Episode 25: Snow special
There is something very special about the snow. Whether you are a first-time visitor or not, you will definitely be hooked from the moment you first see fluffy white clouds on the ground, just as the Postcards team does on this week's Falls Creek episode.
Snow activities and Harvey Wall Bangers
Falls Creek is having another bumper year and it's been dumping snow for weeks. Falls Creek is over 1600 meters above sea level and has 14 lifts in operation and over 92 runs for you to try. With excellent skiing for everyone from beginners to the experts, it's fun for the whole family.
Those of you looking to hit the slopes in a different way might want to try a snow bike. Snow biking is a guaranteed good time, so even if you're not a skier or a boarder, you can get amongst the action.
The fun doesn't stop at shredding up the mountain. If you're howling for a good time you can't go past the Falls Creek Hotel, especially if it's a Tuesday or Thursday when Harvey Hour is on. Harvey Hour at Falls Creek Hotel is an institution and the jugs of Harvey Wall Bangers will ensure that the good times aren't just confined to what's happening on the snow.
Falls Creek Hotel
Ph: 03 5758 3282
www.fallscreekhotel.com.au
Ski school
Winter sports means winter weather and if you plan to hit the slopes you'll need to keep yourself warm. As always, the crew at Quicksilver have jumped in to fit out our team from top to bottom, with fun and funky pants and parkers. As 90% of your body's heat escapes from your noggin, you'll need a beanie and some goggles and then you'll be ready to roll!
Falls Creek is a family mountain, so if you've brought the tiny tots with you, the Milo Snow Club 4 Kids is an awesome way for three to five-year-olds to experience life at the snow. While there's loads of skiing and snowboarding, a definite highlight is when Pete the Snow Dragon takes centre stage. Pete and his beautiful assistant Sammi are always cruising the slopes looking for someone to sing and dance with.
Falls Creek's commitment to alpine education goes full spectrum, from babies to boomers. Boomers on Groomers is the latest adult program at Falls Creek which helps baby boomers readapt to skiing in the 21st century.
Falls Creek Ski School programs
1800 453 525
www.fallscreek.com.au
Foodies' Falls
There's one thing that everyone at the snow agrees on, and that's mountain life makes you good and hungry. The newly-opened Food Works Supermarket at Falls is sure to save you some coin from eating out three times a day.
If you're looking for a good coffee and a cosy place to spend your afternoon then you've got to head to Huski Produce Store and Café. They're well-known for their selection of fresh fruit, imported olive oils and crispy biscuits. If mulled wine is more your thing, you might just have to pop into Milch for a delicious tasting.
Now here's an awesome experience you've got to try next time you're up this way. A Snow Grooming Tour aboard a $500,000 fully-heated, Kassbohrer snow grooming machine. The round trip takes just under an hour and you'll be blown away when you see for yourself how the grooming gurus achieve the perfect finish. Another great experience is the Dicky Knees Snow Making Tour, which lets you check out how they make snow overnight. It includes a three-course dinner at one of Falls Creek's favourite eateries.
Falls Creek Activities Hotline
Ph: 1800 204 424
www.fallscreek.com.au
St Falls
Quay West Resort and Spa Falls Creek has six levels with east and west towers that include a supermarket, snow-wear shop, ski hire, two restaurants plus an outdoor coffee kiosk and wellness spa. There is a choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments to stay in, all with their own balconies and hot tubs. A comfortable open-plan living area and kitchen with European appliances completes the picture. One quirky aspect of the resort's design is that it's based on the shape of the native Bogong Moth, which features in their artwork. Locals believe that if the moth, which hates the cold, leaves before winter, then they're going to be in for a good snow season. If you're in a hurry to relax make your way to the pool area, plus there's the in-house wellness centre - Mii Spa.
Come mealtime, Suzie's first stop for something casual at the resort is Tom, Dick and Harry's bar. If you're after a more formal food experience in a relaxed setting, head to Alta, which offers Argentinean-style cuisine. It's lovely by night and just as nice during the day.
With all that great food you'll be needing some exercise and snow shoeing promises lots of fresh air and great views from around the resort.
Quay West Resort and Spa Falls Creek
17 Bogong High Plains Road, Falls Creek
Ph: 5732 8000 or 1800 630 882
www.mirvachotels.com/quay-west-resort-spa-falls-creek
Quay West Resort and Spa sales
www.stfalls.com.au
What's on
BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story
It's had audiences on their feet in every corner of the globe and now BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story is back in town at The Palms at Crown Casino.
Where: The Palms at Crown Casino
When: Until 22 August 2009
More: Ph 1300 795 012 or visit www.buddythemusical.com.au
Slava's Snowshow
For a stage-show performance unlike any you have seen before, check out the clowning hilarity that is Slava's Snowshow.
Where: Athenaeum Theatre
When: 12 - 23 August 2009
More: Ph 136 100 or visit www.snowshowdownunder.com
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces - A Day in Pompeii
History buffs shouldn't miss this year's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces at the Melbourne Museum, featuring the exhibition, A Day in Pompeii.
Where: Melbourne Museum
When: Until 25 October 2009
More: Visit www.museumvictoria.com.au
