Falls Creek Kicks of Winter 2023 with the 16th Annual Ice Plunge
June 2, 2023
Falls Creek Kicks off Winter in Spectacular Fashion with the 16th Annual Ice Plunge
Falls Creek Alpine Resort commenced winter in style today with the highly anticipated 16th Annual Ice Plunge. Despite the brisk 5-degree temperature, the event attracted over 70 enthusiastic locals and visitors who fearlessly donned their costumes and submerged themselves in the icy waters of Rocky Valley Lake, Australia’s Largest Alpine Lake, measuring a bone-chilling 3 degrees this morning.
The plunge has become an iconic tradition that not only unites the community but also serves as our version of the age-old ‘snow dance’, a heartfelt offering to the snow gods, signalling our desire for a bountiful snow season. In an exciting development, the extended forecast is predicting a snowstorm on the eve of Opening Weekend, suggesting that our plunge has already begun to work its magic!
All proceeds raised from this event will be donated to Fight MND, an extraordinary organisation dedicated to finding a cure for Motor Neuron Disease. Thanks to the generous contributions from event participants, donations and merchandise sales, we have already raised over $5000 and our fundraising efforts will continue throughout the season. If you’re in Falls Creek this winter, be sure to visit our Information Centre to purchase your official Big Freeze 9 Merchandise or DONATE HERE.
Local legend Ken Edmonson from Mount Beauty and his family showcased their unwavering dedication to the Fight MND cause with their “Bumble Bee for MND” adorned panel van. Ken will embark on a nation-wide journey in the coming months to raise funds and raise awareness.
Adding an extra touch of excitement to the occasion, we were honoured to have four-time Olympian, World Cup and World Champion, Falls Creek Ambassador and beloved local legend Britt Cox join us for the plunge.
Britt exclaimed “Forget all the Ice Baths from my career, the Falls Creek Ice Plunge tops it all! With the commitment shown by everyone here today, I’m convinced we’re in for an incredible snow season”
Curious about how the Ice Plunge works? We released a flock of rubber ducks into the lake, with each duck carrying a fantastic prize! Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, we gave away over $2500 worth of prizes, including ski lessons, dining and retail vouchers, season resort entry, gym memberships and much more!
After overcoming the challenges posed by the Bogong High Plains road landslide during the summer, we are elated to return to business as usual and prepare for yet another extraordinary winter. The Kings Birthday Opening Weekend Festival next weekend promises endless excitement, including our beloved Village Street Parties featuring Pete the Snow Dragon, a dazzling Fireworks display, an exclusive screening of the captivating North Face backcountry short film “Steep Reflections, exciting kid’s activities, restaurant openings and of course skiing and snowboarding!
A special thanks to Major Road Projects Victoria, Bright Brewery and our Falls Creek local businesses for their overwhelming donations and support. See you next weekend!