Scotch College

Koomerang re-opens lodge

Threadbo back in action

The air is starting to get nippy, the days are getting shorter and skiers and snowboarders are checking their gear in anticipation of another winter's activity in the mountains.

It is very exciting to announce that the 16-bed Koomerang lodge at Thredbo will be open again this winter. It was closed after the tragic Thredbo landslide and subsequent geotechnical stability assessments throughout the village. Koomerang's high risk rating was related to the stability of the Alpine Way adjacent to the site. However, over the past year a huge amount of work has been undertaken on reconstructing the Alpine Way, significantly reducing the risk to the building. Now that the lodge is available again, many members will be keen to enjoy the delights of Thredbo skiing.

After the Annual General Meeting on 25 March 1999, Koomerang has its 1999 committee in place and they are working enthusiastically to ensure that the club's four lodges are ready for winter. The new committee comprises Will McCutcheon (President), Guy Besley and Rhonda Hoelter (Vice Presidents), Peter Appleyard, Wayne Jonas, Warren Peacock, Fiona Widdis, Carolyn Smith, David Barlow, Don McDonald, Andrew Wallace-Smith, Robin Guymer, Andrew Suttle and Andrew Logie-Smith.

A new lodge at Mount Hotham was approved at the AGM, where members voted overwhelmingly to proceed with planning. The existing eight-bed lodge was purchased from the Trace family in 1983 and is very popular. Recent mountain developments including new lifts and snow-making are expected to increase member interest in visiting Mount Hotham, and the club proposes to construct a new lodge on the site offering about 24 beds. The timing of construction is expected to be in the next two years.

Work parties

Work parties have been held at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Thredbo over the past few months. The lodges will all be thoroughly cleaned and restocked with essential provisions for the winter. Lots of maintenance jobs have been completed including the repainting of the outside of the Falls Creek flats and further finishing off at Mount Buller, where the upper and lower bedroom levels have been refurbished.

A good ski season is anticipated this year, after unusually poor snowfalls in 1998, and modern snowmaking has ensured that skiing is generally available throughout the winter.

The club is unique in offering four mountains and membership is open to students, Old Boys and staff of Scotch College, as well as the member's spouse. We look forward to further members of the Scotch family joining Koomerang Ski Club. Members are able to book accommodation for friends and family, at very reasonable rates. For further information as to membership contact Leigh McGregor at the OSCA office on 9810 4302.

Will McCutcheon, President