ACTIVITIES WEEK
FALLS CREEK BEGINNERS DOWNHILL SKI/BOARD CAMP 2026
9-14 AUGUST 2026
FALLS CREEK
July 2026
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Falls Creek Beginners Downhill Skiing & Boarding Camp will run from Sunday 9 August to Friday 14 August 2026. Students will have ski or snowboard lessons for up to 3 hours on most days and there will be other times on the snow to practice and fine-tune skills and techniques. Students will learn how to either snowboard or ski and will learn that one sport for the week.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp, including a clothing and equipment list, Alpine Safety and Responsibility Code, gear hire agreements and Falls Creek ticket conditions, along with other relevant details. Please ensure that you carefully read through this information.
Parents/Guardians, please urgently respond to the Consent2Go eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. All medication must be received and logged at school by no later than Monday 3 August. We appreciate your attention to this matter.
We hope this information clarifies any questions you may have in relation to this camp. If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to bountiful quantities of snow, fun and learning in a new environment and a rewarding experience.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Craig Radley Falls Creek Snow Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Jaithmathang people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind in order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO CONSENT2GO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Consent2Go eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Consent2Go. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
FALLS CREEK BEGINNERS DOWNHILL SKIING & BOARDING CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Sunday 9 - Friday 14 August 2026.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Monday 3 August 2026. The prescription medication must clearly show your child’s name and dosage on the original packaging and matches exactly to what is listed on the medication form. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the link in the Consent2Go Form.
Medication will only be accepted after this date in exceptional circumstances. This is because a detailed process must take place once medication is received, to ensure your child's safety and meet all legal requirements. A phone call will be required to discuss this further if needed.
For students who bring non-prescription medication that they intend to carry and administer themselves, upon administration of the medication, they are required to alert staff for our records.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is in the range of $2,650 - $2,850. The final cost will be charged to student accounts after camp week. This cost includes mountain accommodation, four-day lift/lesson ticket, equipment hire (see information below), breakfast and evening meals in the lodge, resort entry, transportation and staffing.
Students will need to bring $20-$30 cash per day for lunch that will be purchased on the mountain. They will also need cash for hot drinks/ snacks throughout the week including on the way up to the mountain and back. Students can place money in a clearly marked envelope and hand to staff prior to boarding the bus if they wish.
* Additional costs may be incurred by individual students depending on their equipment hire needs which can be arranged closer to the time.
TRANSPORT
The group will be travelling from Woodleigh in a chartered coach to Falls Creek Village.
Departure Students are to arrive at school by 7:30am on Sunday 9 August in the main driveway (entrance side). The group will leave Woodleigh main driveway by 8:00am and arrive at Falls Creek village by about 3pm. The group will then carry and transport all gear via foot, a short distance to our lodge. Students can either bring lunch for the way up, or purchase when we stop in Euroa.
Return The group will depart Falls Creek at 8:00am on Friday 14 August, returning to Woodleigh at approximately 3pm. Students will have the opportunity to purchase lunch on the way home, and a stop will be made on both routes for students to stretch their legs.
LOCATION
The camp is located at Falls Creek.
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation for the group is located at Diana Alpine Lodge on the mountain, the lodge is located in the village. All rooms have an en-suite, with all linen and towels provided. Breakfast and Dinner will be provided in the lodge.
It is possible we will be sharing the lodge with other groups, including school groups and the public. Woodleigh students may need to share communal spaces, so need to be mindful of others and touch base with our staff as needed.
MEALS
Sunday Dinner, Monday - Thursday Breakfast and Dinner and Friday Breakfast will be provided at the lodge. Students are to advise the Camp Coordinator - Mr Radley as soon as possible regarding any dietary requirements so they can be communicated with the lodge well in advance of our arrival.
For Lunch Monday – Thursday, students will need to purchase their own food up the mountain and will need to bring around $120 for this.
On Friday we will make a quick lunch stop on the return home. Students need to make sure they have enough money on the last day for this. You will need to provide personal high-energy snacks/scroggin (nut free) for the week – but keep this within reason. Please DO NOT bring soft drinks or lollies as these may be confiscated and returned at the end of the trip.
Sugar
Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding activities. As a result, students and parents often think that it is necessary to pack a large quantity of lollies and sugar-heavy foods. We encourage you not to do this. Back at the lodge, confectionery should be kept to a bare minimum and instead we would encourage you to bring healthy snack options as you can often be hungrier after a day on the mountain than you normally would be. There will be opportunities to purchase food on the mountain, however, please be aware that food can be expensive.
ACTIVITIES
Every day we will undertake 2 x 1.5-hour lessons with instructors from the Falls Creek Ski School. Ability level will affect class sizes, and some students may be in public lessons. At other times you will ski/board on specified runs, as part of a larger group that will include at least one of the camp staff on the same run
Safety arrangements are:
• Students in groups of 3.
• All students carry a ski tag.
• All students wear a high vis vest (provided).
