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 Karlo 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

These mid 1960s Peacock and Gold brand lighter fuel hand warmers were used in Falls Creek to keep out the cold. They can be re-used by simply refuelling. They were able to generate heat for up to a whole day. The concept behind the hand warmer is that through combustion (ignition) of lighter fluid (light petrol distillate) it becomes a catalytic heater, relying on a catalysed chemical reaction to break down molecules and create heat. The devices could get quite hot, not hot enough to set paper on fire, but hot enough to give a nasty burn if sustained contact against your skin occurred. The construction of the device is very simple. There is very fine rolled wire mesh which fits on top of the reservoir body. After you fill the reservoir with lighter fluid, vapor pressure builds up. The device ignites by heating the grill with a match or lighter until it glows red. There is no open flame. The warmer also had a velvet bag to place it in after igniting to prevent direct skin contact. The Japanese company Yamato Shokai Ltd was founded in 1923 in the city of Osaka. Destroyed during air raids in 1945, the factory was rebuilt in 1946. They manufactured the Peacock brand pocket-warmer and sold it internationally.

These items are significant because they were commonly used at Falls Creek.

The pocket warmer is a small, relatively flat device with a tank at the bottom and a burner mechanism a t the top. "PEACOCK/MADE IN JAPAN" is engraved near the burner. The warmer fits into a metal case which features a series of ventilation holes in the shape of a peacock's tail.

JAPANESE PAT. 237413.483177 MADE IN JAPAN

hand warmers, ski equipment 1960s

This vehicle, an Axtrack is located outside the Falls Creek Museum. It was built by Axel Andre who worked in Falls Creek as a mechanic for several years in the early 1970s. Axel was an engineer by trade. He built this small twin track vehicle for Ivan Spargo at the Falls Creek Hotel and then progressed to building bigger and better models. This included one for Ziggy Doer at Koki and Neville Mashford at Snowland purchased two of them. Some of these machines were also exported to America. Axel Andre later established a company Axtrack Engineering in Melbourne. There are still three of these Axtrack vehicles on the hill at Falls Creek in 2024. The vehicles were used for commercial purposes such as transporting supplies and staff around the mountain. The Spargo family from the Falls Creek Hotel used this vehicle for oversnow transport and it advertised Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hour. Ivan and Joy Spargo relocated from Melbourne to Falls Creek in 1965. They purchased a piece of leasehold land and built Spargo Lodge. This was a dorm style chalet built to accommodate large groups and families. Their son Rob Spargo met his future wife Blanche in 1967 when she was on holiday in Falls Creek. They married and purchased the site where the Falls Creek Hotel is today. The steep gradient of the site was a challenge to build on but was the best location available in the village. In 1970 Rob’s sister Leonie and her husband Glenn joined the business, and they started operating the hotel in 1972. The family played a critical role in the growth of the Falls Creek community and were involved in the foundation of Falls Creek Primary School and Falls Creek Search & Rescue. Rob was also involved in the start-up of Ski Victoria and has served as a member of the Chamber and Resort Management Board. Rob’s eldest daughter Lisa competed with the Australian Ski Team from 1985 to 1989 and has worked as a ski instructor in Australia, Austria & Colorado. In 2010 Lisa and her husband Damien Allport joined the family business and her parents retired. Their children are now the fourth generation of the Spargo family living at Falls Creek enjoying the alpine lifestyle and providing outstanding hospitality. The 40 year tradition of Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hours held on Tuesdays and Thursdays continues at Falls Creek Hotel in 2024.

This item is significant because it depicts an important form of transport at Falls Creek, Victoria

A coloured photo of a black Axtrack oversnow vehicle decorated with red and yellow advertising.

FALLS CREEK HOTEL APRES ENTERTAINMENT HARVEY HOUR TUES & THURS 3.30 PM LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

axtrack, oversnow vehicles, falls creek transport, spargo lodge, falls creek hotel

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. Unfortunately in 2023 due to poor snow conditions it was decided that a fair and safe competition could not be held on the course and the Kangaroo Hoppet was cancelled.

This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.

A poster featuring an image of female two skiers after a previous Hoppet presentation. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. FIS, Bendigo Bank and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster.

Text: KANGAROO HOPPET Australia's Premier X-Country Ski Race 26 August 2023 Below the logos: 26 August 2023 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA 7 km 21 km 42 km hoppet.com.au

kangaroo 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. Unfortunately due to rapidly deteriorating snow conditions on the course, combined with a weather forecast of warm temperatures and rain in the days preceding the event, the Kangaroo Hoppet was cancelled for 2024.

This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.

