​What is it like to ski in Australia? Falls Creek Cross-Country Skiing.

G’day! A few weeks ago I started a new job working with Snow Australia as a National Team Coach, based out of the National Training Center in Falls Creek, Victoria. I’ve had the chance to get to know the resort fairly well, having skied the vast majority of the trails and a bit off track as well as get to know the local community. I want to take the opportunity to convince you to make the journey out here with some information to help you have a great experience.

The Australian ski season runs from late June, through the end of September. In this period of time, you have your pick of a few different resorts. The two major cross-country destinations are Perisher, and Falls Creek. Notably, all cross-country locations in Australia are either attached two or are a part of an alpine resort, no lift-ticket required. My experience thus far has been at Falls Creek so I will speak to it as a destination for ski training and adventure. Throughout the season there are a variety of events, with the major event being The Kangaroo Hoppet Worldloppet Race. The saying around town, “everyone skis the Hoppet” rings true, as much like the American Birkebiner, the entire skiing community comes out to celebrate the sport through some fun competition.

The trail network at Falls Creek is expansive, allowing you to easily ski for several hours at a time to your heart's content, not skiing the same trail twice. Early in the season, if the snow is late, you can wake up early and ski up one of the Alpine runs named “Wombats ramble” before the lifts start running. From there you can hit the high plains and ski up near the summit chair, down to Pretty Valley, or up and around Mt. McKay. Since we’re on a mountain, there’s no shortage of hills to climb, and at over 5000 ft you’ll get a little bit of altitude while you’re at it.

As the snow improves you can then go down to the main cross-country trails. You’ll ski up from the parking lot along the main artery of the trail network, a groomed trail on top of a roadway. You will then ski up on to the Nordic Bowl, which is perhaps the best learning terrain I have ever encountered. A flat, wind sheltered area with a great selection of hills surrounding it to allow for as many games and drills as your imagination allows. From there you have your choice of skiing out towards Sun Valley, a quick out and back loop that takes you in a scenic part of the valley near the alpine runs, or across the dam wall. When there’s more snow, the groomers will groom up the major climb on the hoppet course called the paralyzer, and then farther up and around heathy spur. Heathy spur is a fast and fun downhill with some fast switchback corners. Great for practicing your skids. Going at a moderate pace, skiing up the paralyzer and then down heathy spur and back will take most folks about an hour and a half. Plenty of skiing to be had!

The Snow at Falls Creek Cross Country is natural Alpine snow. Since it falls above 5000 ft, it lands pretty dry. However, the coldest it ever gets here is -5 celsius at most. Most of the time the temperature is hovering around freezing. This means that while the natural snow lands pretty dry, it can transform quite quickly and you can find yourself in much different snow conditions in a matter of 30 minutes. Let’s say for example sending a group of athletes out for a 10km classic race after waxing all of their skis. Could be interesting! The warmer weather also means it is either T-shirt skiing weather, or raining or something in-between. I have never used so much sunscreen while skiing in my life. The folks down here say the sun burns hotter, and I am inclined to agree with them.

The places: where to stay, get food, etc. 45 minutes down the road from Falls Creek is Mt. Beauty. If you’re an international athlete, listen up. There’s a club in town here, and if you’re an up and coming professional skier, they have a track record of hosting visiting athletes that come to town. Shoot me a message, and I can put you in touch. In Mt. Beauty, there’s a grocery store and some awesome running trails as well as a really well equipped strength training gym. If you’re looking to stay closer to the resort on a budget, I’d recommend Howmans Gap YMCA. It’s about 15 minutes from the resort, has bunk beds, a drying room for your gear, breakfast and dinner included! 1 Hour 15 minutes from Falls Creek is a larger town, Bright which will have more options for accommodation and larger shops. If you aren't keen on driving the distance each day, there is accommodation at the resort available as well. 

Here's a pro tip, join the Birkebeiner Ski Club based out of Falls Creek. There is a special locked lodge right at the entrance of the Nordic trails which includes a place to put your gear, change clothes, and kitchenette with various cooking implements and a warm dining/rest area upstairs. For 75AUD (50US) it is a steal and goes towards supporting the local club. When you join, you will get a code for the door. 

If you’re an up-and-coming skier, collegiate skier, or professional skier, I would encourage you to shoot me an email Jhuseby@snow.org.au. If you reach out, I can answer any questions you have about traveling down here, visas, flights, transportation, accommodation, and can make sure you have training partners while on your trip. Thanks!

Jacob Huseby

National Team Coach

AUSXC