Castle Terrain Park is going off - Official Home of Falls Creek Alpine Resort

(Updated Thursday 23rd September 2010)

The Castle Terrain Park is going off!!!

Adventurous freeriders are carrying out mind-boggling manoeuvres off the mega jumps and riding the urban-style features the terrain park team add each week. It is so well crafted by a passionate team of snowboarders that it entices the world's best boarders each winter. Stylewar snowboard festival participants have always raved about the ability of the crew led by Rueben Cameron. In fact 'Ruebs' has just found out he and his small crew at June Mountain (in California) has picked up the rider’s award for the third best park in America from the influential snowboarding ‘bible’ Transworld. "My role as a key member of the park crew at June Mountain in California has evolved from what I have learnt working each winter at Falls Creek," said Cameron. Geoff Sorensen - Slope Maintenance Manager – Falls Creek Ski Lifts said: "He has blossomed since the first winter we organised some 20-30 hours of time in the cab of a snow groomer. "As he’s an ex-competitive snowboarder he has the knowledge required to satisfy freeriders and users of a terrain park such as the one we offer serious riders most winters in Ruined Castle."

Aerial shot of Ruined Castle Terrain Park Pic: Matt Hull

(Updated Monday 20th September 2010)

Time-poor fathers can send their partner and children to the snow during the school holidays and it won't put much of a dent on the plastic.

They should also be assured they'll be in good hands as Falls Creek Alpine Resort has an enviable reputation for taking care of young up and coming skiers and boarders. "Falls Creek is well known for looking after families and making sure kids have a great time" says Michael Callahan GM Falls Creek Ski LIfts "Mum's really enjoy their time out skiing with the kids who, by nightfall, are more than ready for bed. It's one of the best holidays you can have with your kids". Another good reason for mum and the kids to come to the snow before we close the ski lifts in early October are the discounts!!! A two night package at Feathertop Lodge costs $185 per adult including breakfasts. Plus kids five and under are Free!! There's no charge for a child five and under if they are skiing with a parent who has a valid lift ticket. Value Season ski lift tickets are now $80 a day for an adult and $40 a day for a child aged 6-14 years. Plus the smorgasbord of optional Free stuff is still happening such as Pete the Snow Dragon Shows, free rides on the Gully Chairlift, free Snowman making competitions and as previously mentioned Free skiing for kids five years and under plus their grandparents (aged 65-69) are 50% off a ski lift pass. "There's so much snow here and the quality is sensational. With the great sunshine, its the perfect time to head up and get out for some fun on the mountain" says Callahan. To take advantage of the superbly groomed spring snow call Falls Creek Reservations Centre 1800 45 35 25.

Picture of mum Lisa Allport with Falls Creek Ski Lifts GM Michael Callahan and his management team Geoff Sorensen, Francis Jackson and David Plant) Pic: Charlie Brown

(Updated Saturday 18th September 2010)

The alpine resort's snow season concludes in early October so there's still some opportunities to enjoy the well groomed slopes and classic spring snow conditions.

Numerous options to skiing or boarding at Victoria's largest alpine resort include snow biking, a guided snowmobile tour, a session with a groomer operator (where they reveal how the slopes are restored overnight), a spin around the resort with former Winter Olympian Steven Lee, snow tubing, and for the adventurous freeskiers the Castle Terrain Park is in good shape. With about 40km of groomed cross-country trails and sub-zero temperatures overnight the snow cover is in very good shape for the middle of September. There's well over a metre in the more popular parts of the alpine resort and from now until we close it will cost a lot less than during the resort's peak season. 'White Space' three night all -inclusive packages are 50% off what it costs in the height of the winter and newcomers who wish to learn skiing or boarding can purchase a lift and class lesson package from $69 (child 6-14 years $47). That's a low-cost intro' to the thrill of schussing the slopes. And if you wish to try cross-country skiing it costs even less. A days' trail fee is only $11 per adult or $5 for a child (5-17 years) Cross-country trail passes can be purchased from the YMCA Windy Corner Cross County Ski Centre.

Pic: Charlie Brown

(Updated Wednesday 15th September 2010)

WIN's weather presenter Jane Bunn tested the product last weekend after broadcasting her usual weather segment on the WIN Network from Falls Creek.

Bunn said: 'It felt good under foot (the 120cm-plus cover) and there's more snow to come this week. The snow cover was really nice, in really good nick. "My instructor Tim reminded me what I was supposed to be doing - it was a refresher I hadn't had for a couple of years and it gave me much more confidence." With 14 / 15 lifts operating (and half-price on-mountain package winter holidays) it is an opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing or boarding before the lifts are closed in early October. This is the most affordable period of the resort's winter season and the popular White Space specials are selling like proverbial hot cakes.

Pic: Charlie Brown