A poster featuring a variety of symbols representing the Falls Creek Hoppet within the outline of a kangaroo head. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Ski Classics and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster.

Text: KANGAROO HOPPET 24th August 2024 Australia's Premier XC Ski Race 7 km 21 km 42 km FALLS CREEK, VIC

kangaroo 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 2019 the Kangaroo Hoppet attracted 1070 entries from 26 nations. The Men's Winner was Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland in a time of 1:43:19.5. The winner of the Women's event was Iris Pessey of France in a time of 2:04:29.2.

This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.

A poster featuring an image of a lone skier with mountains in the background. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. FIS and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster.

Text: KANGAROO HOPPET No. 29 24 August 2019 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA 7 km 21 km 42 km Beside the logos: www.hoppet.com.au

kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

With the completion of the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme in 1959, Falls Creek began to change from being a construction site into an alpine tourism resort. In 1964 the Frying Pan Inn group consisting of Bill Bridgford, Geof Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant. It opened in time for the 1965 season, but the Frying Pan venue was damaged by fire in 1967. Renovations took until 1973 when the Frying Pan Inn reopened. It is now a popular Apres Ski location in the heart of Falls Creek Village. The Frying Pan has always been the central hub of The Bowl and at different times in the past has been the location of the Old Race Hut and also the Ski School Meeting Point. This flyer promotes three benefits of the Frying Pan Inn - its Backpackers' Accommodation, a great location and its nightlife which included live touring bands, comedy nights and Happy Hour. Accommodation included four or six person shared rooms, with breakfast being available at an additional cost.

This item is significant because it documents activities and accommodation at a well-known venue at Falls Creek.

A coloured flyer to promote the Frying Pan Inn featuring photographic images, basic information about facilities and accommodation tariffs for the winter of 1995.

frying pan inn, falls creek accommodation

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

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

The Australian Secondary Schools Snowsports Team Championship (ASSSTC) began in 1967 and has run every year since. The Championship originated from an idea instigated by Tom Mitchell, an Australian Winter Olympian, Member of the Victorian Parliament and pioneer of Australian skiing. The competition gives participants a unique opportunity to perform in a team environment where skills in the various disciplines of alpine, cross country and snowboard are required. This championship is unique as there are no individual winners, but each participant contributes points to the team result. The maximum size of any team is 16, made up of alpine skiers, cross country skiers and snowboarders. To score the most points, the majority of team members need to compete in at least two disciplines, with only a handful being able to specialise in any one discipline. The disciplines include Grand Slalom, Ski-X, Snowboard-X and Cross-Country Classic technique and the Freestyle Relay events. Students needing to compete in their non-preferred discipline means that the pressure is off competitors to enter only if they are highly talented. The event is usually a four day carnival that welcomes Professional Race Training with Falls Creek Ski School Trainers on the Tuesday, Skier Cross and Boarder Cross events on Wednesday, Giant Slalom Events for Skiers and Snowboarders on the Thursday and Cross Country events held on the Friday. The carnival concludes on the Friday, with a luncheon and presentations.

This vest is significant because it represents an important School Skiing Competition which fosters and supports the development of skiing and snowboarding in Australia.

A sleeveless navy blue vest with silk textile lining. The vest has two zip pockets and a front zip closure. Cloth badges representing A.S.S.S.S.T.C championships have been hand-stitched on to the front of the vest in a vertical row. A badge representing the maker is at the lower left hem.

A.S.S.S.S.T.C badges for 1979, 1980 and 1981.

australian secondary schools snowsports team championship, school skiing competitions

Part of yearly marketing and information material promoting the Falls Creek Ski & Board School. It explains the grading system for both skiing and snowboarding with each sport having six levels. Meeting places and lesson times are set out along with details of different Lift and Lesson packages. Programs for young children from three to five years old are also explained. Progression Levels for this age group were categorised as Koala, Possum, Cocky, Emu, Wombat or Kangaroo.

This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort across all age groups.

A glossy coloured booklet featuring images and information about skiing and snowboarding programs to be offered at Falls Creek in the 1998 winter season. Featured text is printed in black on a white background and white print over coloured images.

On Cover: FALLS CREEK SKI & BOARD SCHOOL 1998 FALLS CREEK VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

falls creek marketing, falls creek ski, falls creek ski school

Part of yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek ski region for the winter holidays. This publication includes information about the Falls Creek Ski School and the Triple 'S' Principle of Safe, Simple and Stylish which was the underlying focus of its programs. For 1989 the Ski School programs encompassed class lessons, private lessons, Super Sessions, free assessments, Nastar, hire of the Nastar Course as well as a range of other activities.

