Nutcracker Ski Club

If you were like me sitting here in Australia watching the US have one fantastic snow season, and with the currency rates never better, you were probably considering booking a skiing holiday for next season.

Heading to the US is easy as we generally don’t require a visa for travelling, however, you will now need to notify the US Authorities 3 days before you depart.

Thanks to skiclub.co.uk for this article

It was announced yesterday by Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, that all travellers from countries which do not currently require a visa, 27 in total, will have to observe a 72 hour notice period.

This includes most of western Europe as well as Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore.

The new rule is expected to take effect from January 2009, and once approved, successful applications will be valid for multiple entries over two years.

The new system, aimed at improving homeland security in the US, will begin accepting registrations from August. To register, travellers will have to contact travel agents, airline websites or go through a purpose-built US government website.

For more information contact the Department of Foreign Affairs or Smart Traveller

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There’s been alot happening across the Australian Ski Resorts over Summer and with ski season three weeks away we are very close the benefiting from those improvements.

Perisher Blue @ Hotham have topped the list with a AUD$16.25 Million investment into the installation of 99 snowmaking guns with associated pipelines that will generate an extra 712,000 cubic meters of snow. Perisher have also invested into new grooming equipment, improvements on it’s fencing and drains which will vastly improve the surface quality for skiers and boarders. 

Also at Hotham, Charlotte Pass has installed a new conveyor belt and invested in it’s terrain park to attract the younger skiers and boarders to the sport. The ski rental services have been upgraded.

Of Course at Buller the resort has worked hard over Summer to get the six man chairlift ready. Real Estate development has also occurred with new lodge accommodation being built.

“The Australian resorts continue to investigate, test and then implement the world’s best in alpine technology,” said Andrew Ramsey, Executive Director of the Australian Ski Areas Association. “It is essential we stay up to date to strengthen winter alpine tourism which contributes AUD $1.3 billion net to the national economy. These works will ensure Australia’s resorts stay well ahead of other southern hemisphere snow destinations.”

Thanks to First Tracks for the article.

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Falls Creek have had 15cms of snow since Sunday, with reports of depths being 25cms in places.

So someone up there decided to get the ski’s out and make us all jealous that we can’t be up there to enjoy the early snow

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This photo was taken from the Bourke Street Webcam this morning @ 7:40am.

Mt Buller recieved 10 cms of snow yesterday with the temperature plummeting to -1 yesterday. There is more snow expected and it is currently -3.7.

At last weekends working party it was suggested that maybe it should have been postponed to this weekend to take advantage of the 3 day break. Looking at that pic, I think it was a good thing as we would all probably be still up there.

Not that that’s a bad thing

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A Ski Patroller and his dog get in a last run @ Snowmass, Aspen!

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