the sport's existing use of bamboo and steel. One of Ed Scott’s key associates was Charley French, a former aeronautical engineer who began working with him in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA in 1970. The first project that tackled together was to improve the design of ski boots. From there they progressed to ski goggles. This led to the design of goggles for motorcross. For Charley a natural progression led to the development of the aerodynamic handlebar and mountain bike suspension systems. In 1997, the SCOTT company introduced a technical winter sport apparel line and in 1998 was also producing skis. In 2009 their new Crusair quickly became the benchmark ski for the freeride mountaineering market. SCOTT continue to be innovators for the development of sports equipment and their designs are often worn by champions in skiing, cycling and athletics. These boots were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Stickers were attached to advertise his lodge at Falls Creek. The boots were lightweight allowing a lot of ankle flex, and good support when turning due to stiff cuffs. This type of boot was popular with free skiers.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry and also bear the sticker of Julian's Lodge, an iconic business in Falls Creek, Victoria.Lime green plastic, single clip racing boot.Sticker on front of both boots: Julian's Lodgeski equipment, ski boot design, scott ski products, julian's lodge, julian newton brown

These cross country ski boots are part of the pioneer ski recreational sport in the Victoria Alps. The mid 1900's saw the Victorian Alps begin to be used for recreational skiing, especially cross country. The majority of skiers at this point in time were either from the SEC Vic. Kiewa Hydro Scheme or from Melbourne. International skiers had better ski fields (ski lodges etc.) in Europe, the U.S.A. and Canada. With greater and better coverage of the Winter Olympics and some medal wins, skiing became more interesting and rewarding for city dwellers in Melbourne and Sydney.These ski boots are of great significance to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates that winter sports in the region have and still do attract not only skiers but also provide an employment (even though seasonal) avenue which "livens up" a small rural community and provides for a diversity of land usage which did not exist in the 1800's. These brown cross country ski boots, "Grief" brand have "cherry" inserts with cream laces, within the main boot. The boots have red and black laces and crossover tie flaps (to allow for maximum front foot entry. These boots do not have any ski clips to hold firm those restraints (quick release) on the skis (like "modern boots and skis). The heel section has the red Greif "W" pattern.At the underside of the rubber sole in freehand script "Cresta"snow skiing, ski boots, winter recreational sports.

Ski boots, used for downhill skiing, were made with big metal clips to secure the boot onto the foot and ankle. The attachment was used to hang the boots to dry. The bindings used to attach the skis to the boots required the boots to be designed to fit. Historical: Downhill ski boots change with the development of technology. Classic, vintage, leather, black, downhill ski boots. They have a heavy plastic sole and metal clips. The boots are lined with fawn and brown leather. There are 2 clips around the ankle and 3 across the foot. There is an attachment on the sole with a quick release metal ankle spring clip. The attachment has a blue fabric looped strap at the toe for hanging. PS 2000 Kasinger 7 Made in Germanysport, snow, ski, downhill skiing, boots, winter, kastinger

Used by local skier at Falls Creek on the High Plains during the early 1970s.Cross country skiing was a popular sport during the 1970's and has developed since with a variety of equipment enabling different types of cross country skiing.These cross country ski boots are size 8 (men's) and made of leather. The sole of the boot is slightly extended to accommodate four holes into which pegs on the ski bindings insert. cross country ski boots. nordic skiing. langlauf skiing. falls creek. bogong high plains.

These boots were used for downhill skiing. Metal clips were used to tighten the boots across the foot and ankle. They were attached to the skis with bindings. The straps enable the boots to hang to dry after use. Doug McConville used them in the Winter Olympics in 1974.Historical: Doug McConville was an Olympian Ski boots change with the development of technology. These haven't a brand name on them.These black leather boots are made in Germany. They are lambswool lined. There is a quick release ankle metal spring clip attached to the sole with a blue looped strap of fabric at the toe end for hanging. There are 3 metal clips across the foot and 2 around the ankle for tightening the boot on to the foot. The boots have heavy plastic soles.Made in Germanywinter sport, ski, snow, boots, downhill skiing, alpine, winter olympics

Pair of black Garmont leather ski boots for cross country skiing with padded orange fabric lining at entry point. 6 metal hooks and 8 metal eyelets for lacing boots (no laces included). Thick rubber over leather sole- protruding toe lug. Leather upper shoe. Padded leather tongue attached to boot with a red and white leather Garmont name tag attached.Embossed brand name Garmont on outer sides. Size 37 inscribed in white paint on each heel.