This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort.

A small fold-out flyer including images, safety information, a map and a table explaining the price structure for activities at Falls Creek in 1989.

On Cover: 1989 FALLS CREEK SKI LIFTS & SKI SCHOOL INFORMATION

falls creek marketing, falls creek ski, falls creek ski school

Part of yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek ski region for the winter holidays, this brochure includes a Lesson Timetable Planner and booking details. During the summer of 1985-1986 an artificial snowmaking system had been installed at Falls Creek to service the Panorama, Towers, Tom Thumb and Playground Ski Runs. This flyer also recognised 25 years of skiing at Falls Creek.

This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort

A small fold-out flyer including images, caricatures of skiers and a table of the price structure for activities at Falls Creek in 1986.

On Cover: SKI LIFTS & SKI SCHOOL INFORMATION 1986 Skiing Falls Creek

falls creek marketing, falls creek ski, falls creek ski school

National Standard Race (abbreviated NASTAR) is the world's largest recreational ski and snowboard race program which was founded in 1968 by SKI magazine. It uses a handicap system which allow skiers and boarders of all abilities to have a go at racing and compare their times to the best racers in the world. NASTAR courses are simple, open-gated slalom courses on mostly intermediate terrain, allowing skiers of all abilities and ages to experience racing. The NASTAR race course at Falls Creek is still the home of the Rossignol Children's Cup and the Cranky Charlie Cup each year, conditions permitting.

This item is significant because it is linked to the NASTAR events held at Falls Creek throughout the 1980s.

A paper number bib used by a participant in the NASTAR ski event at Falls Creek. It is primarily black and white, with the number and Falls Creek printed in red. It is in a frame under glass. It bears the names of major sponsors.

ANDRONICUS COFFEE NASTAR 7 FALLS CREEK Steins World Ski Tours Continental Airlines Challenge Series DYNASTAR

nastar racing, falls creek race club

These were the official Australian team's sunglasses issued to competitors at the Winter Olympic Games at Lillehammer, Norway in 1994. The glasses belonged to Paul and Adrian Costa however they could not wear them because the Costa brothers were sponsored by Oakley at that time. The four Costa brothers - Paul, Adrian, Simon and Tom - all skied for Australia in mogul and freestyle competitions. They attended school at Falls Creek and Mt Beauty and were members of the Falls Creek Race Club. Paul’s first major event at the age of 16 was the Falls Creek Summit Masters, where he finished second in the Open Class. In 1993 he placed fourth at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in Austria. He was selected to represent Australia at the Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games in 1994. After these Games, Paul ended his competitive career and took up coaching junior teams and was a member of the coaching staff for the 2006 Torino Olympics. Adrian is a four-time Olympian, who competed in freestyle skiing at the 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. He contested the moguls event at all four Games and his best performance was 14th, making the finals at both the Albertville and Lillehammer Games. At Salt Lake City, Adrian had the honour to carry the Australian Flag in the Opening Ceremony. He competed at the World Championships from 1993 until 2001 and recorded his best place of 9th at the 1993 World Championships. His best World Cup performance was a silver medal in 1998. In total, Adrian Costa made 126 World Cup starts between 1991 and 2003, placing 31 times in the top 10 and seven times in the top five. He also competed in five Freestyle Skiing World Championships.

These sunglasses are significant because they belonged to two Winter Olympians from Falls Creek.

Ray Ban brand sunglasses decorated with the official Olympic symbols for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics 1994. Pattens on the arms represent skiers in a range of events

On corner of one lens: Ray-Ban and Olympic Rings On right arm: Lillehammer 94

lillehammer winter games, adrian costa, paul costa

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This collection of between 200 - 300 items includes documents from Bob Hymans' correspondence whilst he was pioneering developments at Falls Creek, Victoria. It consists of Aerogrammes, telegrams, maps and communication with American and French companies related to issues ranging from licences, ski tows, international visits and developments at Falls Creek.

This Collection is significant because it contains correspondence records of a Falls Creek pioneer who played an active role in the development of Falls Creek Village, including the first ski lift as well as Grand Coeur and Four Seasons lodges.

A collection of letters and other documents from the personal records of Bob Hymans

bob hymans, falls creek pioneers

A collection of six issues of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publications contain articles and images related to the Ski Industry in Australia and overseas.

"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. And it was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. The first edition included an account of the first journey across the mountain range on skis from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 1927 by the party led by Dr Herbert Schlink, a former resident of Wodonga. Other editions included contributions from Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of Falls Creek.

australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink

A book of 36 pages including photographic images, sketches and text explaining stretching techniques suitable for skiing and other forms of physical activity. The cover features a black and white image of a pair of gloves on top of ski poles set in the snow.

