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Falls Creek

The federal gov is assessing the Falls to Hotham development

For years now we have covered the debate around the Victorian governments plan to radically upgrade the Falls to Hotham Crossing (you can find stories here). It would upgrade the current walk, diverting it via Mt Feathertop and The Razorback, and is deeply unpopular among most outdoors users and environmentalists as it would introduce private commercial infrastructure in the Alpine national park.

While this is a state government initiative, there is now a very short period of time to make a submission to the federal government about the proposal. This is because it is being reviewed under the federal nature laws (called the EPBC). Opportunities for public comment close on November 10, 2025. Please take a few minutes to send in a personal submission.

Continue reading “The federal gov is assessing the Falls to Hotham development” →

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Things are looking good for the Kangaroo Hoppet

After two warm and depressing winters, all snow lovers needed a break this year, and its absolutely delivered what was needed: good snow pack in resort and backcountry, with regular top ups (despite those periods of miserable rain). Its been great for everyone, including businesses and workers who did it tough the last two years.

It’s great to see that things are looking good for the Kangaroo Hoppet, which is Australia’s main cross country ski event which draws people from around the world.

Continue reading “Things are looking good for the Kangaroo Hoppet” →

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Cross Country Skiers Fight to Save Ski Trails at VCAT

The long running saga around plans to redevelop the ANARES building near Rocky Valley dam and close to Falls Creek ski resort enters a new phase, with a hearing in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) starting on October 9.

The case is being brought by Cross Country Skiing Association Victoria (XCSAV), Victoria’s peak community group of cross country skiers, because they feel the proposal will ‘gut  Falls Creek’s ski trail network and will jeopardise Australia’s biggest ski race, the Kangaroo Hoppet’.

Continue reading “Cross Country Skiers Fight to Save Ski Trails at VCAT” →

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VCAT appeal against development on Rocky Valley foreshore

There is a proposed development of the Rocky Valley Lake foreshore above Falls Creek, which is focused on the old Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) shed, which needs to be renovated to be usable.

The proposed developments are intended for year round use, meaning that the clearing of the Bogong High Plains road (which currently ends at the gate near Windy Corner) will be extended through to the Lakeside site. This will result in loss of crosscountry skier access, which FCARMB says will be ‘offset’ by an upgraded track to Nordic Bowl and beyond.

The new development will have a number of businesses, parking and public facilities and act as the staging point for winter backcountry touring on the east side of the High Plains.

Now a traditional owner group (Jaithmathang TOBOO ) and the Cross Country Skiing Association of Victoria have lodged an appeal against the notice of decision to grant a permit for the Falls Creek ANARE Shed Redevelopment at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). A local resident is also listed as an objector. Jaithmathang TOBOO have expressed concerns about lack of consultation on the development proposal.

Continue reading “VCAT appeal against development on Rocky Valley foreshore” →

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Winter Kick-Off with ‘Steep Reflections’

There will be a series of screenings of the new Australian backcountry film STEEP REFLECTIONS, happening across a number of towns and resorts in June.

With a warming climate, there is growing concern for the future of snowsports in the Kosciuszko National Park. STEEP REFLECTIONS aims to change your perspective on the Australian backcountry, and create greater awareness around the importance of both mountain safety and our environmental footprint. Follow local guides and freeriders as they showcase the hidden beauty of the Snowy Mountains, taking you to the highest peaks and the steepest slopes, whilst uncovering the harsh reality our winters face if we don’t act now.

Continue reading “Winter Kick-Off with ‘Steep Reflections’” →

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Update on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a proposed 57 kilometre walk through the Alpine region of Victoria, combining and upgrading an existing track network. The final walk will be a 5-day 4-night hiking trip from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham. It has been strongly opposed by many environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts because the campsites will be privately operated and many people oppose further development within national parks. Check here for a previous mountain journal story outlining concerns about the proposal.

