(Updated Wednesday 18th November 2009)
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Bogong Horseback Adventures was named the winner in the Adventure Tourism category of the annual Melbourne Airport-sponsored Victorian Tourism Awards at the state's tourism industry night of nights.
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Steve Baird said: "There were some strong contenders such as Bothfeet Walking Tours and Auswalk Walking Holidays in our category sponsored by Parks Victoria.
"27 year old Lin Baird coordinated a cracker submission (with the help of the mentor program provided by the award community) on behalf of the company he and his 25 year old brother will bolster in the future.
"From being little tackers in numerous group pictures taken by lots of return clients they've blossomed and are not only cowboys who can cook (according to a top cocky of an American horse trekking outfit) but are more than capable riders and two young people Kath and I believe will add a generational change to our family business.
"It was appropriate our category was sponsored by Parks Victoria who are supporting well-run businesses like ours in the park."
The Bairds were amongst about a 1,000 other tourism-related businesses from throughout Victoria at the gala event which recognises excellence, innovation and commitment to the travel industry.
More than 3,000 businesses have entered the annual Victorian Tourism Awards in the last 23 years and the Bairds now join an esteemed honour role which lists previous winners. Quite a number of the Victorian winners have gone on to be recognised as winners at a national level.
For more details contact Bogong Horseback Adventures on (03) 5754 4849 or 0427 544 849. 
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(Updated Thursday 5th November 2009)
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Getting the kids onto a bike is one of the numerous options at Falls Creek in the non winter seasons. And they'll get to see more of the resort's attributes than what they would if they were in the family car.
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Driving (rather than cycling) to Falls Creek is the obvious mode of transport. Once you've arrived at the traffic-light free alpine resort a bike is an ideal way of checking out a network of gum-lined trails.
There's a swag of bike-friendly routes throughout Victoria's largest alpine resort and several on-road options now the Bogong High Plains Road is sealed from Falls Creek to the Omeo Highway.
Flat, grassy aqueducts, created to feed the Kiewa Hydro-electric scheme, are almost perfect for budding Mt bike riders who are keen to become more accomplished before they tackle the resort's more demanding trails covered by snow in winter.
From the heart of Falls Creek there's at least 30kms of riding trails some extending into the alpine National Park. Some of the options (for bike riders) includes the circuit out to Rocky Valley Lake, the historic Wallace's Hut and back along the recently sealed Bogong High Plains Road to Falls Creek.
Mt bikers will be seen around Falls Creek in large numbers when the Alpine Assault participants arrive.
It is a serious 100km marathon Mountain bike event with a course which starts above the snowline before dropping down through the alpine ash and in to the Kiewa Valley, crossing rivers and tackling parts of the famed Big Hill Bike Park in Mt Beauty.
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(Updated Tuesday 27th October 2009)
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It may have been a hidden gem until now but the recently sealed 36km stretch of the Bogong High Plains Road beyond Falls Creek will encourage more road trips in the non winter seasons.
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The Bogong Alpine Way Touring loop, taking in Falls Creek, Omeo, Dinner Plain, Mount Hotham, Bright, Mount Beauty and back to Falls Creek, is a spectacular 230km drive.
Visitors will not just take advantage of the upgrading of the road through the Alpine National Park (the largest national park in Victoria) but linger and appreciate the natural beauty of the Bogong High Plains.
Two wheel cyclists (both the pedal and motor varieties) will also take advantage of the sealed section beyond Falls Creek and many iconic events such as the Great Victorian Bike Ride will consider including the picture-postcard alpine resort in the future.
Already confirmed for this summer is an additional event, never held outside of France before, the Semaine Federale week-long festival of cycling, staged in conjunction with the annual Audax Alpine Classic Cycling Challenge, held each year on the Australia Day holiday weekend.
Bicycle Victoria's new one-day ultimate challenge ride the 3 Peaks Challenge (March 7 2010) is a ride on a 230km course through Australia's most spectacular Alpine region.
Or there's a shorter 115km ride option. The new 230km route starts and finishes at Falls Creek, traversing Tawonga Gap and Mt Hotham, then back to Falls Creek via Omeo. Check out www.bv.com.au for all the details.
A comprehensive calender of events in 2009 and 2010 at Falls Creek Alpine Resort can be found on the resort's website www.fallscreek.com.au
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(Updated Thursday 22nd October 2009)
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As the transition from winter to summer is taking place the opportunity to embark on a guided horse trek is one of the popular options in the high country.
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 With a sealed road from Falls Creek through the Alpine National Park to Anglers Rest (where the iconic Blue Duck Inn is located) it is quite easy to access Packers High Country Horse Riding.
A few kilometers drive up the Bundarrah Valley from the Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest leads to The Willows, a property owned by renowned horsewoman Helen Packer.
Helen has operated tours on the back of her trusty mountain steeds since 1990. Riders intending to embark on a three, four of five day trek are accommodated in the main house, a six bedroom mud brick building, or a rustic bush hut.
