By BEN DERRICK
WITH a sprinkling of snow on the ground and the nation maintaining COVID normal regulations, much press has been given to the operation of the alpine resorts.
With lifts turning and services being provided as always, the economic and social drivers of the ski resorts will be in full swing.
Many visitors to the alps will be thinking about riding chairlifts and searching for ‘freshies’ amongst the snow gums.
However, there is a growing trend of skiers seeking alternate experiences away from the lift queues by exploring cross country skiing and back country terrain.
While the old–fashioned stigma for the chook–footing adventurers involves wearing knickerbockers and eating scroggin, the advances in technology and trail preparation make XC skiing a far more attractive option for a very large and popular cohort of resort guests.
Falls Creek and Mt Hotham boast outstanding and differing trail networks.
Falls Creek grooms around 65km of trails that are perfectly pitched at beginner and intermediate skier.
The experienced and friendly staff at the Falls Creek XC Centre have a range of gear and expert instructors to get people headed in the right direction, which is generally out into the open spaces of Falls Creek and the Alpine National Park to explore the great sights of the Bogong High Plains.
The trail system at Hotham provides a fun adventure through the trees at Wire Plain as well as the iconic trail that links Mt Hotham to Dinner Plain, which ends right at the Dinner Plain Hotel for a mid–ski refuel.
XC skiing with up–to–date equipment and well–prepared trails is akin to a cross between road cycling and mountain bike riding.
Differing terrain, combined with an even corduroy from grooming, provides a fast, yet adventurous outing for all abilities.
Extending on from the easily accessible touring and entry options, XC skiing in Australia has always enjoyed a healthy racing calendar.
There are events that are good for all abilities with the absolute premier event being the annual Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek, which is Australia’s leg of the prestigious Worldloppet Series and the largest annual snowsports event in the southern hemisphere.
The Hoppet is an event for everyone from the 7km Joey, which is perfect for families and beginners, to the 21km Birkebeiner, taking in the magnificent Bogong High Plains, to the 42km marathon which is the premier XC ski event south of the equator.
For further information visit www.hoppet.com.au
Aside from the big events, both Falls Creek and Hotham host regular popular skiing events on weekends that provide a great atmosphere and spirit in the alpine areas.
Not to be missed is the iconic Hotham to Dinner Plain on 7 August – registration is at The General prior to the event.
Whatever the level or experience sought, there is an XC experience for all people in the alpine areas well before you get to the often quoted mantra “I thought I’d give XC a go now that my knees are worn out from alpine skiing…..I wish I had started it years ago”!