This book focuses on stretches suitable for developing flexibility suitable for skiers and other athletes. It includes drawings, cartoons and sketches provided by Ashley and Sue Moorehead.

skiing lessons, flexibility for skiing, falls creek ski and board school

A spiral bound booklet of 48 pages including text and images. It features an image of two young skiers on the front cover.

This booklet focusing on approaches and advice for teaching skiing skills and techniques was researched by Sylvia A. Rice and Kerry A. Lee of Falls Creek.

skiing lessons, falls creek ski and board school, ski instructor manuals

A cloth bound booklet produced for instructors at Falls Creek Ski School in 1998 and 1999. They both have black text on the cover and contain 32 pages. The 1998 edition has a yellow cover and includes an image of a mountain view. The 1999 edition has a red cover.

These manuals were produced for use by instructors at the Falls Creek Ski and Board School in the late 1990s.

skiing lessons, falls creek ski and board school, ski instructor manuals

A bound publication of 122 pages featuring text, images and a bibliography. The cover features a skier in blue and red clothing. 2nd Edition is written at the top right hand corner. At the bottom left is the emblem of the Australian Ski Federation National Coach and Instructor Scheme. The manual contains extensive information on teaching concepts and styles, skiing techniques and equipment as well as many information sheets.

The 2nd edition of this manual was released in 1996 and was designed for instructors and skiers alike. For many years it was the official manual used by Ski Australia's National Coach and Instructor Scheme (NCIS) which later became APSI Nordic. The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Inc. (APSI) is a not-for-profit membership association and Australia’s industry leaders for providing training and assessment to Snowsport instructors which was formally recognised in 1975.

apsi ski instructors, nordic ski training

A spiral bound publication of 149 pages featuring text, images and a bibliography. The cover features a skier and the title in red ink. The logo of Australian Professional Ski Instructors (APSI) is on the upper left corner of the front cover.

This manual was used by Australian Professional Ski Instructors in the 1990s, including those who were based at the Falls Creek Ski School. Some of the contributors to the publication included Kerry Lee Dodd and Mim and Mike Sodergren who were based at Falls Creek for many years. The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Inc. (APSI) is a not-for-profit membership association and Australia’s industry leaders for providing training and assessment to Snowsport instructor which was formally recognised in 1975. Kerry Dodd is a Life Member of APSI and co-ordinator of the Falls Creek Alpine Academy.

apsi ski instructors, kerry lee dodd, mim sodergren, mike sodergren

In 1948 Bob Hymans (1922-2007) built a small lodge on the corner of Falls Creek Road by the oversnow called Four Seasons or The Grand Coeur Annexe. Believed to be a wonderful host Bob also owned and operated Southern Cross and Grand Coeur. Grand Coeur unfortunately burnt down in 1961. These skis, now located in the Falls Creek Museum, were donated by Bob’s daughter Bridget. They hung in the main room of the Lodge for many years, never touching snow.

These skis are significant because they were owned by Bob Hymans, a pioneer of Falls Creek, Victoria.

A pair of wooden skis with bindings and poles.

bob hymans, four seasons, grand coeur chalet

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 645SL

mim sodergren, mike sodergren, atomic skis, thredbo landslide

These caps were donated by Blake Thompson who with his wife started skiing at Falls Creek in 1979 and were members of Aurora Lodge for many years. They wore these hats at Falls Creek and Cedarwood Lodge which had a bar in the 1990s and was seen as “the place to go.” Cedarwood was built about 1979 by Peter Hyndman. It was a large lodge with over 100 beds. Like many lodges it has now been renovated to become studio and self-contained apartments.

These caps are significant because they are representative of the range of memorabilia available at Falls Creek.

Two souvenir caps from Falls Creek and Cedarwood Lodge. The Falls Creek Cap is made from green tartan fabric with a green suede peak and the Falls Creek logo. The Cedarwood Lodge cap is made from blue corduroy fabric and features the multi-coloured Cedarwood Lodge logo

Cap1 - Below logo - FALLS CREEK Cap 2 - Cedar Wood LODGE / FALLS CREEK / AUSTRALIA

falls creek memorabilia, cedarwood lodge

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.

This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.

A set of photos showing the scenery in the immediate area of "Grand Coeur" Chalet.

bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.

This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.

A set of photos documenting the construction of 'Grand Coeur Chalet" at Falls Creek.

bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.

This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.

Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.

bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.

This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.

Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.

bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.

This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.

Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.

bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers