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Name: Mitch Gourley
Nickname: Spinach
Hometown: Barwon Heads, VIC
Age: 20

Top sporting achievements:

• 5th Giant Slalom, 2011 World Championships, Sestriere, Italy.
• 6th Downhill, 2011 World Championships, Sestriere, Italy.
• Vancouver, 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
  

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
5th Giant Slalom, 2011 World Championships, Sestiere, Italy.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
People... and a paralysing fear of getting a real job. 

Future Goal:
World Cup overall

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Grimus

Favourite Buller run:
Mens Down Hill

Favourite TV show:  
Scrubs

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Professional Cyclist

When you are not at Mt Buller you are …
Probably overseas

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Name: Steph Prem (formally Hickey)
Nickname: Steph
Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Age: 26

Top sporting achievements: 
 Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 18th place.

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
Only Australian female to represent Australia in Boarder Cross (BX) at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
The adrenaline rush is addictive!

Future Goal:
2014 Winter Olympic Games and to win Australian Idol....or Dancing with the Stars!

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Grimus - Schnitzel and Schnapps
Dessert: Snowpony- Pavlova Bomb

Favourite Buller run:
The Chutes/ Macloclans Shoulder.

Favourite TV show:
Master Chef and Modern Family.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A Popstar.

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
Training at the Victorian institude of sport or competing overseas.  I still have not seen an Australian summer in 7 years!

Name: Bryan Taylor
Nickname: BT
Age: 22
Hometown: Melbourne

Top sporting achievements:

• 6th In Noram at Mt Hood, USA.
  
• 32nd in World Cup Arosa, Switzerland.
  
• Overall placing of 57th in the 2011 World Cup standings - competing in my first World Cup season.

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
Qualifying in my 2nd World Cup race and making the Australian team.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
I want to be the best I can be

Future Goal:
Win a World Cup race and make it to the Sochi Olympics.

What are you up to this 2011/2012 Summer?
Yep I'm doing it, Supporting MOVEMBER, check out my Facebook to donate and vote on my MO!

Heading to the USA in Nov 12th based out of Copper Mountain, Colorado training with ISTC.
Competitions include:

• Big White, BC, Canada for 2 NORAM races on the 28-29th Jan
• US Grand Prix at the Canyons, UT Feb 10-11
• World Cup at Blue Mountain, ON, Canada 15-17 Feb
• World Cup at Stoneham, QC, Canada 21-23 Feb
• NORAM at Stoneham 28-29 Feb
• NORAM at Killington, VT, USA 6-8 Mar
• World Cup at Valmalenco, Italy 13-18 Mar
• Then home to Australia to finish my final semester of my Bachelor's degree around the 22nd.

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Scott Birrell's place when he cooks, or Apres after a hard days teaching.

Favourite Buller run: 
Tom Thumb

Favourite TV show:
Spartacus

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A fighter pilot!

When you are not at Mt Buller you are …
Either skaing around University and possibly studying or I'm training over in the USA or snowboarding.

The Low Down

The Story

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The Story

The Low Down

The Story

Dedicated to the Forras family.

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Matt

Matt

The Low Down

The Story

Name:

      What is your connection to Mt Buller?
     

      How many years have you/ did you live/work at Mt Buller?

      How would you say Mt Buller has most impacted/changed
      your life?
    

      What in particular is it about Mt Buller that is special for
      you?
    

      If you had to recommend a visitor just one thing to do or
      experience at Mt Buller what would it be?

Tell us a story....

The Story

   Name : George Aiataglou    

       What is your connection to Mt Buller?
      I've work at Mt Buller, summer and winter for nearly 50 years, ever since I
      arrived in Australia.

      How many years have you/ did you live/work at Mt Buller? 
       Nearly 50 years.
      

      How would you say Mt Buller has most impacted/changed
        your life? 
     I met my wife through Mt Buller.  We both worked at Auski in the Summer
     in Melbourne, when it was owned by Lois and Tony Aslangul.  I have met
     many people at Mt Buller who have also had a very large impression on my life. 
           

     What in particular is it about Mt Buller that is special for
      you? 
       The people, the wonderful characters I have met over the years,  the beauty and
      just the peace of the mountain. 
      
       If you had to recommend a visitor just one thing to do or
      experience at Mt Buller what would it be?
     Go to the Summit and watch the sunrise or sunset!

The Low Down

I remember the first time I went to Mt Buller when we had to travel over the Black Spur, I thought I was going to the end of the earth.  In my first year working at Auski one night the building caught fire and was burnt to the ground.  I escaped onto a tree outside the window in my underwear.  I will never forget the kindness shown to me by the locals, not being able to speak English at that time.  The support and assistance was invaluable and will never be forgotten.

