Commercialisation of Outdoor Experiences

What is it?

• Commercialisation is a term generally used to refer to the exploitation of a resource for money

• So… in relation to outdoor experiences…• Commercialisation of outdoor experiences

occurs when private companies charge clients money to experience activities in natural environments

Commercialisation of the Alpine National Park (Vic.) the early years.

Establishment of Resorts:Mt Hotham

• 1874 – 640 acres set aside for ‘public purposes’• ‘officially’ became a resort in 1925 with the

construction of Hotham Heights• 1933 – 1952 Hotham Heights managed by the Railways

Department• The Department of Crown Lands & Survey assumed

control of Hotham Heights in 1952• 1983 – Alpine Resorts Act passed, which created the

Alpine Resorts Committee which took over control of Hotham Heights

Establishment of Resorts:Falls Creek

• Began as housing for those working on the Keiwa Hydro Scheme

• 1946 – weather station was built, this was turned into St Elmo’s Hut

• 1947 – Skyline Lodge completed• 1949 Four Seasons lodge established

Establishment of Resorts:Mt Buller

• Transformed from a cattleman’s run to an Alpine resort

• 1929 Mt Buller Chalet built• Now has more than 7000 ‘on-mountain’ beds

Establishment of runs/lifts:Mt Hotham

• Tracks originally used for mining access then adapted for recreational use

• During the 1930’s Varsity Drag, Blue Ribbon runs were cleared and developed, as well as others

• Rapid change between the 40’s and 60’s to create a more intensive alpine recreational area

• There are now 13 lifts and more than 80 with 35km of X-Country trails

Establishment of runs/lifts:Falls Creek

• First lift, St Elmo’s rope tow in 1949, is now the Summit Chair

• 1957 – 1st chair lift built• There are now 14 lifts and more than 92 runs

plus an extra 21 X-country trails

Establishment of runs/lifts:Mt Buller

• Pre 1985 there were two lift companies on Mt Buller, you needed 2 tickets to ski the whole mountain

• Today has 25 lifts and more than 80 runs as well as a variety of X-Country options

Establishment of tours/holidays• 1888 – Bright Alpine Club established to promote

interest in Mt Buffalo• 1923 – Snow Carnival and Skiing Championship at Mt

Feathertop• 1929 – Cope Hut prioritised for ski touring use• 1935 – Skyline Tours offer 10day guided tours by

Cattlemen• 1939 – holidays at Mt Hotham offered from £13/week

all inclusive• 1944 – Alpine Club of Victoria established

Student Activity

• Students to devise a timeline illustrating the continued commercialisation of the Alpine Area (Mt Hotham, Falls Creek or Mt Buller) from the start of the 1950s to the present day

Useful resources for students

• www.fallscreek.com.au• www.mtbuller.com.au• www.mthotham.com.au• www.parkweb.vic.gov.au• http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php• www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/index.htm