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MT BULLER 2011 AMBASSADORS
The Mt Buller Ambassadors are an inspiration to our mountain. They have dedicated themselves to their chosen sport, proven their talent and are wholly deserving of our sponsorship and support. Scroll these athletes, their images, blogs and mini videos and learn all about their snowsports journey, goals and aspirations. This will give you an insight into their lives and achievements.
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| Geoff Lipshut |
| OWIA Chief Executive Officer |
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| Michelle Morris |
| AJAX manager |
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| Mitch Gourley |
| Alpine Paralympian |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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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| Carol McDonald |
| Arlberg Resturant Owner |
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| Shaun ''Shaggy'' Kratzer |
| Athlete and adventurer |
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| Steph Prem |
| Boarder Cross Australian Olympic Athlete |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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!
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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!
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| Bryan Taylor |
| Boarder Cross Australian team |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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.
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| Mark 'Woody' Woodsford |
| Fun Photos owner and manager |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Laurie Blampied |
| General Manager Buller Ski Lifts |
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| Bob Bateup |
| HSEQ Manager |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Story
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down |
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| Aurel Forras |
| Kooroora, the Beginging |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Story
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF Dedicated to the Forras family. |
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| John ''Hopper'' Christopher |
| MMBL |
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| Matt Janney |
| Mountain Operations Manager |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF Matt
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF Matt |
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| Andrew "Spook" Kelly |
| Mountain Transport Operations |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Bob Flemming |
| Owner and Manager of Koflers since 1970 |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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?
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF Tell us a story.... |
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| George Aivataglou |
| Owner of Georges Ski Hire since 1963 |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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!
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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
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| Hans Grimus |
| Owner of Orange Lifts Co and Pension Grimus |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Anton Van Hoof |
| Owner of the Kooroora Hotel |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Andrea Broad |
| Patrolling since 1966 |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
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| Hayden Purcell |
| RMB |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Ross Taylor |
| Ski and Snowboard School manager |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF
- Name: Ross Taylor
- Nickname: Rossco (not commonly used)
- 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
- How many years have you been living/working at Mt Buller?
19 years
- 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.
- What is it about Mt Buller that has kept you here?
Passion for sport, people and region.
- 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.
- What is the most unusual experience you have had on the mountain?
N/A
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF Ross
My Mt Buller
- Where will we most often find you on the mountain?
Unfortunately now in my office or the ski & snowboard school meeting place!
- What is your favorite restaurant?
N/A - it may change from year to year.
- What is your favorite run?
Too many to identify. It depends on the snow, weather and how energetic I am feeling!
- The best piece of advice you've received here or would pass on?
Be careful in the shoots! They can be extremely dangerous.
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| Terry ''Speaky'' Lyons |
| Ski Patrol Manager |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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.
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| Allan Terrens |
| Ski Patroller |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF The Low Down
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF The Story |
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| Sue George |
| Ski School |
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| Paul Romanga |
| Ski School Adult Supervisor |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF
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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF
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!
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| Katya Crema |
| Skier Cross, Australian Olympic Athlete |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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.'' |
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| Lauren Staveley |
| Slope Style |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF Name: Nickname: Age: Hometown:
Top sporting achievements:
Greatest sporting achievement to date:
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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 … |
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| Ben Tyler |
| State Alpine Skier |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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?
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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! |
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| Pippa Sparrow |
| TBR 2011 Female Athlete of the year |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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!
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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 |
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| Mitchell Reeves |
| Youth Freeskier |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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!
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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! |
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| Charlie Comben |
| Youth Freestyle Skier. |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF
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.
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| Jakara Anthony |
| Youth Freestyle Skier. TBR Moguls team |
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THE SERIOUS STUFF 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.
NOT SO SERIOUS STUFF 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. |
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