There was a feedback process on the draft designs. More than 6,000 people visited the Engage Victoria page on the project, more than 60 people joined conversations at ‘pop-up’ sessions in local towns, and more than 640 responses were contributed via survey, submissions and email. As expected, the majority of respondents expressed serious concerns about the proposal and many want it cancelled.

Continue reading “Update on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing” →

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Help protect the Alpine National Park from development

The Falls to Hotham Crossing is a lovely three day walk from the resort town of Falls Creek, across the Bogong High Plains, to Mt Hotham. Managed by Parks Victoria (PV), you need to book to use the designated campsites near Cope Hut and Dibbins hut. It is a hugely popular walk.

There are also plans to extend and reroute the Crossing, turning it a five day ‘serviced hiking opportunity’ in the Alpine National Park.

The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) opposes the commercial aspects of this proposal, and says There is already too much pressure on parks: invasive pests and weeds, increased bushfires and climate change impacts, and rapidly growing visitor numbers. That’s why they were set aside to protect nature in perpetuity. This insidious attempt to commercialise the Alpine National Park and compromise its carefully considered management plan must be stopped. But we need to work together if we’re going to protect our precious Alps.’

Continue reading “Help protect the Alpine National Park from development” →

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Plans revealed for Falls Creek Lakeside Development project

The Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board (FCARMB) has released details about the proposed development of the Rocky Valley Lake foreshore. This focuses on the old Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) shed, which needs to be renovated to be usable.

The proposed developments are intended for year round use, meaning that the clearing of the Bogong High Plains road (which currently ends at the gate near Windy Corner) will be extended through to the Lakeside site. This will result in loss of crosscountry skier access, which FCARMB says will be ‘offset’ by an upgraded track to Nordic Bowl and beyond.

The new development will have a number of businesses, parking and public facilities and act as the staging point for winter backcountry touring on the east side of the High Plains.

Continue reading “Plans revealed for Falls Creek Lakeside Development project” →

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Falls to Hotham Crossing: Visual Impact Assessment released

The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a popular 3 day walk across the Bogong High Plains. It has two designated campsites that you need to book. For many years the Victorian government has been pursuing the further development of the walk, with a diversion to Mt Feathertop. This would turn it into a five-day 57-kilometre walk. Many people have expressed concern that the proposal includes a commercial aspect, with four campsites with structures included as part of the plan, which would be run by a commercial operator. PV say that ‘walkers will still be able to camp in other locations along the track and complete the crossing for free if they don’t want to use the new overnight facilities’.

Community consultation was undertaken between 2016 and 2018 to create the Master Plan. Parks Victoria have just made two announcements about the project:

  • That K2LD Architects have been appointed to create designs for the project.
  • They have also released the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. PV say ‘This assessment is a detailed independent assessment of the visual impacts of the project on the landscape. In particular, it considers impacts of roofed accommodation’.

Continue reading “Falls to Hotham Crossing: Visual Impact Assessment released” →

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POW actions to mark Opening weekend – please join in

We’re ready for winter.

And We’re ready for climate action.

#75by2030

Join our actions over opening weekend (Saturday June 11).

We all know that winter is in trouble. Cold powder and snow pack are in decline. We have a window of opportunity to protect winter. But we need to act now.

Continue reading “POW actions to mark Opening weekend – please join in” →

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Mountain winter events 2021

Recent snowfalls across the Alps has got every snow lover excited about winter. Here is an initial list of snow related events happening across Victoria, NSW and the ACT this winter.

Please check here for a list of tour guides, all avalanche training providers, and gear hire options.

Continue reading “Mountain winter events 2021” →

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Victoria’s alpine resort management boards to be merged into Alpine Resorts Victoria

The Andrews government has announced the establishment of a new management structure for Victoria’s alpine resorts.

Alpine Resorts Victoria – set to start work by July 2022 – is intended to ‘make Alpine Boards more efficient’. It will be created by merging Victoria’s four alpine resort management boards, and will govern Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw resorts.

Continue reading “Victoria’s alpine resort management boards to be merged into Alpine Resorts Victoria” →

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