Moving to the mountains is a decision often made and done on your own. You heard from your sister’s friend’s friend that it’s a great experience, you’ll have fun and make friends for life. It’s with nerves and some trepidation that you squish everything into your hatchback, chuck in the mandatory chains (while praying you never have to use them) and embark on the journey of a lifetime to the mountain of your choice.
As you move into staff accommodation there are packs of people who all know each other; they’re professional snow people who roam the globe chasing winter and traveling in tribes from resort to resort. There’s talk of fridge shelves, bed choices, and milk crates reveal themselves to be a hot commodity.
For me, moving to Falls Creek was equal parts terrifying and amazing. I grew up skiing the slopes of Hotham so knew nothing of this European like village – a village nestled into the side of the mountain, which boasts over 30 places to eat and drink and where the roads become blanketed in snow allowing you to ski or board straight to your door. Moving there, I knew only my hiring manager and was anxious but excited about what would unfold during my time in this unknown mountain town.
As I settled into my new life at Falls one thing quickly became apparent, it was just how amazing snow people are, especially snow women, who welcomed me with open arms and invited me into their snow families.
As an adult, it’s a truly unique experience to cohabit with girlfriends and share your day to day lives. From waking up, working out, eating breakfast, and walking to work and from work (with lunch and coffees in between), to skiing, boarding, cooking dinner, drinking at bars and midnight snacking - living in such close quarters that your lives, moods and even cycles become synced.
The friendships you make are bold and brilliant, with bonds that last a lifetime. There was a simplistic joy in sitting on each other’s floor, in each other’s clothes, sipping wine and snacking on hummus after a big day on the hill.
Of course, there are tough times, and the stresses of living in a small town far from home can often weigh heavy on you. The friendships and support of your snow family will carry you far in these moments. They help you see light on the dark and dreary days, and make you laugh when all you want to do is cry.
My time living at Falls may have come to an end but one thing that remains strong are the female friendships I made. Women who continue to teach and empower me every day, who I still call in times of need and who I know will always be there for me. The power of the female friendship should never be underestimated, and the bond forged by females who eat, sleep and ride together is unlike any other.
To all the girls out there who might be wondering if they should do a season, be brave and head up the hill, because what’s waiting for you is bloody brilliant.
Words by the brilliant Kate Moody