Over five weeks this winter, Myrtleford Ski Club provided 50 students at Myrtleford P12 College and St Mary’s Primary School with scholarships to attend their snow sport day trips to Falls Creek.

The program catered for all abilities, from complete beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders, with students grouped according to skill level and supported by dedicated teachers and parent helpers.

“Over the course of the program, students showed impressive progress, gaining confidence and improving their technique while enjoying the alpine environment with friends,” Myrtleford P-12 College teacher, Clinton Slotegraaf said.

Each day featured free skiing and snowboarding time in the morning, followed by a structured 90 minute lesson with experienced instructors from Falls Creek Snow Sports.

“We reached out to Myrtleford P-12 College about our club supporting their snow program, particularly for students who have never skied before,” Myrtleford Ski Club president Alistair Browne said.

“After meeting with Clinton Slotegraaf, ski program coordinator, we agreed our support would be directed towards students without the financial means to even consider skiing or boarding.

“Interested students needed to apply through an expression of interest process and the school decided who the lucky students would be.”

Founded in 1938, the Myrtleford Ski Club was established with the intention of supporting and promoting snow sports in the Myrtleford region with the lodge at Falls Creek providing accommodation to its members and guests all year round.

“This was my first time skiing; a fun and memorable experience which lasted for five days,” Year 9 student, Chase Mendoza said.

“Skiing gave me an opportunity to learn a sport which was completely new to me.

“I had a very exciting and fun journey as I progressed and ran through different trails as I got better.

“Gaining confidence as I improved a lot in that short amount of time.

"I am grateful to be receiving the sponsorship, equipment and opportunity kindly provided to me by the school and ski club.

“Without it, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy the experience of an amazing and special opportunity.”

Year 4 student, Liliana Turner Spesott, thanked the program’s organisers and said the snowbound experience was an "amazing, fantastic and unforgettable opportunity" provided to students.

“Being able to go up to the snow to ski meant so much to me, since I have been wanting to give skiing a go for a long time now,” she said.

“I loved being able to meet new people and make new friends, whilst also learning great new skills.

“My favourite moment was when I learnt how to do jumps on my skis.

“I hope in the future many other students are also able to have this same experience I had up at the snow.”

The schools extend their gratitude to Dyson’s Buses Wangaratta for providing reliable transport to and from Falls Creek, and to the Myrtleford Ski Club for their generous support in helping make the program possible.

The 2025 Ski Program once again highlighted the importance of community partnerships in delivering enriching outdoor education opportunities, while giving students lifelong memories of time spent on the mountain.

For more information about the Myrtleford Ski Club visit: www.myrtlefordskiclub.com