Latest news with #FallsCreek
ABC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Gang-gang cockatoos suffer hypothermia, frozen wings in Victorian Alps
Skiers and holiday-makers are enjoying one of the strongest season openings for years as thick snow blankets the Victorian Alps. But gang-gang cockatoos, who usually prefer cool temperatures, are at risk of dying in the freezing conditions. The endangered birds are being found grounded in the snow, weak and disoriented, suffering from hypothermia. Deb Howie, who has been rescuing stricken birds at Falls Creek, said the "cold and windy" conditions were taking a toll. "This winter has been so brutal … we're finding that there are quite a few gang-gangs that are actually struggling," she said. "They're grounded on the snow, and they don't really move. Falls Creek visitors have been advised to carry cloth bags or pillowcases while walking, so they can gently capture any grounded birds and keep them warm while waiting for help. Ms Howie said of the 10 gang-gangs she had rescued so far, most were juveniles. Wildlife carer Jo Mitlehner has also been involved in the rescue efforts and said it was crucial to reunite separated mates, as gang-gangs pair for life. At the start of the snow season, she rescued a mature female gang-gang that had been separated from her partner. "We found her crawling in the snow at Falls Creek," she said. Ms Mitlehner said as soon as the female was well enough, she was returned to where she had been found because the gang-gangs were preparing to leave the area. On release, another carer believed he heard a nearby gang-gang responding to her call. Ms Mitlehner said the birds were not usually found at such high altitudes in winter. While not strictly migratory, they often move from mountain forests to lower elevations during colder months. Ms Mitlehner said she and her team thought a longer summer might have allowed for a second breeding season, leaving more juveniles unprepared for the cold snap. Sean Dooley from BirdLife Australia said shifting climate patterns could be a factor in why the birds had not moved down the mountains. "It could be related to the fact that over the past decade or so, we have had much milder winters, and perhaps the gang-gangs have started to adapt to this shift in climate and not been moving as far," he said. According to the latest data, gang-gang populations have already suffered a sharp decline — a drop of nearly 70 per cent between 1999 and 2019. The 2019–2020 bushfires caused further devastation. In 2022, the parrot was officially listed as endangered, with an estimated 25,300 mature birds remaining in the wild. "Experts say the likely reason for the decline in gang-gangs has been the destruction of the big old, hollow-bearing trees that they nest in up in mountainous areas, from native-forest logging," Mr Dooley said. A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson confirmed that much of Victoria had endured below-average minimum temperatures for June. And while there is still cold weather ahead in the short term, the bureau's forecast for August to October is for warmer-than-average temperatures. Until then, Falls Creek head of visitor experience David Leathem urged snow-goers to keep an eye out for "vulnerable species, particularly the endangered gang-gang cockatoo". "We encourage residents and visitors to stay alert and contact local wildlife carers for assistance and advice."
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Aussies face lengthy delays for ski lift after snowstorm
Skiers are eagerly awaiting the end of school holidays following two weeks of overcrowded slopes and hour-long queues. Dozens of Aussies visiting ski resorts in NSW and Victoria have taken to social media to vent following a busy fortnight at the popular winter holiday destinations. Several visitors complained of waiting for over an hour to use the ski lift after paying up to $264 for a ski lift pass at Perisher or $177 at Falls Creek. Many skiers also face hefty travel and accommodation costs to visit the Snowy Mountains, with hotels near the slopes going for hundreds of dollars per night. While it was good news for skiers, it spelt disaster for resort operators. Frustrations boiled over last week when the ski lifts at Falls Creek were delayed due to the system freezing shut. 'We're sorry for the delays getting lifts open this morning,' the resort said. 'Our full team has been working hard since the early hours to de-ice and get things moving. With a big snowstorm on the way, there may be more delays tomorrow. We'll keep doing everything we can to get lifts spinning as soon as conditions allow. 'Thanks for your patience.' While some visitors were understanding of the situation, others were unimpressed. 'I was here and it felt like it took hours,' one wrote under a TikTok video of Falls Creek. 'I took one look and went back to bed,' another said. 'Took me 40 minutes to get to the top,' a third commented. Several others expressed frustration at the high cost of skiing in Australia, compared to the price and quality of skiing overseas. 'Cheaper to fly to Japan and ski there! Best snow,' one person wrote.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Furious Aussies left waiting for HOURS after ski lift froze over at popular resort
Skiers are eagerly awaiting the end of school holidays following two weeks of overcrowded slopes and hour-long queues. Dozens of Aussies visiting ski resorts in NSW and Victoria have taken to social media to vent following a busy fortnight at the popular winter holiday destinations. Several visitors complained of waiting for over an hour to use the ski lift after paying up to $264 for a ski lift pass at Perisher or $177 at Falls Creek. Many skiers also face hefty travel and accommodation costs to visit the Snowy Mountains, with hotels near the slopes going for hundreds of dollars per night. However, it wasn't just large crowds causing repeated delays across the mountains. The first week of school holidays, which typically sees a jump in visitors, coincided with a cold front moving through the region - causing chaotic snowstorm conditions. While it was good news for skiers, it spelt disaster for resort operators. Frustrations boiled over last week when the ski lifts at Falls Creek were delayed due to the system freezing shut. 'We're sorry for the delays getting lifts open this morning,' the resort said. 'Our full team has been working hard since the early hours to de-ice and get things moving. With a big snowstorm on the way, there may be more delays tomorrow. We'll keep doing everything we can to get lifts spinning as soon as conditions allow. 'Thanks for your patience.' While some visitors were understanding of the situation, others were unimpressed. 'I was here and it felt like it took hours,' one wrote under a TikTok video of Falls Creek. 'I took one look and went back to bed,' another said. 'Took me 40 minutes to get to the top,' a third commented. Several others expressed frustration at the high cost of skiing in Australia, compared to the price and quality of skiing overseas. 'Cheaper to fly to Japan and ski there! Best snow,' one person wrote. 'It costs almost the same to fly to New Zealand and ski there,' another said. More frequent visitors shared their advice on how to avoid large crowds in the area. 'It's only like that until 10am,' one person said. 'Once people filter out on the mountain there's no line.'
