NEWS
23 March 2022 – National Eucalypt Day – Save Our Snowgum!
After surviving the harshest conditions for so long, our beloved snowgums are under threat from a native wood borer, the Longicorn Beetle. They are literally killing these iconic trees by starting at the top (which makes it hard for us to spot them) and working their way down, eventually ringbarking them. The High Country Dieback Network consists of expert researchers and members that need our help by reporting our own observations of dieback. You can learn more about the tireless work the researchers are doing and download the reporting app via the Save Our Snowgum website. The website has extensive information about what’s being done and who’s involved.
10 March 2022 – Falls Creek Cloud 9 redevelopment
Victoria’s Tourism Minister, the Hon Martin Pakula and senior officials in the Vic Tourism Industry, have given their “thumb’s up” to the redevelopment of Cloud 9, the faded hospitality icon atop the Falls Creek snowfields. Traverse Alpine Group (TAG) is moving forward with its ambitious plan to redevelop the iconic mountain top destination. Cloud 9 is the ski lift drive terminal and amenities hub at the top of Halley’s Comet chairlift. When finished, the new building will be one of the greenest hospitality venues in the Australian snowfields.
TAG principal Rosy Seaton says the company is excited to reimagine Cloud 9 with environmental performance central to the design approach. “We will maintain our uncompromising commitment to excellence in our food and beverage offerings,” Rosy says, “but we won’t compromise on sustainability either.” Particular attention is being paid to reducing waste and minimising the carbon footprint of the operation. “Not only are we using green design principles, we apply the same thinking to our food preparation and our supply chain logistics.
The refurbishment of Cloud 9 will improve year-round access to the building with new access points making it much easier for disabled skiers to use the venue. A sheltered Wintergarden overlooking Mt Spion Kopje with a snow bar and public facilities will provide new meeting places for snow sports enthusiasts, and a year-round amenity for visitors outside the snow season.
24 May 2020 – Victorian Ski Season to go ahead this year:
Today the Victorian Government announced the Victorian alpine resorts will be able to open their ski seasons from June 22, 2020! Included in today’s announcement is that from June 1, the tourism industry can start getting back on its feet with overnight stays in accommodation properties allowed in Victoria. Strict rules apply to the type of accommodation allowed to reopen, but this is great news for tourism and especially for businesses in the High Country. The alpine resorts will advise their own opening dates, so keep following updates from your favourite resorts and counting down the days until you can come back up to the enjoy snow!
20 May 2020 – NSW Ski Season to go ahead this year:
Today the NSW Government announced that NSW residents will be able to take a holiday anywhere in NSW from June 1, 2020, with intrastate travel restrictions being lifted. It was also announced as part of this, that there will be a NSW ski season this year! NSW Alpine Resorts are working hard on preparations for Season 2020 and will advise opening dates and details as soon as they can, with a later than normal start to the season anticipated this year. Travellers from interstate will also be able to visit NSW for a holiday from June 1, 2020 but will need to comply with the rules and travel restrictions of their home state when returning. Read the full NSW Government media release here