IT has been a revelation observing the efforts of many to keep Mt Hotham (and no doubt Falls Creek and Buller too) open through the difficult late July/early August snow conditions this season.
Trucking snow into snow play areas and critical lift loading/unloading zones has been a massive and ongoing task involving a multitude of workers.
This is in addition to the 24/7 work that goes on behind the scenes, often unnoticed and perhaps taken for granted by visitors.
Ski hire and repair, food and beverage, rubbish, linen service, road clearing, bus maintenance and driving, lift preparation, food deliveries, parking, ski school, groomers, snow tows, snowmaking, paramedics, police, ski patrol, CFA volunteers, cleaners, …… the list is endless.
Robbie Duckford hails from Adelaide and loves being in the mountains at Hotham.
In his third season, you may have sighted Robbie as he works in an essential service in the resort - waste removal.
Working with Hotham Waste Management Services (HWMS), Robbie and his co-workers can be seen throughout the day moving vast quantities of rubbish, compost and recycling around the resort.
When asked what he does in his time off, Robbie smiles broadly and says, "Snowboarding, snowboarding and snowboarding".
Robbie is one of the many who make it possible for us to comfortably spend time sliding on snow in the mountains.
Those who make our snow experience the best it can be.
It is worthwhile taking a breath every now and then and observing what is happening around you, often it makes me smile.
You can make a person’s day better by saying hi to lift attendants and thanking them for helping you as they bump the chair or assist your child.
Alternate when you are in a lift queue and try to fill the chair when it is busy.
Acknowledge the waste management crew and give them a huge smile for diligently doing their challenging task.
Be patient on the buses, fill up the space and be kind to the drivers.
The issues we face as visitors to ski resorts are mostly minor hinderances and inconveniences that are best met with humour and good cheer. Smile.
The mountains in winter are beautiful.
Where would you rather be?
It does not matter whether you are working or holidaying, we are hopefully all here for the same reason.
To have fun and make the most of our time in the mountains.