• All students carry a safety whistle (provided).
• Designated boundaries i.e. stay on that slope and limits to time.
• Have an arranged meeting place and time.
At night students may participate in several social activities, board/card games night, movie night, night skiing under lights and attending the Falls Creek Night Show (weather permitting).
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Essential Gear:
The alpine environment is subject to inclement, cold and often unpredictable weather conditions. Consequently, it is essential that students have appropriate clothing for the experience. To this end, it is paramount that students adhere to the personal equipment list and ensure that they have a waterproof rain jacket and overpants, woollen or fibre pile clothing for insulation and warmth and chlorofibre/polypropylene undergarments. An equipment list is included in this booklet.
The following gear is essential and must be of adequate or suitable quality (if this gear is not of suitable quality, it will be necessary for staff to hire replacement gear on the mountain at the student’s expense):
• Jacket - waterproof
• Pants - waterproof
• Gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Sunglasses AND goggles.
If in doubt, bring it to school to be checked by staff.
Ski/Board Hire
Staff will arrange for the hire of the following equipment up on the mountain. This is included in the camp cost and will be collected on arrival. From experience, it is more convenient and cheaper to hire gear on the mountain as a group, rather than by you locally. We have
less gear to transport ourselves, and damaged or inappropriate equipment can be immediately exchanged.
• Boarders: board, boots, wrist guards and helmet.
• Skiers: skis, boots, poles and helmet.
(Any additional clothing requirements need to be organised by students and their families beforehand).
Please Note:
Helmet and wrist guards - required for snowboarders – will be collected on the mountain as part of our gear hire. (Note: while experienced boarders often claim it is safer for them not to wear wrist guards, all beginners are strongly advised to wear them by the Ski Patrol and the Medical Centre, hence it is compulsory on this camp). Skiers and Boarders must also wear a helmet.
Students will learn how to either snowboard or ski and will learn that one sport for the week. Students will not be able to change between the two disciplines during the week.
Hypothermia
To reduce the risk of hypothermia you must be adequately clothed for the conditions to be encountered. In selecting clothing remember that:
• In cold weather the most important items of clothing are those that provide insulation. Layers of clothing keep you warm by trapping air between them.
• Wool retains most of its insulation value when wet. Wool or fibrepile type clothing is essential for this experience.
• Jeans and other cotton clothing absorb water easily and are very cold when wet. These must not be taken to wear on the snow.
Personal Equipment
• Waterproof jacket with a hood & waterproof pants essential - must have a good hood and be completely waterproof and windproof. NO SLICKERS OR PADDED NYLON JACKETS.
• A woollen or fleece jumper - two light jumpers are warmer than one heavy jumper. Cotton is NOT to be worn skiing.
• Gloves (2 pairs). GOOD quality gloves are important - Leather/gortex gloves are suitable. If you have 2 pairs, you can swap them over at midday if the first pair are wet.
• Woollen balaclava/beanie - essential for wearing once off the snow (we wear helmets on the snow).
• Socks - Woollen/nylon mix (80% wool). Wear two pairs together plus four spare pairs (e.g., Holeproof Explorer).
• Thermal tops and bottoms. Specialist thermal underwear made from polypropylene (multiple pairs) or chlorofibre is readily available and effective but is relatively inexpensive, e.g. Holeproof, Thermalite and Peter Storm. Cotton thermal underwear should not be taken.
• Neck warmer - fleecy neck warmer helps to keep the cold out.
• Water bottle - 1 or 0.5 litre sipper bottle.
• First Aid Kit. Personal needs such as safety pins, elastoplast, elastic bandage, sunscreen, lip balm/ moisturiser (essential), and blister treatment (essential).
• Snow goggles (and Sunglasses) - essential to protect your eyes from the glare of the snow which can lead to ‘snow blindness’. These must be high quality and UV proof; goggles offer better sun protection than most sunglasses and if the wind is strong, goggles are essential. If you have goggles and are happy to wear them all the time, you do not need sunglasses.
• Spare clothes and shoes/slippers. A set of clothes to be worn in the confines of the lodge (tracksuit/casual gear). You do not need special boots for walking in the snow; normal shoes are fine.
• Torch - a small, lightweight torch is a good idea on any camp (and bring spare batteries).
• Camera - optional. Use plastic bags to keep dry - to be cared for by you.
• Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.
• Phone and phone charger (labelled with student name). On this camp, a phone is required during the day (we will discuss our phone policy).
• Daypack, needs to be small and will be used for the bus trips.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any electronic/digital devices.
MOBILE PHONES
Students are required to bring their mobile phone on this camp as a safety measure to be able to contact staff during the day when skiing or snowboarding in their small groups. Phones will be turned off during lessons and put away when at the lodge - between approximately 5pm and 7am. We will talk about our phone policy before the camp.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to cold weather and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Injury due to collision or falling awkwardly.
• Getting lost.
In order to mitigate the above risks:
• We will always ski according to the Alpine Safety Code (see later in this booklet).