Daily Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Daily Telegraph
The trick to saving hundreds at the Aussie snow
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. There's a certain kind of love that grips skiers. 'I love watching the snow groomers,' my husband drools into the darkness, tracing the heavily lit machinery. His love is euphoric and a bit tragic, glass of red in hand, body weary after a day skiing. He's imagining the crisp corduroy lines the groomer leaves behind and the runs he'll carve tomorrow. But like all great passions, this one comes at a cost – and not just frost-bitten fingers. Skiing is expensive and costs can snowball, particularly for a family of five. But there are ways to make it cheaper, and the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass (EADP) – new this season – is the best I've seen yet. I found a way to ski on a budget. Picture: Mt Hotham It offers any four days access at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek or Perisher – either consecutive or spread out – and delivers big savings compared to purchasing lift tickets. It also includes 20 percent off rentals and lessons, and 15 percent off certain cafes and retail. We skied two days each at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, rented gear and took two private lessons. My workings show we saved $556 on lift tickets, $180 on lessons and $246 on rentals – and over $1,000 in total. Like powder, our love grew deeper. Mt Hotham We find a giddy, child-like sense of adrenaline-fuelled fun at Mt Hotham. Intermediate and advanced runs peel away from a village on top of the mountain, commanding jaw-dropping views on the bird-bird days we're gifted. Our best experience of this is when the kids corral us to ski First Tracks (free with EADP). Heavenly Valley stuns in a display of quiet majesty for those up early enough to see it. Our teens lose a day and night (free with EADP) to the new all-terrain park at the Big D. Jumps, in the dark, with a DJ – I get it and leave them to it. Jaw-dropping views at Hotham. Picture: Mt Hotham Lessons are centralised around the beginner slopes of Hotham's Summit. We're decent skiers but welcome the chance to refresh and explore barrels we otherwise wouldn't venture to. When hunger takes over, Hoff's Hutt, hidden halfway down Milky Way is full of charm. We return for chunky beef pies and 'fireball' coffee with tunes on the deck. Bird Café at the base of the Summit is convenient, tasty and pass holders get 15 percent off. We stay at Kicking Horse Chalet, a step into luxury made affordable because it sleeps 15. Families and groups will want to stay here for exceptional amenity, large spaces and beautiful interiors – only superseded by the views. See also: What's new at Australian ski resorts in 2025 Falls Creek Falls Creek village steals hearts with its picturesque European style that is ski-in ski-out, decorated with snow gums and car free. It's also the ultimate progression mountain, suiting all levels. Our kids do more skiing here off the groomed runs than on. They're between trees and jumping off nature's ledges, while we're frolicking in the back bowl around Ruined Castle. My love of skiing is equal parts downhill and après by the fire. Falls Creek's dining scene doesn't disappoint. Picturesque Falls Creek. Picture: Falls Creek I discover the magnificent Astra for a cocktail, while our youngest toasts marshmallows on their huge fire. Cozy Feather Top Lodge fills us with baked brie, hanger steak and churros. Lunch at Falls Creek Hotel is a must. We stay at family-run Cooroona Alpine Lodge. It's warm, freshly renovated and perfect for families. Cooroona's Mexican Cantina and bar are a highlight. The menu is extensive, the food fresh and affordable – a welcome reprieve. Frozen margaritas take on new appeal in front of the roaring fire. Top tip The pass also unlocks the expanses of Australia's largest ski resort, Perisher. The writer travelled courtesy of Mount Hotham Skiing Company and Falls Creek Ski Lifts. Originally published as The trick to saving hundreds at the Aussie snow
ABC News
25-06-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Glee at big snow dump as Victorian alpine resorts report best start to ski season in years
Victoria's alpine resorts are reporting their best start to the ski season in years. Overnight, Falls Creek received 37 centimetres of fresh snow, while Mount Hotham welcomed a 28cm dump. "It's still coming down heavily today," Falls Creek's field marketing manager Betony Pitcher said on Wednesday. "The top-up has the resort looking amazing for the school holidays. Ms Pitcher said it was great news for the Falls Creek community. "It's fantastic to see the support for all the local businesses flow through as we head into the busy school holiday period," she said. The latest snowfall means more terrain open ahead of the winter holiday season, including Ruined Castle, Scott chairlifts and family favourite Drovers Dream. At Mount Buller, more than 20cm fell in the past 24 hours. "We had a magical delivery that started yesterday afternoon," Mr Buller spokesperson Rhylla Morgan said. "I've been listening to the pitter-patter through my window through the night. "If you're thinking about coming up this weekend, this snow will have blown through and we'll have sunshine again," Ms Morgan said. "It's a really nice pattern of weather." While the weather conditions are ideal on the slopes, police are urging drivers to slow down and be prepared. In Victoria, all vehicles travelling to alpine regions during the snow season must carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed or face heavy fines. Victoria Police Detective Inspector Anthony Town said if drivers weren't comfortable in icy conditions, they should take a break. "Victoria Police implore the community to drive to conditions, slow down," he said. "It's also important not to feel pressured," Detective Inspector Town said. "If the road sign says 100kph it doesn't mean you have to travel at 100kph. "You can slow down and take your time. "It might take a little bit longer to get to where you're going, but at least you'll get there safely."