Go to www.georgesskihire.com.au to see full history for George Aivatoglou

The Low Down 

Hans Grimus is an institution to this Mountain.  If you haven't made it to his Pension Grimus Austrian inspired restaurant, you have not experienced the true Mt Buller.  His walls are lined with the history of the mountain, carved out of timber echoing of a time past.  Hans's story dates back to 1964 when he arrived as just a lad with his beloved dog Kaptan.  He is known as one of the pioneers of lift construction coming to own ‘the Orange Lift company'.  Be sure to share a butterscotch schnapps with him and if you get the chance to listen in on one of his amazing stories, you will be taking with you a little piece of history.  It is without Hans Grimus's passion and dedication for over 50 years, we would not have the world class resort we have today.

    The Story  

The Low Down

The Story 

The Low Down

The Story

The Low Down

The Story

1. Name:             Ross Taylor

1. Nickname:       Rossco (not commonly used)

1. Your role/connection with Mt Buller:

Skied at Mt Buller for 36 years.

Ski racer with Mt Buller Race Club for 10 years

Ski Instructor for 10 years with Mt Buller Ski & Snowboard School

3 years as Program Director for the Mt Buller Race Club

3 years supervisor of the Mt Buller  Race & Events Department

Current role as Ski & Snowboard School Manager

1. How many years have you been living/working at Mt Buller?

19 years

1. What first brought you to the mountain?

My father was coaxed into taking a school group on a camp in the 60's and loved the sport. From that experience he wanted the whole family to become involved. I started skiing at very young age.

1. What is it about Mt Buller that has kept you here?

Passion for sport, people and region.

1. How has Mt Buller changed your life?

Mt Buller has shaped my career and life experiences through opportunities to work, play, travel and explore.

I have had wonderful opportunities to ski with many fascinating and interesting guests.

1. What is the most unusual experience you have had on the mountain?

N/A

Ross

My Mt Buller

1. Where will we most often find you on the mountain?

Unfortunately now in my office or the ski & snowboard school meeting place!

1. What is your favorite restaurant?

N/A - it may change from year to year.

1. What is your favorite run?

Too many to identify. It depends on the snow, weather and how energetic I am feeling!

1. The best piece of advice you've received here or would pass on?

Be careful in the shoots!  They can be extremely dangerous.

      Name known as: Terry Lyons

      Known as: Speaky

       What is your connection to Mt Buller?
      Mt Buller Ski Patrol

      How many years have you/ did you live/work at Mt Buller?
      Started with orange lifts, as a lifty, working with Hans Grimus and started ski patrol in 1979 and still there.

      How would you say Mt Buller has most impacted/changed
      your life?
      Many of the people who live and work in the mountains have become life long friends.

      What in particular is it about Mt Buller that is special for
      you?
      The surrounding scenery and ever changing weather is always special particually during winter.

      If you had to recommend a visitor just one thing to do or
      experience at Mt Buller what would it be?

experiencing the unique mountain food at Tirol and koflers is something I always look forward to.

Tell us a story...

I guess as a ski patroller I always remember the big jobs!!! 

Unfortunately this usually means someone is lost or seriously hurt. 

Knowing that we have helped have a successful influence on many of these rescues makes the job worth while.

The most noticeable change since I started skiing at Mt Buller has been with the ski lifts and ski equipment. When I first started there was only one double chair and the rest were T-bars and Pomas, now days everything is high speed lifts, snow making has almost covered every area of the mountain and ski equipment has become much safer with the invention of better boots and bindings. When snow boarding arrived it was banned for a time on Buller as it was deemed unsafe now days 30 - 40% of our visitors are snowboarders.

The Low Down

The Story

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      Name:Paul Romagna

      What is your connection to Mt Buller?
      38 years of passionate service as
      Ski School instructor, supervisor and Ski School Director.

      How many years have you/ did you live/work at Mt Buller?
      38 seasons

      How would you say Mt Buller has most impacted/changed
      your life?
      It gave me the  chance to follow the snow seasons and I
      meet wonderful people, friends, a new culture and a
      fantastic job opportunity. 

      What in particular is it about Mt Buller that is special for
      you?
      It has developed into a world class resort from a little
      sleeping skiing timber village.  I had the pleasure to
      make a small contribution.

      If you had to recommend a visitor just one thing to do or
      experience at Mt Buller what would it be?
      Friendly atmosphere and staff.

Tell us a story...
I remember my first season in 1973, there was no snow however plenty of parties. I thought this is the place to spend the next few seasons. I met so many good friends, I felt very welcome whenever I returned from Europe.

When Buller "turns it on" it is a fantastic place to ski, great runs, accessibly within a very short distance. Above all it has a world class Ski & Snowboard School!

