Well it's already mid February. Got much planned? Have you started ticking off all of those New Year resolutions or "have to see" list? First of all... Happy Valentines Day.

Why not head up and enjoy a drink out on the deck of one of the many great pubs or chalets. The High Country is an amazing place to be over the warmer months and is a hive of activity with sporting events, music festivals, summer classes and clinics.

Many pubs and restaurants are open so why not head on up to explore something new or head out overnight to one of the rustic cattlemen's huts to enjoy the simple things in life... Don't forget your camera with wild flowers a plenty.

It is with pleasure that we welcome onboard our new Victorian Alpine snow reporter Eliza Stokie.

Eliza has lived, worked and socialised on the mountain tops for years and is passionate about promoting tourism to alpine resorts. She is very excited about the role and looking forward to bringing you the latest info on events, news and reports for your resort this winter.

This newsletter gives you your last chance to win a Thule bike rack from Roof Carrier Systems. this summer. Read on...

Mt Buller

Mt Buller is providing everything for outdoor lovers this summer including mountain biking, with world class downhill and cross country trails, stunning bushwalks, four-wheel driving, horse riding, motorcycling, and tennis. You can also enjoy chairlift rides (call resort management for times), movies at Australia's highest cinema or check out the wonderful local history at the National Alpine Museum.

Mt Buller Summer School - Guy Grossi Tutorial & Lunch, February 18. Chef Guy Grossi will once again join us for the signature event of the season and will be conducting an unprecedented, hands-on tutorial for 32 very lucky participants. Grossi has constructed a tantalizing menu for the cooking class, which will culminate in a group lunch, hosted by Guy himself, and matched with wines from Robert Oatley Vineyards. Book here.

Mt Buller Summer School - Quilting & Patchwork Retreat from February 23-27. Enjoy a quilting retreat in the stunning surrounds of Mt Buller. Further details will be posted here closer to the event - in the meantime, visit www.mtbullersum

merschool.com.au or call 0459 370 184.

The Man in Black is to hit Mt Buller this summer - The songs and stories of Johnny Cash will come to life at Mt Buller on Saturday 25th February, when 'The Man in Black - The Johnny Cash Story' heads to the Victorian Alpine Resort for one very special show. Following sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, the multi ARIA Award-winning Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon) will take to the stage leading The Tennessee Four for two hours of Cash's magnificent music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption. The show includes a multitude of Cash's hits, including Folsom Prison Blues, Get Rhythm, I Walk the Line and Ring of Fire and explores Cash's relationship with the love of his life, June Carter, played by Rachael Tidd. Supported by ARIA and Deadly Award-winning blues and roots sensation Dan Sultan, plus front woman for iconic Australian rock band Magic Dirt, Adalita, as well as The Bowers and Fearless Vampire Killers, the event is set to be a feast of talented Australian musicians in a very special location on Mt Buller's Bourke Street ski run.

In love? Getting married? Ever dreamt of a White Wedding? Well dream no more.

Mt Buller will be hosting a Wedding Open day on March 4 at Mt Buller Chalet Hotel. Meet the experienced wedding team, local photographers, florists and wedding cake designers. View the beautiful Alpine Chapel and stunning mountain locations. For more information or to register contact Niki Donaldson on (03) 5777 6566 or click here.

Celebrate the Labour Day Weekend in style in the Mansfield-Mt Buller region. Catch some bull-riding at the ever popular Merrijig Rodeo on the Saturday night for the true High Country experience and then ease into Sunday with Picnic in the Park, a gourmet food and wine festival held at Mirimbah Park, at the base of Mt Buller.

The Bike Buller MTB Festival will run March 10-12. There is also festival fun with the popular Picnic in the Park food, wine and music festival on the Sunday at Mirimbah Park at the base of the mountain.

Scody High Country Cycle Challenge is back for another year, and will once again feature the gruelling ride up the Mt Buller Tourist Road - March 17. Click here for more.

Falls Creek

Falls Creek showed last weekend why it's loved by athletes far and wide, after the 2XU Falls Creek Triathlon & Trail Running Festival last weekend. Falls Creek also provides some sensational downhill and cross country mountain bike riding, as well as golf nets, basketball, horse riding, the bungy trampoline and a new skate ramp and Australia's highest significant body of water, The Rocky Valley Lake.

