Scotch College

Half-century for Australia’s number one ski club

Words: Doug Draffin • Honorary Secretary, Koomerang Ski Club

May 26 is a red-letter day for the Koomerang Ski Club – it’s when the club (which incorporates the Scotch College Ski Club) will mark its 50th anniversary with a dinner in the Cardinal Pavilion at Scotch.

The dinner will celebrate the vision and achievements of members past and present in making Koomerang the most successful ski club in Australia.

Koomerang is managed by a committee of elected Old Boys and family members, each of whom generously gives time in an honorary capacity. The committee’s primary focus is the maintenance and constant improvement of the lodges offered to our members at each of the four main ski resorts in Australia. Koomerang also works in conjunction with Snowsports, the school student/parent support group, to ensure that there is continuity for students. Having been introduced to snowsports and the Koomerang lodges during their school years, former students can continue to enjoy their winter sports in a friendly club atmosphere.

Sleeping 42 people, the Koomerang flagship lodge is at Mount Buller. The club also has duplex apartments at Falls Creek sleeping 16, and a brand new and extremely comfortable lodge at Thredbo which also sleeps 16.

Our lodge at Mount Hotham has just nine beds, and has been given a makeover for the forthcoming winter season. Lengthy negotiations are still in progress for the redevelopment of the Hotham site, and we are optimistic that a new development, including a 16-bed Koomerang apartment, will be completed and ready for occupation in the 2008 season.

The club remains in a strong financial position, notwithstanding the poor 2006 season. Fortunately, extensive snow-making systems at each of the resorts meant that skiing, although limited, was available throughout the season. Unfortunate side effects of the drought were the severe bushfires in the Alps during December and January. At various times each of our lodges was in imminent danger, but was saved from direct attack by fire at the last minute by fortuitous weather changes and snowfalls.

If you’d like to know more about our club, please visit www.koomerang.com.au or email enquiries@koomerang.com.au.