Big guns fire at resort

By DION TEASDALE
LAKE Mountain Alpine Resort for 30 years has been a favourite destination for snow enthusiasts from across Victoria, interstate and overseas.
People seeking crosscountry skiing, tobogganing, ski lessons, bush walking, mountain bike riding and scenic lookouts have made Lake Mountain the world’s third most visited crosscountry resort.
Nestled high on an open heath summit, 20 minutes beyond Marysville, the resort is home to 37 kilometres of undulating, groomed, crosscountry trails, unsurpassed views, dramatic weather conditions and unique native flora and fauna.
The resort last year opened a $3.45 million stateoftheart visitor centre.
The threestorey building, with its grand pitched chaletstyle roof and windowfilled walls, incorporates a bistro, bar and cafe, a ski school, a toboggan and ski sales and hire outlet, and a sheltered family barbecue area.
Lake Mountain this year will again host snow and ski enthusiasts from across the globe and Brett Herridge, manager of marketing and business development, is excited about the season.
“This year Lake Mountain has brought nine new fullyautomated snow guns on line,” he said.
“The new snow making equipment is up and will operate when conditions are conducive to making snow.”
Mr Herridge said the snow guns will ensure consistent snow cover throughout the season and open up new areas of the resort for skiing and snow play.
“The resort’s ski school has a new director, the ski equipment hire and sales shop has a range of new stock and the resort has a new takeaway food outlet operating in addition to Heights Bar and Bistro,” Mr Herridge said.
Heights Bar and Bistro, open seven days a week during the snow season, is fully licensed and features an Italianinspired menu.
“There are also more places for people to get warm and find shelter this year,” Mr Herridge said.
“Instead of shivering in the car park, visitors can freshen up and attend to their appetites in comfort.
“There are sitdown meals areas, takeaway options and more places for families to prepare their own food and enjoy picnics.”
The resort’s ski school, which employs up to 40 instructors and offers lessons on demand, is a must for newcomers to the mountain, Mr Herridge said.
“Lessons include full safety instructions, equipment, setting of personal goals, skill demonstrations and trail pass,” he said.
“The Ski School also conducts snowshoe tours, deletion, environmental ski and sled tours and snow sled rides.”
Lake Mountain will also host a program of special ski events throughout the season.
“We’re staging our annual Women’s Weekend on 20 and 21 August, the Bullfight Charge cross country race on 14 August and the MiniSeries ski competition will be held from midJuly onwards,” Mr Herridge said.
While Lake Mountain is less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne, there is a wide range of accommodation packages nearby.
“There are about 3000 guest beds spotted across the wooden slopes of Marysville,” Mr Herridge said.
“There are also plenty of wonderful places to get quality meals and friendly local service, so visitors can make the most of their trip.”
For more information or bookings contact the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort on 5957 7222, or the Ski School on 5957 7210, or check out the website at www.lakemountainresort.com.au.