JUST how much can a polar bear bear?
That question is no longer rhetorical for the management and staff at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
Last week with school holidays on the go, and snow on the ground, management and staff at the resort were feeling enthusiastic and happy to be back in business.
On Wednesday afternoon however, in a shocking twist of fate, facilities which miraculously escaped the Black Saturday bushfire were destroyed by a fire.
Resort Marketing and Events Co-ordinator Trudi Ackerman said the main visitor centre was damaged and equipment including toboggans, boots, skis and poles were among the items lost.
But … THERE’S STILL SNOW and there are still a whole bunch of people who after six months of hard work are determined to have fun in it.
More than ever, they want people to join them on the snowfields.
The resort team sprung into action to get things up and running and Trudy says the fun is still there for the taking – less than an hour from the Yarra Valley.
“For about the same cost as tickets to the football you can take your family for a great memorable day out at the snow,” Trudi said.
Make sure you take your camera – Lake Mountain Resort has monthly photo competitions which are also great fun. The scenery is great and you will get some magical pictures of the kids going down a toboggan slope.
And, it’s not all about the destination … there’s also the journey!
After an easy but spectacular drive up from Marysville. you step into a winter wonderland.
“Pick a day after fresh snow and the white against the blackened trees from the fires creates an amazing landscape,” Trudi said. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is still Australia’s premier cross country skiing and snow play resort, proving a very affordable and fun day out.
“It truly is a winter playground. You can head down a toboggan slope, explore the trails on a set of skis or snowshoes or just play in the snow,” she said.
Trudi recommends making the most of the visit – perhaps stretching it out for a two or three days exploring the Yarra Valley and Alexandra/Eildon district perhaps!
The businesses and attractions remaining in Marysville also badly need the support of visitors and are welcoming and grateful for it. For the short-term visitors need to arrive on the mountain prepared.
The bistro is open at the resort and food is available on the mountain and in Marysville.
Equipment hire is available en-route including at Mystic Mountain Ski Hire in Narbethong – phone 5963 7029 and at Marysville Ski Centre – phone 5963 3455.
The www.lakemountainresort.com.au website has up-to-date information so you can make the most of your visit to the mountains.