Historical information

"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. 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.

This edition includes an article about the first "Ski for Light" event held at Falls Creek in September 1980. It took the form of a week of cross-country ski instruction for blind and partially-sighted skiers. The week was organised by Peter Rickards (Recreation Officer at the Association For The Blind in Melbourne).

During the week, the participants were introduced to track skiing and touring without tracks, as well as some aspects of downhill technique. Peter Rickards said that the value of good tracks was clearly demonstrated because although bad weather persisted throughout the week, the tracks cut by the Falls Creek Management Committee had made it possible for the partially-sighted skiers to ski unassisted.

Coaching was provided by Peter Beckman, with the able assistance of several physical education students from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. Peter Rickards described the week as "most successful" and said plans were being made to make it an annual event.

Significance

This item is significant because it is an issue of a long-running Australian ski publication which includes items about Falls Creek, Victoria..

Physical description

The Australian Ski Year Book of 1981 contains images, articles and advertising to document the development of the Australian Ski Industry. This issue included an article reporting on the first "Ski For Light" event held at Falls Creek as well as an advertisement for the Sundance Inn.