DEAN de Santis commenced in the role as Alpine Resorts Victoria’s general manager at Falls Creek in January this year, following the departure of Stuart Smyth.
Dean’s former role, as general manager of Lake Mountain together with his previous roles in the public and private sectors, means he brings a wealth of experience in environmental management, operational efficiencies and team leadership.
He spoke with Mt Hotham Falls Creek News ahead of the 2025 winter season.
Q: Thanks for your time Dean. What was the motivation to leave Lake Mountain and take on the Falls Creek role?
A: My time at Lake Mountain was incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of what we achieved there as a team. When the opportunity at Falls Creek arose, it felt like a natural next step - both professionally and personally. Falls Creek presents a broader scope of operations and a unique set of challenges that align closely with my passion for alpine environments, strategic leadership, and community engagement. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to contribute to a resort of this scale and significance within Victoria’s alpine network, and to work alongside a talented team committed to innovation and sustainability. It’s a privilege to help shape the future of Falls Creek as part of Alpine Resorts Victoria’s evolving vision.
Q: Five months into the role, what have been the biggest challenges, biggest surprises, and the biggest rewards so far?
A: The biggest challenge has been integrating Falls Creek into the broader Alpine Resorts Victoria structure. It’s involved navigating cultural differences, aligning systems, and building trust across teams. Financial constraints and risk management have also required close attention, especially balancing operational needs with limited resources. And with such a diverse stakeholder landscape - from local businesses to government agencies - there’s been a lot of coordination to get right. What’s surprised me most is the depth of community engagement. From wellness initiatives to fundraising events, the local passion and participation have been incredible. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise has been the resilience and adaptability of the team. Their willingness to embrace change and step up has been a real highlight. As for rewards, having the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the resort has been incredibly fulfilling. Supporting community-driven projects and seeing their impact has been equally rewarding. And above all, mentoring and developing the team - watching people grow into their roles and contribute meaningfully has been the most satisfying part of the journey so far.
Q: What excites you about Falls Creek, and what have you seen as the resort’s strengths?
A: What excites me most about Falls Creek is its unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and potential for innovation. The resort sits at the heart of Victoria’s alpine landscape, and with that comes an incredible opportunity to lead in sustainability, visitor experience, and regional collaboration. I’m particularly energised by the chance to help shape its future as part of Alpine Resorts Victoria’s broader vision, one that’s focused on long-term viability, environmental stewardship, and unified leadership across the alpine network. In terms of strengths, Falls Creek has a deeply engaged community and a passionate team that genuinely cares about the resort’s future. There’s a strong foundation of local knowledge and pride, which has been evident in everything from stakeholder forums to community-led initiatives like the Long Lunch and the Feastival event. The resort also benefits from a diverse offering - winter sports, summer events, wellness experiences, which positions it as a year-round destination. That versatility, combined with a willingness to adapt and collaborate, is what makes Falls Creek such a compelling place to lead.
Q: Are there any areas of improvements you’d like to see?
A: Absolutely. While Falls Creek has many strengths, there are a few key areas where I see opportunities for improvement. One is around operational integration - ensuring that our systems, processes, and communications are aligned not just within the resort, but also with Alpine Resorts Victoria more broadly. This includes everything from permit workflows to digital platforms. Another area is stakeholder engagement. While we’ve made great strides, I’d like to see even more structured and transparent consultation with our community and partners. The feedback from the Stakeholder Consultative Committee has been invaluable, and I believe we can build on that by improving how we communicate timelines, decision-making processes, and shared responsibilities. Lastly, I’d like to see continued focus on financial sustainability, ensuring that our events, services, and infrastructure investments are not only impactful but also cost-effective. This includes refining our budgeting processes and exploring more commercial models for events and partnerships.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this winter season?
A: This winter, I’m most looking forward to seeing the full energy of Falls Creek come to life - both on and off the slopes. There’s a real buzz building across the resort, and it’s been fantastic to see the community, staff, and partners all pulling together to prepare for the season. From a leadership perspective, I’m excited to see how our planning around operations, staffing, and visitor experience translates into a smooth and memorable season for guests. On a personal note, I’m also looking forward to the lighter moments - like the Ice Plunge event, which promises to be as entertaining as it is chilly. These kinds of events really showcase the spirit of Falls Creek: fun, inclusive, and community driven. It’s shaping up to be a season of connection, resilience, and celebration, and I’m proud to be part of it.
