Beginners Cross Country Ski Weekend - Falls Creek - Lodge accommodation

This weekend is all about introducing people with little or no experience to the joys of cross-country skiing. Our more experienced members will be on hand to help you understand what it's all about, in a relaxed and supportive environment.

A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this trip.

Important: Payment for this trip is not made via Meetup or using PayPal due to additional fees

To attend this event, you must confirm your intention to Attend via Meetup and then secure your spot by completing the event questionnaire which includes payment details - see instructions and link below.

BOOKINGS CLOSE 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE TRIP July 25th

To complete your booking and payment to secure your spot:

• Read the Club's Terms and Conditions
• Complete the trip questionnaire by clicking on this link: Beginners Weekend Make sure you include your email address and phone number in your responses. Note: Questionnaire responses can only be viewed by the trip leaders.
• Transfer your payment to the YHA bank account details in the questionnaire.
• Your booking is not secured until payment is made and confirmed.

Please note: If you would like to attend with one or more friends, each of you will need to complete the questionnaire and finalize your booking individually.

Overview of the trip: We'll be staying at Howman’s Gap on Friday and Saturday night. Dinner is provided Friday night, Breakfast & Dinner Saturday and Breakfast Sunday. Lunches are not provided and there is no access to kitchen facilities to make lunch etc. Accommodation is shared rooms (5-6 people per room).

The YHA trip doesn’t commence until you after you arrive at the accommodation on Friday evening from 5pm onwards. The trip finishes when you leave Windy Corner on Sunday afternoon.

Friday: Travel up on Friday to YMCA Howman’s Gap - 2587 Bogong High Plains Rd, Falls Creek. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to get to Howman's Gap, so people generally plan to leave Melbourne by 5.00pm.I

Drivers: For anyone driving, carrying wheel chains is compulsory past Mount Beauty and they must be fitted where directed. Chains can be hired at:
Rays Ski Shop
21 Myrtle St, Myrtleford
03 5752 1306
Rocky Valley Bikes Snow Sports
226 Kiewa Valley Hwy
Tawonga South (just before Mt Beauty) 03 5754 1118

Dinner is provided on Friday night from 6.15pm to 7.30pm. If you arrive after this time, the meal can be microwaved.

If you want to stop for dinner on the way a couple of options are:
Happy Valley Hotel (great gourmet pub)
4994 Great Alpine Road, Ovens
03 5751 1628
Kinnaree Thai Restaurant - next to the Caltex garage.
65 Myrtle St (the main road)
Myrtleford VIC 3737
03 6331 4319

On arrival at Howman's Gap: Please let trip leader know you have arrived so you can be checked in sign the Trip Terms & Conditions

Saturday: Cooked breakfast is provided by Howman’s Gap (eggs / bacon / cereal /toast /juice tea /coffee etc) between 7.00am and 8.15am.
Pack your backpack and be ready for a trip briefing at 8.30am, after which we will travel up to Falls Creek/Windy Corner.

At Windy Corner, we'll split into groups based on experience and ability.
At lunchtime, you can purchase some limited lunch items at Windy Corner or have lunch on the mountain.

After the day's skiing, we will return to Howman's Gap late afternoon.
Important: So we know everyone is safe, you must check in with the Trip Leader before heading back to Howman's Gap for a 3-course dinner provided from 6.15pm to 7.30pm.

Sunday: After breakfast (served 7.00am to 8.15am), we pack cars and meet for a briefing at 8.30am.

What you need to bring:

• Towel, pillow/pillowcase, sheets and sleeping bag/doona
• Lunch and snacks (to eat on the trail).

Additional costs: Extra costs will include Falls Creek resort entrance fees, ski hire and fuel (if carpooling).

Health and Safety
Insurance - Ambulance Cover: We strongly recommend ambulance cover. Many private health insurance companies only cover ‘emergency’ ambulance transport – when the siren is on. A broken limb from skiing may not be considered an emergency so private health insurance may not cover cover medical transport expenses.

Further information including carpooling arrangements, a gear list and ski hire options will be emailed to confirmed participants about 2 weeks before the trip.

Important: Refunds are not possible if you cancel, due to the club having to cover the cost of the accommodation.