• You will be provided with a Woodleigh Ski tag which lists the staff mobile numbers. You must always wear this when outside the lodge.
• You will always be in a group – either with the lesson group (supervised by an instructor and at most times Woodleigh Staff member) during lessons, or skiing within a group on the same slope, always in 3s, under the general direction of a staff member.
• Ski within your capabilities.
• Know where you are – you will be given a trail map. If you are separated (from your lesson group, or your group of 3) wait at the bottom of the run.
• We will dress appropriately for the conditions – the minimum dress is helmet (and wrist guards for boarders), glasses, thermals, jacket, pants, gloves.
• Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least twice each day.
• Always wear either sunglasses or goggles.
• Carry food (snacks) for energy and warmth and drink water (no soft drinks) in the morning, after the lesson, at lunch and at night to stay hydrated.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for their immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No one is to enter anyone else's room before breakfast or after lights out. You will only enter someone else's room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be placed into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and lodge cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Students are not permitted to eat, watch TV or hang out in the bedrooms. The rooms are only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier. We are living in a close group with peers and staff, respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet in the house is of the utmost importance.
At the lodge, there will be videos etc. that are left for the use of guests. This means that students may be exposed to DVDs and other materials that may be rated inappropriately for their age. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students in the lodge. The School’s policy governing what students may see, (Policy on Appropriate Material for Public Performances) does affect the camp in that M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
Students will have opportunities which will be decided by staff, to complete a designated run/runs in their group of three. Students must stay on the allocated run and with their group of three. Students will be given emergency contact numbers for emergency services and staff. Students are to communicate with staff if any concerns arise at this time and to advise staff if they are running late to a meeting point. Students will also be provided with an emergency card and are required to have a whistle on them.
SNOW SAFETY
At Falls Creek we encourage groups visiting the snow to be prepared. The website www.snowsafe.org.au has useful information and we recommend all to visit the site in preparation for their trip.
As well as recommendations on clothing and information on snow activities, there are useful checklists on snow safety.
Please ensure you have read and noted the Alpine Responsibility Code and follow it – the Code is available on the website, but is also listed below:
ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others. Be aware that THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS in all snow recreational activities that common-sense and personal awareness can reduce. These risks include rapid changes in weather and surface conditions, collisions with other people as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, bare spots, lift towers and snow making equipment.
KNOW AND OBSERVE THE CODE BELOW - IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
• Know your ability and always stay in control and be able to stop and avoid other people or objects. It is your responsibility to stay in control on the ground and in the air.
• Take lessons from qualified professional instructors to learn and progress.
• As you proceed downhill or overtake another person, you must avoid the people below and beside you – they have right of way.
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or run or are not visible from above.
• When entering a trail or run or starting downhill, look uphill and give way to others – they also have right of way.
• Always use chairlift restraining devices and always use proper devices to prevent runaway equipment. Ensure your equipment is in good condition.
• Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs and out of closed areas.
• Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
• Do not ski, snowboard, ride a chairlift or undertake any other alpine activity if drugs or alcohol impair your ability.
• If you are involved in, or witness an accident, alert Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to Ski Patrol.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE CODE MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR TICKET BY THE SKI PATROL OR OTHER AUTHORISED PERSONNEL. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
FALLS CREEK BEGINNERS SKI/BOARD CAMP PROGRAM
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
7:30am Pack Bus
8:00am Depart
6:30am Wake Up. Breakfast
Morning: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
6:30am Wake Up. Breakfast
Morning: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
6:30am Wake Up. Breakfast
Morning: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
6:30am Wake Up. Breakfast
Morning: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
6:00am Wake Up. Breakfast Complete pack up and clean up rooms
12:30pm Lunch stop
(bring a cut lunch or money to purchase in Euroa)
3:00pm Arrive Falls Creek Village
3:30pm Settle in Lodge
4:30pm Pick up Hire Gear
Afternoon: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
Afternoon: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
Afternoon: 1½ hr Lesson
5:00pm All at Lodge
5:00pm All at Lodge
Group Skiing & Boarding 5:00pm All at Lodge
Afternoon: 1½ hr Lesson
Group Skiing & Boarding
5:00pm All at Lodge
8:00am Depart Falls Creek. Quick stop on the way home for snacks, drinks and stretching your legs
3:00pm Arrive back at Woodleigh (approx). (Note: Return time can be affected by weather conditions leaving the mountain)
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Meeting & Fire Drill
9:00pm Bed
9:30pm Lights out
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Free Time 9:00pm Bed 9:30pm Lights out
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Free Time 9:00pm Bed 9:30pm Lights out 6:00pm Dinner
Please Note: Timings are a guide and activities are subject to change.
7:00pm Night Skiing
9:00pm Return to Lodge 9:30pm Bed & Lights out 6:00pm Dinner
7:30pm Night Show
9:45pm Bed 10:00pm Lights out
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PARENTS: Please refer to
o
Cruden
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