Name: Katya Crema
Nickname: Kat
Age:23
Hometown: Melbourne, VIC

Top sporting achievements:

• 15th at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games
• 17th World freestyle championships 2011 Deer Valley - Utah
• Australian ski cross champion 2010
• Australian national alpine champion 2005, 06, 07, 09
• 10th Ski cross World Cup- Lake Placid USA 2010

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
15th at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games

What motivates you to continue to compete?
A love for the sport and a medal at the Olympic Games

Future Goal:
To win a World Cup and be on the podium at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, Russia

What are you up to this 2011/ 2012 Summer?
I will spend three weeks in October training in the glaciers in Austria.  November in Australia training in the gym and at Mt Buller, making the most of the sunshine before I head to Europe for a 4-month winter season.
Competitions include:
From the end of November until April, I will spend a  large part of the season in Europe and a couple of weeks in North America, racing on the Ski Cross World Cup circuit.

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Pension Grimus

Favourite Buller run:
Bloody Hell

Favourite TV show: 
How to make it in America

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 
An architect 

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
''Either in Melbourne or half-way across the world skiing in Europe or the States.''

Name:
Nickname:
Age:
Hometown:

Top sporting achievements:

Greatest sporting achievement to date:

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:

Favourite Buller run:

Favourite TV show: 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When you are not at Mt Buller you are …

Name: Ben Tyler
Nickname:  Benny
Age: 16
Hometown: Torquay, Vic

Top sporting Age: achievements:
Finished top 3 in Slalom in the Australian National Championships.

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
Competing in The Whistler Cup, a World Junior circuit event. 

What motivates you to continue to compete?
I love it! 

Future Goal:
To race in the World Cup.

What are you up to this 2011/2012 Summer?

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Burger Haus

Favourite Buller run:
Mcloughnans Shoulder

Favourite TV show: 
Family Run

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 
Skier

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
In Torquay or training in the USA or in Europe!

Name: Pippa Sparrow
Nickname: Pip
Hometown: Rye, Vic
Age: 16

Top sporting achievements:

• 18th at US selections.
• 1st Junior, 4th overall Abom Mogul Challenge 2011
• 2nd Junior, National Mogul Championships 2011
  

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
Selected for Australian sub development mogul team 2011.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
The challenge and it's fun!!

Future Goal:
Represent Australia at the World Cup and the Olympics.

What are you up to this 2011/2012 Summer?
My summer looks like 6 weeks training in Park City with Sub-Development and then back to school for year 12!

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Kooroora

Favourite Buller run:
Wood Run and Chamois 

Favourite TV show: 
How I met your mother

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Hair dresser

When you are not at Mt Buller you are …
At school or at the beach

Name: Mitchell Reeves
Nickname:  Mitch
Age: 12
Hometown: Mansfield

Top sporting achievements:

• 1st 2011 Division 3&4 Moguls team National Championships.
• 3rd 2009 Division 5 Alpine national Championships.
  
• 3rd 2009 JNATS
  

Greatest sporting achievement to date:

• 9th 2011 World Heli Challenge mens open.
• 10th 2010 World Heli Challenge mens open.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
My love of skiing and the fun I have when I am on the mountain with friends.

Future Goal:
To win the World Heli Challenge!

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Burger Haus

Favourite Buller run:
Skyline Park to Hogs Back.

Favourite TV show: 
Nitro Circus and Family Guy.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A Pro Skier.

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
Bouncing on the tramp with mates!

Name: Charlie Comben
Nickname: Combo
Age:: 12
Hometown Age:  Mansfield

Top sporting achievements:
1st place at the 2011 JNATS, Mt Buller.

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
Winning the Australian Interschool’s scholarship.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
I love the thrill and fun of competition with my mates.

Future Goal:
Win more Australian titles in skiing and win grand finals in my footy.

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Burger Haus – Phantom

Favourite Buller run:
Bull Run bowl

Favourite TV show: 
Family Guy

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Olympics for skiing and AFL player

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
Living in Mansfield and hopefully skiing overseas.

Name: Jakara Anthony
Nickname: Jak
Hometown: Barwon Heads
Age: 13

Top sporting achievements:
1st place Abom Mogul Challenge 2011 youth.

Greatest sporting achievement to date:
1st place JNATS 2011 youth.

What motivates you to continue to compete?
Because its fun!

Future Goal:
To compete at World Cup level.

What are you up to this 2011/ 2012 Summer?
I will be training with TBR at Park City, Utah for 6 weeks over December and January.

Favourite place to eat on Mt Buller:
Koflers

Favourite Buller run:
Chamois

Favourite TV show: 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Still growing up!!

When you are not at Mt Buller you are…
Hopefully somewhere else cold and white.