Cross country boots are no longer attached to the ski by three holes hooked onto 3 'nails'. Very dark brown solid leather boots with 3 steel loops each side on the lower and 2 steel hooks on the upper section of the opening. The tongue is high and padded. The laces are thick and yellow. The sole is a thick rubber with 3 toe holes (to attach to skis) at the front end.Outer side: embossed 'V'. Inside tongue: 'Vasque / Boots'. Bottom of sole: 'Vibram / 'Made in Italy'cross country boots, skiing boots, falls creek, snow, cross country skiing

Hickory wood is hard and heavy. Owned and used by Wally Deans.Used by SECV employee, Wally Deans who worked on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Wally married Margaret. He worked for the SEC at Rocky Valley Dam.Wally's son, Rex was born and married Meryn. The family lived at mt beauty and at Bogong Village. Wally used the skis for work for the SEC during winter, checking the equipment an general maintenance.Wooden skis made of hickory wood with metal binding and leather straps. Cane stocks with wide baskets. Ski boots are black, lace up with a steel plate screwed onto the front of the sole. The boots are in a steel hanging device for storage and transportation. Skis: "S.E.C. -3" inscribed on side. "66 / Hickory / 1742" on front of ski. Binding: 'Northland'. "Kanadar". Steel Carrier: "Tyrol / Can.Pat.1962 / U.S.Pat. 3074085 / Made in Canada"wally deans, ski equipment, skis, ski boots, ski stocks

Skis and snow equipment has changed / developed over the years from the 1940s to the present day. The collection of skis etc. is an example of the changesThe Kiewa Valley is below the Bogong High Plains with the ski resort Falls Creek 30 km away. The local people are involved with the ski industry providing ski equipment to the visitors. A variety of skis, stocks and boots used for cross country skiing and downhill skiing.skis, ski boots, ski stocks, cross country skiing, downhill skiing

Ski boots were carried by wooden carriers when transporting ski equipment eg. from transport to snow line or accommodation. The boots had a lip at the front and back to enable them being clipped onto ski bindings and boot carriers.These ski boot carriers indicate the type of equipment that used to be used by skiers skiing on the High Plains and Falls Creek. It is also an example of the inventiveness and skill of people who made their own equipment that either couldn't be bought or wasn't available locally. A pair of wooden ski boot carriers made from light wood. The wood is thick at the heel end with an overhang for the heel of the boot. It has a thin leather strap at the toe end and an adjustable clamp at the toe end. The adjustable part consists of a clamp on either side of the wood held by 2 nuts that screw towards each boot . This clamp can slide up and down the hollow groove in the wood. One boot fits on each side of the wood. Reused wood with old marksski boots. snow. high plains. falls creek

Kastinger Boots Founded by Hermann Kastinger, the company was based in Austria from 1909 to 1981 . After several bankruptcies and changes of ownership, the company Lemipan , based in Pirmasens , Germany , is the current licensee. In 1932, Max Kastinger took over the business from his father. In addition to double-stitched shoes, glued models were also produced for the first time. The decision to use this design laid the foundation for the inexpensive mass production of winter shoes. In 1953 the first successes were also achieved outside of Austria. Sales of the boots took off internationally and were greatly adapted and improved as ski technology also evolved. In 2009, the Kastinger brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. This image is significant because it documents changes in the design of ski boots over time.A pair of black leather lace-up boots with a white leather trim.Kastinger logo on outside of bootsski boots, kastinger boots, ski equipment 1950s

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 also has a banner advertising the 1956 Melbourne Olympic games across the bottom of the cover. Items related to Falls Creek in this issue include:- Page 17 features a review of Skyline Lodge and preparations being made by Bob Hymans to install a new lift at Falls Creek Pages 27 and 28 detail information and descriptions of cabins and lodges in Victoria including Skyline, Wilkinson Memorial Lodge, Cope Hut and Cole Cleve Memorial Hut, Bivouac Hut and Summit Hut at Mount Bogong. An advertisement for Ski Boots from J Molony is on page 5. Although only referring to their Melbourne address, Molony's operated a shop at Falls Creek during the winter season.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, skyline, bob hymans

Metal toe bindings clipped onto specially made boots with 3 holes at their toe on the sole enabling the cross country skier to be attached to the skis and to be able to lift their heel when skiing on flat ground.These bindings were used by skiers on the Bogong High Plains.Blue and white metal toe ski bindings with white toe clip and 3 blunt 'nails' sticking up at the front to enable a boot with 3 holes in the sole to fit on them. Two holes in the steel enable it to be fitted onto the ski. The sides are at angles narrowing towards the front."nordic norm 75 / ski lom / made in norway" inscribed between the nails and holesski bindings; bogong high plains; cross country skiing