Congratulations to all 2XU Falls Creek Triathlon & Trail Running Festival participants conquering one of the most challenging yet inspiring courses on the Australian triathlon circuit. The event saw a prize pool of $10,000 after the enduring 2km swim, 80km cycle, and 20km trail run - all at altitude of course

The Mile High Tennis Tournament is coming up this Saturday (February 18) - Australia's highest Tennis Tournament held annually in Falls Creek. In what is an institution at Falls Creek, the Mile High Tennis Tournament brings out the whole village to watch locals and guests battle it out on the court for glory. This year's tournament will be held on the Village Bowl courts. For spectators there will be a BBQ and refreshments. All competitors on the day will receive a prize and the victors get to take home the coveted Mile High Championship Cup! Click here for more details.

The Alpine Assault is a race through Victoria's High Country on March 31. The race takes in some of the most spectacular and challenging mountain biking terrain in the country. The course will test you physically and mentally but will also leave you with a smile on your face when you cross the finish line. The epic mountain climbs, fast descents and iconic singletrack of the Big Hill Mountain Bike Park in Mount Beauty will provide you with an unforgettable adventure.

The Alpine Assault course has been designed to include something for everyone from Australia's elite through to the genuine weekend warrior who is out to challenge themselves. Click here for more details.

The Falls Creek Easter Festival will be on April 6 - 9. There are loads of activities for all ages including the Easter Egg Hunt, the Eggstra-ordinary Egg Toss, FREE kids' club activities, outdoor cinema, summit chairlift rides, face painting, sunset tours, colouring in competitions and of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny!!

Easter is always a favourite at Falls Creek and is a great opportunity to bring family and friends to the High Country.

Ride to the rooftop of Victoria and the entrance to the Bogong High Plains. There is nothing quite like a chairlift ride to the top of Falls Creek in its Summer setting. Great for sight-seeing, this also opens up a world of mountain trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking. During selected dates throughout the Green Season, Falls Creek's iconic Summit Chairlift swings into operation. This lift is the site of the first lift at Falls Creek (St Elmo's Rope Tow - circa 1951) and an essential part of the resort's Winter operations. April 7 - 8 (Easter Festival) Adults - $12/$22 (single/full day) Children (6-14) - $8/$14 (single/full day) Children (5 & under) - FREE.

Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain is an all year round adventure playground and has a new variety of activities for you and your family. Lake Mountain is Melbourne's closest Alpine resort being just short two hour drive. You'll find an extensive network of walking trails to explore or you can enjoy a glass of wine and a meal in the Heights bar and bistro. Operating hours of the Bistro during the summer, autumn and spring months are from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on weekends.

With Flying Foxes, Mountain Biking, Dune Buggies and Laser Skirmish you'll always have some great fun.

Lake Mountain's Flying Foxes begin at the hill of the Summit Hill walk, finishing on Leadbeater's Toboggan Run. Both lines are placed side by side so you can race friends and families down.

The new Dune Buggies follow one of the purpose built trails, winding their way through the bush to enjoy the fantastic views. Then there's Laser Skirmish for team oriented combat gaming. The Lake Mountain battlefield is outdoors in natural terrain. There are forts and hiding places for strategic combat fun.

Lake Mountain now has a HUGE Jumping Castle set up on the mountain. Set up in the restaurant, the Castle can hold 25 kids at a time with parental supervision. The Castle is available to those who have purchased a green season day pass, children age 5 and under are free. Purchases a green season day pass here.

The Lake Mountain plateau also provides a great setting for a bike ride. Mountain bike riding has been identified in recent years as a rapidly growing sport. Lake Mountain has an extensive cross country ski trail network available offering a perfect platform for beginners.

10km of single track mountain bike trails were completed in the summer of 2010 which will be part of an extensive trail network offering trails for all levels of ability. This will include an iconic trail which will link Lake Mountain to Marysville. Click here for the Lake Mountain mountain bike trail map.

On the subject of mountain biking, the Granite Grind is on again February 25. Bigger and better with new and longer course options. Based on a 10km single track loop with one, two or three lap courses it has race options for all ages and levels of ability. Great prizes are up for grabs.

The Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge will take place on 26th February 2012 being a recreational ride with various entrant options including 35, 60, 80 and 120km distances. The event is expected to be as successful as ever in 2012.

