With reports of the best snow ever and a sunny weekend, we
plan a ski trip to Falls Creek. But it will have to be a day trip, as there are
no available beds in KVSC. (Note to self – must get to know the booking
officer!)
With the sun shining over the early morning frost, we headed
along the Kiewa Valley Highway, catching spectacular views of snowy peaks along
the way. A slow trip up the mountain behind new-to-the-mountain drivers yet to
discover the pull-over areas along the way lead us to the chain-fitting bay.
Here the traffic was at a standstill, with cold drivers and passengers fiddling
with the metal beasts. Enjoying the luxury of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, we
scooted past the pulled-over vehicles, unsure whether to wave or sneer. An easy
park, a quick walk up the hill to Yogi’s where our hire skis awaited us and we
were heading to the lifts. As the wind was still playing havoc with the upper
reaches of the resort, we found ourselves restricted to the village bowl along
with hundreds of eager skiers and boarders. A few warm-up runs next to the tube
lift loosened by ageing joints. The news that Falls Express had started moving
caused a mass exodus down Falls Creek Rd to the bottom of the lift. Well,
actually to the end of the queue half way up the road to be precise! Traffic
wardens did an exemplary job in crowd control, and we were soon on our way
skywards.
Despite the lingering light breeze, the views from the top
were spectacular. After a review lesson – I keep hearing the same advice, I
just need to start doing it – and a quick lunch at Cloud 9 we were free to
explore the mountain. The Falls Creek android app recorded our every movement
as we moved from run to run. A brief afternoon tea at Dicky Knees (why does
Coke taste so good in the mountains?) was our only respite. We continued to ski
until we heard the eventual instruction, “last run”. Exhausted and exhilarated,
we leisurely schussed along Day’s End to return our skis and head back down to
the valley. A delicious pizza and beer (and water) at Flour + Water was the
perfect end to a sensational day. Next time, I must plan ahead and ensure there
are beds…
Being the chosen life partner of the Booking Officer doesn't guarantee you get a bed at KVSC! (Being the Club President doesn't always get you a bed either!)
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