The team behind Australia’s leading boutique ski hotel, Astra at Falls Creek, are taking on the management of Cloud 9 and the Frying Pan with a long needed multi million dollar development to improve the food quality, service, decor and structure.
The original proposal presented from Astra’s Traverse Alpine Group (TAG) acknowledged the ‘tired and dated facade and interiors’ and ‘condition of Cloud 9’ and the Frying Pan and said they would ‘tackle these problems head on.’
TAG are well positioned to renew Falls Creek alongside Falls Creek ski lifts and resort management. The founders are rich listers Seumus Dawes and Rosy Seaton, both adore skiing and have a long history of global alpine travel. Their Astra Lodge consistently, and deservedly, wins hotel awards. The ‘Astra touch’ will ensure the remodel will be both world class and contemporary.
TAG offered in their original proposal to spend AU$5 million over three years to transform the two buildings with a preference to acquire The Frying Pan to demolish the structure and rebuild or the second option, to lease it and refurbish with a holistic and sustainable approach and an intention to open Cloud 9 year round. The proposal focused on progressive waste reduction and energy efficiency above the snow line to showcase Falls Creek as a premier and sustainable resort.
Falls Creek this week cemented the offer and announced the official appointment of TAG to lead a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the resort’s most popular dining venues in a press release sent out to media. TAG will take over the management and renewal of both properties.
General Manager of Falls Creek Ski Lifts, Sharon Raguse, said in the release “We are delighted to extend our relationship with one of Australia’s most successful and experienced hospitality operators. Traverse Alpine Group will take Falls Creek’s luxury food and beverage offering to the next level and create an exciting deluxe destination for our skiing locals and guests”.
Owner of Traverse Alpine Group, Rosy Seaton, has extensive international knowledge of alpine hospitality and is the design leader behind the stunning Astra Lodge refurbishment.
“Our vision is to raise the profile of Falls Creek as Australia’s premier all year-round alpine destination, provide memorable experiences for local and international visitors in fabulously refurbished venues and enrich and support the Falls Creek community,” said Ms Seaton.
According to the release Cloud 9 will be reimagined to create a bistro experience that will seat up to 400 people, combined with a mountain-side bar and a new-build Mezzanine. All zones will serve high- end custom food and drinks menus. The Frying Pan Inn remodelling will see the 200-seat venue reveal a new BBQ bar and grill eatery with a rustic-industrial look.
Cloud 9 and Frying Pan Inn will both plate up fresh and innovative menus, inspired by local produce and based on sustainable food preparation and farming practices. The menus are being curated under the expert guidance of Food & Beverage Manager, Bruno Da Motta, who has more than 17 years’ local and international experience as a chef and restaurateur.
An ‘interim’ refurbishment of Cloud 9 and Frying Pan Inn has already taken place and both venues will be fully operational by the 2018 ski season launch.
Great news so good to see Falls Creek moving forward Cheers
Falls needs a gondola from Mount Beauty.
Falls needs a summer/all year mtb trail connecting to Mt Beauty & further onto Bright. Year round customers for the resort $$