On July 30, 1997 a huge landslide rolled over the Thredbo Ski village in Australia causing massive damage and virtually burying the resort; cars, buildings, people and all! The loose earth, rock, and foliage swept down the slope and crashed into the Bimbadeen Lodge, a multi-level building, used to house guests. Eighteen people died as a direct result of the landslide, most were buried alive.
The landslide brought one thousand tones of earth, rock, trees and debris down the slope of the mountain cutting a four hundred meter wide swath. Rescue efforts where made even more difficult due to the occurrence of secondary minor landslides, and unstable soft earth.
The damage to the resort was devastating. Sheared water, gas, and oil lines had to be capped before rescue operations could even begin. It took 55 hours before any survivors could even be located. Many vehicles where destroyed by the flowing earth. The Carinya lodge was swept right off its foundations and hurled into the Bimbadeen Lodge. Both multi-floor buildings where completely crushed as a result of the landslide.
The social impact on the resort was substantial. Tourism to the resort dropped as a result of the landslide. Most people where afraid to return to the area. Many people suffered trauma from the event and still experience nightmares, and other such medical or psychological conditions.
The economic impact to the area was of course very significant. Business to the resort obviously came to a full stop. Millions of dollars had to be spent to repair and rebuild the facility and it took quite a long time to complete the repairs and reopen for business. Lost revenues from the closure and from the reduced level of tourism were enormous.
Landslides are not often considered to be significant issues in so far as natural disasters are concerned. They usually occur in more isolated areas and their effects are only felt by relatively small local populations. One must realize, however, that in the last one hundred and sixty five years over one hundred and fifty landslides have caused an estimated two hundred million dollars in damages. They have damaged hundreds of buildings, both homes and businesses, and destroyed roads, pipelines, crops, and disrupted local utilities. These same landslides have killed at least 73 people and injured many more. Obviously, such a landslide can cause economic loss and hardship for an operating business. Proper planning is essential to reduce the risks associated with any type of natural disaster.
If you spend some time in winter in Michigan, you should definitely visit Nub's Nob Ski Resort. Nub's Nob has what is widely considered to be the Midwest's best snow, and the resort has a distinction for being a family-friendly mountain. Generations of families have taken their children here for their very first ski run.
The mountain layout is fairly simple, with a 1,338 foot elevation and a 427 foot vertical drop. Nub's Nob offers 43 trails and eight chair lifts. The resort boasts one of the best skiing and snowboarding schools in the country, with private and group lessons available.
If you are new to skiing or relatively inexperienced, you can learn to ski for free at Nub's Nob resort. Take advantage of the Nub's Cubs Childcare Center and let someone else watch the kids while you learn to ski.
But don't think that intermediate or expert skiers won't find any challenges waiting for them at Nub's Nob! The terrain is diverse, and you will find challenges. You can also ski at night for an extra challenge.
The Ski School at Nub's Nob offers training programs for advanced skiers who are curious about racing, and there are many racing events held at the resort. Sign up for race leagues at the resort and take part in league events all season.
Equipment rental is available, and there is a general store located inside the lodge, where you can purchase gloves, hats, and neck warmers among a variety of other items. You should also visit the technology center to have your skis tuned or fixed.
All that skiing can make you hungry, and you have several options to satisfy your cravings. Nub's Nob Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, and anyone bringing their own lunch is welcome to picnic in the 'brown bag' room.
Nub's Winter Garden serves grilled burgers, weather permitting. Pintail Peak Warming Hut can be found at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying homemade soups and sandwiches.
Nub's Nob is the place to be if you want to have a fun family ski vacation, or if you are already an expert skier interested in racing and skill events. There is a wealth of things to see and do. In fact, you may find that you have a problem deciding which activity to do first!
Don't worry about missing out on the fun. If you want to ski right away and board later, you have the flexibility to do that. Most events are planned for the weekends, so you can easily arrange your schedule to take part in particular events.
Both Andrew Stratton & Nadia Eshott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.