And of course March will see the Lake Mountain Music Festival. This is on from March 10-12 with great music, market stalls, environmental displays and local food and wine.. all in a spectacular alpine environment. A great way to explore the Marysville Triangle area. Tickets available online soon!

Mt Baw Baw

Mt Baw Baw at this time of year you can enjoy one of the spectacular walks and keen adventurers should not miss an opportunity to experience the famed two day walk along the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail from Mt Baw Baw to Walhalla.

On the other side of the scale Mt Baw Baw's Wellbeing Centre encourages visitors to step away from their busy lives and enjoy a moment of indulgence. During your visit you can appreciate Gippsland's produce and enjoy a delicious meal at Mt Baw Baw's Village Central Restaurant. The Restaurant has spectacular views across West Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsular reaching as far as Western Port Bay.

Both the Bungy Tramp & Alpine Tube Park will be available for use throughout the summer months with the Big Air Bag & Dry Slope terrain park open for summer skiing and snowboarding on sele

cted weekends/times.

Guided walks & village bicycles are on hand whilst the Village Central restaurant is open daily from 11am for lunch & dinner. (10am on weekends). Only 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne you can find something for everyone at Mount Baw Baw.

After the Mt Baw Baw Sprint last weekend, it's time to look forward to the Audax Cycling event on March 3. The 100km ride starts at Nar Nar Goon and winds its way to the Baw Baw Village, with the last 6km being the very steep ascent up to the Village. Email bajubaje@dcsi.net.au for all the details of this event.

Take some time to explore Mt Baw Baw's network of walking trails, stop and enjoy a picnic at one of the spectacular lookouts, and relax in the beautiful Rock Spa Pool. It costs $255 for two people* FREE session in the Rock...

Dinner Plain

Dinner Plain is a stunning year-round destination reflecting the spirit of the high country cattlemen's huts. It is in close proximity to some of Victoria's best trout fishing streams and rivers allowing you to breathe in the fresh alpine air. Leave the bustle of everyday life and experience a pristine existence where pure water comes direct from the tap, the snow gums rustle around your windows, walking trails leave right from your door and tranquility sits snuggly in the palm of your hand.

An Alpine Holiday just for YOU - This relaxed, high altitude village of over 300 private chalets snuggled between the snow gums, offers the perfect chance to take some time out with as much or as little adventure as you like. Offering year round activity both inside and out, luxurious or laidback, high energy or low key, you really can create a break that is perfectly YOU!

There is a range of hiking and walking trails for all levels at Dinner Plain if you're planning a hike or overnight stay. You'll find some excellent mountain bike tracks for an exhilarating biking experience as well with over 15kms of tracks around the village along with the cross-country trail to Hotham.

Dinner Plain village comes to life once again with Nissan Beyond Hotham (March-April), Cool Summer Festival (February) and the Hotham Challenge Ride (March) just a stone throw away.

The Hotham Challenge Ride (formally DP Festival of Cycling) is a 3 day cycling event held on the Labour Day long weekend, March 10-12. Based at the picturesque village of Dinner Plain in North East Victoria, the event is a unique opportunity for road cyclists to challenge themselves to descend and climb the Great Alpine Road, including the renowned Mt Hotham Summit, in a fully supported environment.

Easter is a fantastic time to be in the High Country so why not book your accommodation now so you don't miss out.

High Country Easter Festival April 6-9 - There is something special about having Easter in this magical place. Events run daily within the village for children to come and enjoy! Scenic Toy Train Village Rides, Easter Egg Hunts, Live Music and beautiful gourmet High Country food served by local cafes and restaurants... More info.

Not to forget the Omeo Rodeo, a legend locally to see the real country man on the Easter Saturday at Omeo and the Geebung Polo Match on Easter Sunday at Cobungra Station. Horse trail rides, Giant Chess competitions, walks, bocce, films, bike rides and kite flying are available to all ages. For info on the Geebung Polo Match follow this link.

Rundells Alpine Lodge's Rustic elegance and alpine charm is waiting for you at Rundells. Open from 5pm Monday to Saturday, a la carte dining available in Graze and the lounge bar from 6.30pm.

