MEN'S SKI CHALLENGE

Members, and their guests, are welcome to join our annual Redbank Men's Ski Challenge Event.

2019 CORE PROGRAM:
Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July.

17 years ago this was just a small weekend event, and has now become almost a week program due to the immense popularity and camaraderie it's created. Designed for social enjoyment and with structured tuition catering to a very broad set of abilities and adventure. Snowboarding is now part of the program (required minimum numbers: 4 boarders).

For 2019, there's just one choice.

Core 3-night program:
- Arrive Thursday 25th July (ski Friday and Saturday).
- Depart Sunday 28th July, 2019.
- Cost: Members: $975. Non-members: $1,460.
  
  Though the core program’s last day on the slopes is officially Saturday, you can extend your time on the hill and ski/board on Sunday - or stay even longer at Redbank Lodge. Additional accommodation can be added to your online booking, charged at standard Redbank guest or member rates.

LIMITED SPACE
Now in its 17th year, this event has become a key item in the Redbank calendar for our members and their mates. With such a solid group of regulars and ever-growing list of interested new starters, it’s important to claim your spot ASAP. If you miss out, a ‘reserve’ list will be created like previous years. So, hop on, select the program, and pop in your payment details. You will receive a confirmation email once you've secured your spot.

MEMBERS: if you're using your winter credits (sent to you in February), don't forget to apply these at the point of payment.

I want in on this epic event!

HOW TO BOOK YOUR SPOT?

Go to our BOOKINGS page.
Select Thursday 25 July 2019.
Select Men’s Ski Challenge Event.
Fill in your details.
Process! (you’ll receive a confirmation email).

Note: Credit cards accepted.

NOTES: A short Google form will be sent out in June to collect your dietary requirements, carpooling plans, ski/board ability, and preferred bunking pals. If you have questions about the booking process, please email admin@redbanklodge.com.au.

Members using credits: remember to add your code when booking. Credits were emailed to you in February. Members can access both member and guest bookings directly via Members Booking.

OUR MISSION: To have great fun with old and new friends, enjoy food and wine while improving our skills on the slopes.
The objective will be for each of you, to have a great time, with the "challenge" element a personal one. If you want to cruise, no problem, if you want to improve your skiing the opportunity will certainly be there!

PROGRAM FORMAT:

Approx. 6 hours of instruction per day over 3 days – Thursday to Saturday.
Group sizes determined by the number of program attendees.
Normally, 6 groups of 5-7 similarly skilled people, each with their own instructor.
Ability levels captured in June’s attendee survey.
Instructors can fine tune group arrangements once we’re on the mountain.
Program usually starts 9.30am, finishing ~3.30pm (lunch on the mountain).
Tuition is a structured program, set to your skill level, developing short and long radius turns, carving, bumps, race gates and (conditions permitting) handling powder snow.
Video recording of classes helps facilitate a daily review of individual progress over the course of the program, plus a few good laughs as we unleash our own "Warren Miller" style movie for Saturday’s awards night!
Some years, when suitably deep quality snow, groups have taken the opportunity to ski to Dead Horse Gap. These trips likely occur on Tuesday–Wednesday.

ACCOMMODATION:

Beds are allocated by the Booking Officer, with help from Dave.
It’s helpful to note your ‘preferred bunking buddy/buddies’ in June’s survey.
The lodge's rooms sleep between 2- 6 individuals.
Beds will be made for you on arrival.

CATERING ARRANGEMENTS:

Breakfasts and dinners are fully catered in-house.
A range of nibbles are supplied each afternoon.
Please mention any dietary considerations in June’s survey.
A selection of quality wines and beers are supplied.
If you have preferred alcoholic beverages, best to bring with you. Thredbo’s liquor outlet offers a relatively narrow selection and high prices.

AWARDS: Over the years, seeking fame and glory, attendees (and occasionally an instructor) have excelled in one of the following Award’s categories:

Best on-mountain crash in both a leading role and (occasionally) in a supporting role (the causal factor),
Most improved, and
Fashion awards (Best (& Worst) dressed), often involving contentions fit for trashy reality TV – judging scandals and a wide variety of outfit expenditure, all for the accolades of winning this coveted award (and the piddly prizes involved!).

OPTIONAL EXTRA: MASSAGES

As in previous years, we are again expecting to have a masseur visit Redbank each afternoon (generally from 4.30–7.00 pm).
For your budgeting purposes the price is likely to be $70.00 per 1/2 hour.
Booking forms will be made available for each day.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Late July snowfalls provide a remarkably reliable time to ski in Australia.
Even in sparse snow years, the timing of snow falls, snowmaking and event structure has seen most enjoyable skiing.
It’s an outdoor pursuit with poorer weather occasionally curtailing the length of some days (causing the odd long lunch!). These killer rain days are relatively rare.

LIFT TICKETS:

Book lift tickets direct from Thredbo store, loading on to your MyThredbo card.
Discounts available when purchased more than 7 days in advance.

OTHER ISSUES:

If driving, you'll need a National Parks sticker and a suitable car (or carry chains).
We strongly recommend carpooling to load on parking (Redbank has 5 allocated spots in the top carpark) and to increase the camaraderie within the group.
If top carpark is full, you can park your car at the longterm lots down at Friday Flat.