This particluar bag (Japara water bag) was used to hold seal skin soles or straps, which were placed onto skis.The first skiers that came to Falls Creek used these. These types of bags were also used to carry water. They were used by scouts and other campers and were to be seen hanging from cars and caravans. This is historically significance because it shows how the first people who skied at Falls Creek used early skiing equipment. This bag and seal skin soles are also significant due to their association with the first winter traverse of Mt Bogong. This item has good interpretive capacity due to its connection with the seal skin soles, skiis, boots that were used at the same time. It is also very rare and is the only one in our collection. Japara water bag has a square base and four upwright panels with cord handles. It can be folded flat. The bag has a zip closure. Originally the bag is a water bag used by campers, currently it is used as a container for a pair of seak skins soles, which are attached to skiis and used during skiing.sport, falls creek, ski, winter, snow, water, scouts, seal skins, camping bag

Tom Mitchell’s Skis After his retirement in 1976 as the local Member for Benambra, people asked Tom Mitchell about his greatest achievements in politics. Tom replied speaking about his support for the establishment and development of the Ski resort at Falls Creek. Tom’s passion for Falls Creek grew, not only from his own 1930s ski career, but also from his work as a prisoner of war in the Changi Ski Club. His 5 February 1943 diary entry reads: ‘In the evening had a very successful ski meeting of 19 and decided to go ahead with a scheme to approach the Government re-selling Diggers blocks of land in the snow country.’ After the 2020 Bushfires, my brother asked if I would find appropriate homes for some of my father’s old skis that had survived the fires. As Tom’s historic ski collection is in Corryong’s Man from Snowy River Museum, it seems appropriate that a remaining pair should go to The Falls Creek Ski Museum. I chose wooden edged skis as they reminded me of my first skis. As a five-year-old in 1958 at Dead Horse Gap, I soon discovered that wooden edges were no good in icy conditions. By the end of my first day on skis, I had fallen so many times that my homemade ski clothing was wet and cold. I was unhappy when Dad said that wooden edges would teach me to use my ‘edges’. At the end of our first day, Mum and Dad loaded us all into the back of the Land Rover together with our ski gear and drove us home. They had had a marvellous day, but I didn’t think much of the adventure. From the outset I knew my parents had steel-edged skis! Dad told me I’d have to ‘earn edges’. Trouble brewed when I said I hated skiing. I discovered I had to learn to like it! Eventually I graduated to steel-edged skis. By then Thredbo had built its first chairlift and it also had a rope tow. Meanwhile Tom had taught us to learn to ski the hard way and with steel edges, ski lifts and better ski clothing, I began to enjoy the sport. If there was any chance of finding the provenance of the skis, it probably burnt in the 2020 conflagration. All I can offer you is my story of my father teaching me to ski the hard way. The skis are a kind of memorial to the Tom Mitchell ski school and its enduring memories. Honor Auchinleck (Daughter of Tom and Elyne Mitchell)These skis are significant because they belonged to Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of skiing and ski resorts in Australia.A pair of vintage hickory wood skis, featuring a 7-foot length and rustic metal bindings. Hickory wood was preferred for its strength and flexibility. They feature early metal cable or "bear trap" style bindings, crucial for securing leather boots before the advent of modern plastic bindings. The skis feature a high, square-shaped tip referred tp as a sukkerbit (sugar cube).Beside Bindings- H9S HICKORY 7Fttom mitchell, ski equipment, australian skiing pioneers

Helmut Fendt was a ski instructor at Falls Creek in 1966. Many of the earliest instructors at Falls Creek came from Austria at that time. The Austrian-made sweater was made by Carlo Gruber. These sweaters became part of the uniform for the Falls Creek Ski School. Carlo Gruber was an Austrian designer who specialised in winter wool ski wear. He was a ski instructor and later teamed up with Adidas to develop a wide range of clothing items and snow boots. Many of his designs were reissued by Adidas in 2005.This item is significant because it was part of the Falls Creek Ski School uniform in the 1960s.A pale blue wool knit sweater manufactured by Carlo Gruber of Austria. It has an embroidered logo on the upper left sleeve. The cuffs and hemline have a two-toned blue striped edge.helmut fendt, falls creek ski school, snow apparel

'The collections of winter sports equipment in Australian museums are small and few in number... The pair currently displayed on the Lounge wall has cable binding, a characteristic of skis from the c1930's to 50's and still popular today for cross country and telemark skis.' (Pg 143. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsPair of wooden skis with black leather straps, black leather boots and bamboo stocks."Kandahar Patent Gresvig"

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