As 2020 races towards Christmas and New Year, lots of us are thinking about presents and holidays. Here’s a few ideas about some of the great businesses in north east VIC that you could support. As we all know, these regions were hard hit by last summer’s fires, two rounds of pandemic lockdown and a shortened ski season.
This is like #emptyesky for gear and adventure operators.
Adventures
Traverse Hotham
Traverse is based at Mt Hotham and offer a range of guided winter adventures. They are encouraging people to pre buy next winter’s adventures by getting a gift card.
‘Keep the snow dreams alive with down-payment on new adventures for next Winter with an E-GIFT CARD for someone special (or yourself!). E-gift cards are redeemable towards any of our experiences including cross country ski lessons, guided snowshoeing, Nordic backcountry tours and more. Pre-set amounts will buy an experience for one or two, for a standard session or a half day – or just nominate a custom amount. Choose a gift card design to suit the occasion and your taste, enter the recipient’s email and securely pay online.
Best of all, we’re offering 5% off until 31 December – BYEBYE2020 is the promo code. Happy snow dreams!
The Falls to Hotham Crossing is a great three day walk (you need to book for it)
You will need to organise a car shuffle, so why not get Hamish Macphee from Snowdog Transport to do it? You can book via their website.
Rock Climbing on Buffalo plateau
Join Bright Adventure Company and discover the premier climbing locations around Mt Buffalo. ‘We have rock climbing adventures for all ability levels and interests’.
Alpine Nature Experience, which runs the winter ‘eco’ camp near Wire Plain, also offers summer time camps and guided walks, included fully catered Falls to Hotham Crossings. They are also running a summer ‘eco camp’.
Check their website for details.
VicAlps Backcountry offer a wide range of adventures – short, half and full day walks, sunset walks to mountain tops, and even navigation courses. These are run by Hagan, who co owns Mt Hotham Tirol Sports at Mt Hotham in winter.
Check their website for details and bookings.
ParkTrek is offering 3 day walks to fire affected coastal areas in East Gippsland. These are organised for private groups. Check their website for details.
High Country hiking tours. A couple – Kevin and Romana – run these tours. They run trips into the Howqua River area, including Timbertop, Mt Stirling, Eagles Peaks, etc. Check their website for details on trips.
Outdoor stores
The north east has some great outdoor gear stores. If you’re heading to the hills over summer, why not aim to get your last minute gear needs in one of these stores. Just check their websites or give them a call to check opening hours.
Rocky Valley Bikes and Snow Sports. This great store in Mt Beauty has a café, hires bikes, lots of gear and good info on local riding options.
Check their website for details.
Everest Sports – on the main street in Bright. All sorts of outdoor gear. Simon has specialty high quality winter gear, in case you’re thinking about the awesome season that 2021 will be. They cover heaps of summer sports, including running, cycling, and triathlon.
Check their store here.
Outdoor Pleasure is a long running general camping and gear store in Mansfield, which also stocks lots of fishing equipment. Website here.
Cycle Path is a great bike store in Bright. You can’t miss it as you come into town. They do hire and sales, repair and service, and are a great source of local knowledge on all types of riding in the area.
All Terrain Cycles. As the name suggests, all types of riding, with stores in Mansfield, Mt Buller and Bright. Very involved with MTB events through summer.
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Please note: I have no financial connection with any of these businesses. I just want to see local adventure and outdoor companies thrive after a hard year.
You’re welcome to send additional ideas for inclusion in the guide. Cam.walker@foe.org.au
Mountain Journal 
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