Shorter duration rides for clients who have driven through Victoria's largest national park from Falls Creek will be taken on journey through some amazing country steeped in folklore.
Short ride options ideal for Falls Creek-based guests.
Prices
1 1/2hr $80 half day $140 day with lunch $200
For more details about Packers High Country Horse Riding log onto to www.horsetreks.com
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Pic of horse trek in the Bundarrah Valley with Packers High Country Horse Rides
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(Updated Tuesday 13th October 2009)
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Resort guests at Falls Creek Alpine Resort in summer (which is usually 10 degrees cooler than coastal resorts) pursue a number of activities. One niche group (which is growing each year), the more athletic minded, who come to Falls Creek to gain an edge over their rivals on the track.
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You will often spot our elite middle to long distance runners around the resort as they participate in regular training runs.
Athletes from a number of sports find the mile high training environment ideal for improving overall fitness.
However, it isn't just the domain of the very active, the alpine resort is enticing a growing number of guests who prefer less strenuous pursuits. The walking options are highly rated by reputable outdoor companies such a Auswalk. It offers INN-to-INN 6 or 8 day itineraries which include overnighting at one of the lodges at Falls Creek.
Monica Coleman, one of the owners of Auswalk said: "Our self-guided INN to INN walks which begin around Falls Creek is one of the toughest of our self guided options. Participants should have a moderate level of fitness because the walks do have some challenges.
Monica's partner Phil said:"I've done the Falls Creek to Hotham Walk about five times and it is when our clients get a real sense of being in the wild. "You rarely see another person as opposed to the walk to Kosciuszko although I did see a group of horse riders near Pretty Valley one occasion.
"The grassy plain adjacent to Dibbins Hut (often called creep in hut due to its low door) is a special place and just one of the highlights of the terrain you encounter on the journey."
INN-to-INN self guided departures between 1 December 2009 to 20 April 2010 cost from $1,495 twin share per person for the six day self guided walks or $1,775 per person for the longer, eight day guided walk.
For more details contact Auswalk 03 5356 4971
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(Updated Tuesday 6th October 2009)
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Resorts such as Falls Creek switch their focus to non winter activities when the ski lifts close. As Victoria's largest alpine resort it is enhancing its reputation as a four season destination by creating a comprehensive array of events to compliment its natural environment.
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In tandem with the sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road, and the opening of a new hydro-power station at Bogong Village, the picturesque resort is offering a raft of activities to satisfy an increasing number of guests in spring, summer and autumn.
Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM) is coordinating the plan to create a network of world-class Mountain bike trails and new walking tracks which will become 'jewels in the crown' for Victoria's largest alpine resort.
A High Altitude Training Centre and increased use of Rocky Valley Lake (the highest in Victoria) is also a key element for the resort's summer tourism which will increase the bed nights in the three non winter seasons.
The Mt Hotham to Falls Creek Wild Walk which follows part of the Australian Alps Walking track between the two alpine villages, has the potential to rival iconic walks promoted by Tasmania and New Zealand.
It isn't just walkers who will be well catered for this summer, cyclists in large numbers are expressing their enthusiasm about the opportunity to complete a loop in NE Victoria's high country.
The sealing the Bogong High Plains Road between Falls Creek and the Omeo Highway has unlocked the true potential of the four season resort. Tour de France style events can now be held on scenic uphill and downhill challenges on an epic 'Alpine Loop'.
There's also the addition of the $65 million St Falls Gateway precinct which adds yet another dimension (luxury apartments, cafes, day spa) to the alpine resort's visitor-friendly attributes.
In early December elite Mt bikers swell the resort's population as they assemble in readiness for the grueling 100km marathon event, aptly named the Alpine Assault.
Events held each summer at Falls Creek include the Big Fella Festival on January 2, 2010 which is a fusion of contemporary indigenous music, craft markets, kids activities and bush tucker.
A family-friendly Summer Kids Club is a hit with the resort's younger guests (and parents). A comprehensive program of activities, from cookie decorating, fishing and kids adventure games, discovery walks, tree planting, face painting and loads more is offered between 27 December - 30 January.
Falls Creek's Billy Cart Derby (Jan 9) will yet again be a crowd-pleaser. .
There will be races for all ages so dust of your carts and test out your driving skills. Loads of great prizes, trophies and fun for all the family.
Taste of Falls Creek (Jan 16-17) in mid-January is a celebration of local food, wine, music and the Victorian High Country. NE Vignerons and winemakers will showcase their sought-after, award-winning, cool climate red and white wine.
The Victorian Mile-High Dragon Boat Championships held on Australia Day holiday weekend is always one of the more popular events on the growing list of activities included on the alpine resort's calendar of events.
Teams of 20 paddle it out on the Rocky Valley Lake for the prestigious crown of Victorian Mile High Champions!
The annual Audax Alpine Classic Cycling Challenge (also held on the Australia Day holiday weekend) entices more than 2,000 cyclists to this corner of NE Victoria. An additional event, never held outside of France before, the Semaine Federale week-long festival of cycling will be staged in conjunction with the one-day Alpine Classic.
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