The Dinner Plain Hotel is also open Tuesday - Sunday 11am til late. Closed Mondays, excluding school holidays. Bookings are welcome (03) 5159 6462.

Adventures with Altitude can organise your adventure this summer at Dinner Plain, be it horse trail rides, mountain bike hire and tours (new bike fleet!), hiking tours and combined tours. Call 5159 6608 to book or click here to visit their website.

Hotham

The third annual Cool Summer Festival (CSF) is on this weekend, February 17-19. It will boast a selection of blues, roots, rock and the very best of up and coming local bands and artists in the most beautiful festival site 'on top of the world'. Set across multiple stages, this three day event will host heaps of activities and is fun for the whole family. Click here to see who's playing this year.

Scenic Chairlift Rides will be up and running for Cool Summer Festival and at Easter For more info phone 03 5759 4444.

Hotham is the only resort with the village set on the ridge line, so visitors are in for a treat with breath-taking views. There is a variety of trails, tracks and roads for hiking, motorcycling, cycling and cross country mountain biking. Hotham also has Australia's highest pub The General - for fantastic food and excellent hospitality.

Bushwalking is huge at Hotham. Track notes for walking trails are available at the Resort Management Board Office (open Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm), Transit Lounge, Zirky's Cafe and The General Store. Printable PDFs are also available from the website here.

Heading into its fifth year in 2012, the Nissan Beyond Hotham commencing on March 22-April 1, is a ten day four wheel driving extravaganza that offers an impressive range of trips and activities that will take you to parts of Victoria's stunning High Country that will quite simply leave you breathless.

3 Peaks Challenge

The 3 Peaks Challenge provides cyclists with one of the world's toughest and most picturesque cycling challenges and is run in the Victorian Alps.

Held annually on the Victorian Labour Day long weekend in March, the 3 Peaks Challenge attracts cyclists from around the globe, interstate and Victoria.

The 235km loop is a course that is so epic it's comparable to a Tour de France stage, with 3 major climbs - Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek via Omeo.

2012 will be the third year the event will run and will pave the way for making the 3 Peaks Challenge an iconic event.

Click here for more info.

Roof Carrier Systems - Win a Bike Roof Rack!!

With this newsletter Roof Carrier Systems will kindly be giving away to one of our lucky subscribers a Thule ProRide 591 Bike Rack.

Roof Carrier Systems offers you top-class bike carriers for roof mounting, designed for easy loading and secure transport. A bike mounted on the car roof is carried stably and safely, high above the road, protected from dust and dirt. If your car has a tow bar, carrying your bike on the roof leaves the tow bar free for towing a caravan or trailer.

The smartest, most elegant solution for loading and transporting a bike on the roof. Its new design with single support arm for road and mountain bikes allows for fitting without having to remove the front wheel.

Features include:
-once lifted, the frame holder stays in an upright position to facilitate loading of the bike,
- the wheel tray is designed to automatically position the bike, allowing it to rest against the frame holder while securing it
- all adjusting and securing is done comfortably and quickly, with a turning knob, at roof height
- quick-release straps with wheel protection, adjustable for different wheel sizes, hold the wheels securely in place
- comfortable Quick-mounting-System for fast and easy mounting around both Square- and Aero Bars (T-track-Adapters included)
- light and elegant aluminium design
- can easily be fitted on either side of the car roof,
- lockable bike to bike carrier and bike carrier to load carrier
- fit bike frames up to 100 mm
- carries bikes now up to 20 kgs

Retails at $255.00.

Call Richard Townley from Roof Carrier Systems 0418 324 052 for more information.

Now for our subscriber questions to win this great prize. This time we're making you do your home work.

Question 1. Who will star as Johnny Cash in the The Johnny Cash Story 'The Man in Black' at Mt Buller Saturday 25th February.

Question 2. What are the two distances to be ridden in the Alpine Assault at Falls Creek on March 31. 100km & ? km.

Question 3. How many km's of single track will the Granite Grind loop at Lake Mountain be made up of.

Question 4. At what time of year is the Geebung Polo (hint - close to Dinner Plain) match held and where is it held?

The first complete and correct answer in order - emailed to reporter@vicsnowreport.com.au will win this incredible prize and will be announced in our next newsletter.

Good luck all.

Incredible views, great entertainment and amazing sporting events... You'll just love it!