By ALYSON LAMB
July is when Falls Creek hits its winter stride, with the village calendar filling out across the slopes, race courses, bars and family-friendly corners of the resort.
Across the month, the mountain will host everything from fireworks and twilight activities to night skiing, race events, gear demo days and après sessions.
“July is when Falls Creek really comes to life,” Falls Creek experience and brand coordinator, Sarah Gamon said.
“The calendar is packed with ways to make the most of winter, whether that’s skiing under lights, catching fireworks in the Village Bowl, testing new gear or staying out for après after the lifts stop spinning.”
For families, the Village Bowl will be one of the liveliest places to be.
Twilight Tuesdays return on 7 July with fire pits, marshmallows, games and music, plus an appearance from Pete the Snowdragon later in the afternoon.
Thursday nights will also bring extra sparkle to the village, with Fireworks Fiesta scheduled for 2, 9 and 16 July, weather permitting.
The show can be viewed from accommodation or from the Village Bowl near the Frying Pan Inn.
The mountain will keep moving after dark too, with night skiing and boarding running every Wednesday and Saturday Wombat’s Ramble, Australia’s longest green run, lights up from Halley’s Comet at Cloud 9 down to St Falls Resort in Slalom Plaza, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to squeeze in a few more laps after sunset.
July also brings plenty for those who like a little competition.
The Cranky Charlie Cup will be held on Friday, 10 July on the NASTAR race course, giving racers over 16 years the chance to test themselves in the ski area.
Later in the month, the Wombat’s Rambler Night Race on Friday, 24 July will bring one of Australia’s longest ski races under lights, with cash prizes on offer for the fastest skiing team, fastest snowboarding team and fastest groms.
For anyone eyeing off new gear, the end of the month will be one to circle on the calendar.
Snowboard Demo Days will take over Slalom Plaza on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July, with Burton, Nitro, Capita, Arbor, Korua, Lib-Tech and Gnu bringing the latest boards to test on snow.
Atomic Ski Demo Days will follow on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July in the Village Bowl, beside Ski & Boot Co. at the base of Eagle Express.
Off the slopes, July’s après line-up adds another reason to linger in the village.
Powderkeg at St Falls Resort will run daily drink specials and a morning cocktail hour, while Lakeside Eatery & Bar will offer cosy alpine nights with weekly specials, live music and views of the fireworks.
Falls Creek Hotel will also continue its famous Harvey Hour every Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, with live music and Harvey Wallbangers by the jug.
With something happening across most of the month, July at Falls Creek is offering plenty of reasons to stay out later, try something new and make the most of winter in full swing.