Outdoor Ed braves the cold at Falls Creek

Both Unit 1/2 Outdoor and Environmental Studies classes took part in their third trip of the year last week.

After a short 4-hour drive to Mount Beauty, the classes settled in for the night in preparation for their two-night cross country ski trip. Getting up before 6am to make it up the mountain ensured there was plenty of time for skiing.

Driving up to Falls Creek, the students were able to notice the changes in the characteristics of the environment, such as in trees species and flora density, as we went from the foothills to the snow zone.

A basic skills session led by La Trobe University 3rd-year students allowed everyone to gain confidence in skiing with and without hiking packs on. A short ski to the campsites at Heathy Spur concluded the second day.

Thursday saw the students putting their newfound skills to the test. Each group spent the day completing a series of looped groomed tracks through the stunning alpine environment. Before cooking in the snow, each group either made an igloo or snow man to learn about snow craft.

Waking up to a stunning sunrise on Friday morning before packing up was a highlight for many students. While skiing back to the starting point, the students were able to see the setup of the Kangaroo Hoppet races and some evidences of alpine recreation such as access roads.

After a fun-filled three days of cross-country skiing everyone headed back home.

Natalie Duane, Outdoor Ed Trainee