(Updated Sunday 19th July 2009)
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There's been another blanket of fresh snow and the forecast is for a more substantial snowfall in the middle of the week.
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As we get closer to the mid-winter (and the one meter mark) the skiing and boarding will only get more interesting.
The Ruined Castle Terrain Park crew are gradually installing more features and the alpine resort's groomer operators are once again showing why they are held in high regard in the northern hemisphere resorts. They also gain enormous kudos with Falls Creek guests who book an evening grooming tour which also includes an exhilarating ride on a skidoo (similar in size to a jet ski but purpose-built to travel on snow) to meet up with the groomer operator.
With the fresh snow falls and sub zero temperatures in the last week just about every lift is in operation. It would be fair to say 100% of the mountain is open with some excellent tree skiing for the more adventurous skiers and boarders.
Cross country skiers are also benefiting from some very good grooming (about 46km of skating and classical trails) and the additional snow we've had.
As we get nearer to the annual Kangaroo Hoppet there will be about 65km of well groomed trails to choose from.
With good snow and the school holiday about to conclude it is an opportunity for snow enthusiasts to check out the numerous attributes Victoria's largest alpine resort is renowned for.
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Photo Robbie Malone getting good air by Matt Hull
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(Updated Tuesday 14th July 2009)
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Chilly Days ahead and 17cm of fresh snow over night!
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Excellent cross country trails and a fresh blanket of dry snow has enticed the early birds onto the resort's array of slopes this morning.
A distinct change in the weather (there was a wind chill temperature of minus 7C when the ski lifts opened today) will ensure the school holiday guests enjoy their annual snow holiday.
Mother nature has once again delivered a very cold pool of air which is exactly the kind of conditions skiers and boarders desire. Close to 30cm of fresh snow has fallen in the last two days and it is forecast to continue snowing this week.
Falls Creek is a picture-postcard alpine scene and the ski in - ski out feature it it renowned for is also at tis best. After a couple of days in the resort most visitors get accustomed to skiing or boarding from their lodge or apartment to a number of ski lifts
They also appreciate the network of snow-covered home trails strategically placed to allow easy access back to the village from the south side aptly named Sun Valley.
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(Updated Monday 13th July 2009)
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There's close to 15cm of fresh snow on the popular snow-covered slopes at the alpine resort this morning.
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That's very good news for the influx of school holiday guests particularly the school-aged skiers and boarders from NSW who are just starting their annual holiday in the snow.
Schools from South Australia, ACT and West Australia are also still on holiday and they are also enjoying the alpine resort's good to very good cover of snow.
Cross country enthusiasts have 41km of groomed trails (classic and skating) to choose from with the Panorama Loop rated as excellent.
Anywhere amongst the tree-lined ski runs will be the best option today for alpine skiers. However, the young, more adventurous skiers and boarders will appreciate the 'freshies' on the Summit and in the Y's.
More snow is forecast until Wednesday so it will be a snowy few days which will improve the overall cover throughout Victoria's largest alpine resort.
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(Updated Monday 6th July 2009)
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The decision to open one of the popular ski lifts, the Summit Chairlift, reinforces the alpine resort's current snow status with its more adventurous snow riders.
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Sub-zero temperatures, lots of ski lifts (including the opening of the iconic Summit Chairlift today) and oodles of snow, are the outcome of last week's heavy snowfalls.
There is an extensive network of classic and skating groomed cross country trails (about 39km) and just about all the lift-served terrain at Falls Creek is rated in good condition.
Another positive aspect of significant snow is guests can take advantage of the ability to ski in -ski out from their lodge or apartment. And a series of well groomed home trails are the 'icing on the cake',
And for the resort's younger guests Pete the Snow Dragon has returned to provide what a friendly snow dragon does in the cooler winter season. The blue and white Snow Dragon can be regularly spotted around Pete's Paradise, Snowclub 4 Kids and the family-friendly precinct - the Village Bowl.
Pete the Snow Dragons FREE shows are held in the Village Bowl every Wednesday and Saturday Night through the snow season from 5pm. Hosted by Pete himself, accompanied by Super Stunt Sami. the gig includes songs and dances for kids as well as games and giveaways.
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Photo taken by Chris Hocking
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(Updated Friday 3rd July 2009)
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After an additional 24cm in the last 24 hours the overall average snow depth is now well over half a meter (67cm) at Falls Creek and the cross country skiers will enjoy the 30-plus kms of classic and skating groomed trails this weekend
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This is without doubt one of the best starts to the school holidays (Victorians start their second week and the West Australian holidays begin this weekend) the alpine resort has ever experienced.
Forecasts suggesting we were to get substantial snowfalls this week have proved to be correct and the significant amount of snow that's covering the resort's array of snow-covered slopes will allow more ski lifts to open.
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Samara Tanton walks through the car park at Falls Creek July 3rd after the resort has been blanked in 52cm of new snow
Photo taken by Chris Hocking
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(Updated Friday 3rd July 2009)
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Overnight an additional 24cm has raised the overall average cover to well over half a metre (67cm) at Falls Creek and the cross country skiers will appreciate the 30-plus kms of classic and skating groomed trails.
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This is without doubt one of the best starts to the school holidays (West Australian holidays begin this weekend) ever experienced at Falls Creek.
Forecasts suggesting we were to get substantial snowfalls this week have proved to be correct and its likely more ski lifts (and skiable terrain) will open for the weekend.
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Mac Taylor enjoying Falls Creek's abundant amount of fresh snow
Photo taken by Charlie Brown
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(Updated Friday 3rd July 2009)
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The barometer is falling and the cold front is about to hit!! More snow expected until next Monday. I'd safely say we will top the 50cm
mark overnight.
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This time last year? After a very slow start in 2008 we didn't hit half a meter until July 8.
This year we are about a week ahead (with accumulated snow) and the forecast is for cold, chilly weather which is about as good as it gets for an alpine resort such as Falls Creek.
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(Updated Thursday 2nd July 2009)
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About 30cm of fresh snow in the last 24 hours has doubled the natural snowdepth at Falls Creek. And there's much more (snow) to come.
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It is forecast to continue snowing to low levels until the weekend. Right on cue for the influx of new guests many of them school-aged skiers and boarders.
As of this morning Falls Creek has had the most of the new snow and the resort's early birds will zig-zagg in the freshies laying down some sensational first tracks.
Winter is back and here stay!! The boarding and skiing on Towers and Drovers will be good to very good today and the 2.2km Wombat's Ramble, the longest beginner-friendly run in Australia, is well covered.
After very good snow falls overnight the groomers are weaving their magic and cross country skiers will discover the best skiing for them is the Mount McKay area. The home trails back to the village are open and it is ski in -ski out for the foreseeable future.
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Photo taken by Chris Hocking 2nd July 09
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(Updated Wednesday 1st July 2009)
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As predicted by the MET Office, and all the enthusiastic snow forecasters, significant snow will improve the prospects for the school holidays.
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The freezing level is becoming more conducive to snow blanketing the Australian Alpine Resorts such as Falls Creek and the snowmakers are preparing to unleash their artillery of snow producers.
Mother Nature has responded to the wishes of the annual influx of school-aged skiers and boarders. By Saturday Falls Creek will once again become the ski in - ski out alpine resort it is renowned for.
If the forecast lives up to expectations there could be between 40-60cm by the weekend. It will snow heavily later today and not clear up until Sunday.
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