We are a progressive cross country (xc) skiing club located in Mount Beauty and Falls Creek - about 350km from Melbourne. We have around 250 active members who get involved in our social and xc skiing activities plus use our our club house near Windy Corner to explore cross country skiing and many other snow related sports at Falls Creek.
The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club was formed in September 1977 in Mount Beauty Victoria when a small group of enthusiasts met at the home of Paul and Helen L’Huillier to discuss the idea.
Our club name "Birkebeiner" originates from the 13th century in Norway and refers to a group of warriors who tied birch bark around their legs for warmth and protection, hence the name "birch leggers" or "birch bark leggers". The name was initially used as a derogatory term by their rivals, but the Birkebeiners embraced it, and it now symbolizes resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The Birkebeiner story about the historical journey of the Birkebeiners who carried the young Haakon IV (pictured below) and the Birkebeiner name name have resonated beyond Norway, inspiring similar races and events, such as the American Birkebeiner and was why our club is named the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club.
Since 1977, it has conducted many activities and programs for its members and other cross-country skiers centred on the Falls Creek Ski Resort, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains.
Our objectives are:
- To promote the development of cross-country racing, ski touring and associated activities.
- To provide for its members the opportunity for the enjoyment of skiing.
- To associate with other organisations with similar objectives.
- To conduct social activities.
- To assist in searches for persons lost in bushland areas of the state and to maintain a Search and Rescue group.