Q. I'm a USC Member but have never logged into the website, how do I create an account?
A. Please click Create an account in the left navigation column otherwise select 'Register' from the 'Members' menu. You will then be prompted to input a username, password and some other details to assist us in identifying and contacting you. Please note that your information will be used confidentially and will only be used by USC to contact you.
Q. I've forgotten my password for logging into the website?
A. Please click the Forgot Your Password link in the left hand column of the website. You will then be prompted to enter your username and click 'Reset Password.' An e-mail will then be sent to the e-mail address you signed up with providing a link through which you can reset your password. If you have forgotton your username then please use the Contact Us page to request your username.
Q. I'm a USC Member and have logged into the site but cannot see the Members menu?
A. In order to gain member privileges on the website your user account needs to be verified against our membership records. This process can take up to 48 hours depending on the work load. If you are a member of USC and your account still has not been granted member privileges then please use the Contact Us page to inform us of the problem.
Q. How do I make an online Booking to stay at one of the USC lodges?
A. Once your account has been granted member privileges you will be able to select Members --> Make a Booking to gain access to the online booking form. This booking form collates details of your booking into an electronic format and e-mails the details to our bookings officer. Your application is treated exactly the same as if it were a fax/mail application. Note: by submitting this form you are not guaranteed a booking. The bookings officer will record the bookings details and then contact you to confirm the booking.
Q. Are my details safe when making an online booking?
A. As the online booking form does not accept online payment options for bookings there is minimal threat to the security of your personal details.
Q. I've noticed an error with the website, how can I help?
A. Please use the Contact Us form to help us improve this website should you come across any problems with the website. When reporting problems please inform of us what you were doing to make the error occur, the URL (Address) of the page you were on and the actual error message.
Q. How can I submit an article for the news section of the website?
A. If you would like to submit any information to be placed on the USC website then please don't hesitate to e-mail any information in a Microsoft Word (.DOC) or Adobe PDF document format with any accompanying images or other information. Please login as a member to the website and visit the Committee page to find the IT Manager's contact details to send your article to.
How do I become a member?
To be considered for membership you must be a past or present member of the University of Melbourne Union, or of any University recognized by the University of Melbourne. Your application for membership must be proposed and seconded by financial members of USC. The member who proposed you is encouraged to also explain the conventions of the Club, especially the booking procedures. If you do not know any members of USC, you are always welcome to attend any of the social events or work parties that the club holds during the season. If you unable to attend a social function or work party, you are welcome to contact the booking officer on 03 9546 4448 to arrange to stay at one of the lodges once during the ski season (at full guest rates) - this enables you to see the lodges as well as possibly arrange q cuurent financial member to propose and second your membership application. The club also requires all prospective and new members to attend at least one work party in their first 12 months of membership.
What time can I access my room?
The changeover time for all lodge beds is 6pm. Flats must be vacated by 3pm to enable cleaning to occur. Members and their guests who arrive early should leave their gear in the basement until the room allocation has been placed on the notice board and your allocated room is completely empty. Please do not move gear into rooms until all previous occupants have vacated the room.
Will I have to share a room?
Due to the nature of the lodges and there rooms, there is always the possibility that rooms will be shared.
In general, family groups are kept together and not mixed, however if there are spare beds in a family room and demand for beds is there, the bed will be booked out.
In the interest of all guest comfort, families with children under the age of 6 will not be mixed.
Rooms are allocated by the bookings officer and members and guests must adhere to the allocated rooms.
What is a Party Leader and Deputy Party Leader?
As USC is a member club, there are no onsite managers who can run the lodge and ensure everyone enjoys their stay (aside from Buller).
As such, the booking officer will allocate both a Party Leader & Deputy Party Leader who are responsible for ensuring the lodge runs smoothly during their stay.
Party Leaders & Deputy Party Leaders will:
Allocate Duties
Liaise with the booking office regarding food orders
Ensure all members & guests are aware of the running procedures of the lodge/s
Resolve/address and problems in the lodge during their stay.
Ensure everyone enjoys their stay
Do I have to do cleaning duties during my stay?
All members and guests will be allocated duties by the Party Leader & Deputy Party Leader. These tasks must be properly carried out prior to departure from the lodge. Members and guests staying in flats at Falls Creek will also be allocated lodge duties if they use lodge facilities, and will be required to assist with rubbish removal and kitchen duties.
All Club members and guests are expected to carry out duties and contribute to keeping the lodges clean.
In addition to lodge duties, it is expected that all members and guests will assist the easy operations of the lodge by acting in a way that ensures:
o Washing up, drying up and putting away kitchen utensils is completed in a timely manner
o The dishwasher is unpacked when it has completed its cycle
o Common areas including kitchen, lounge room and ski room are maintained in a tidy state
o Bathrooms have liquid soap and adequate supplies of spare toilet rolls
Can Children stay at USC lodges?
Children of all ages are welcome in our lodges and are expected to behave in a manner that does not adversely impact the enjoyment of other guests. All guests share the responsibility of ensuring that a convivial atmosphere is maintained when children are staying in the lodge..
What should I bring to the lodges?
Year-Round Essentials
==> Door Lock Code (from Booking Officer)
==> Sheets (double/single)
==> Pillowcases – 2 pillows per bed
==> Doona cover/sleeping bag
==> All Toiletries
==> Towels
==> Music
==> Camera
==> Board games/cards (there are some provided)
==> DVDs/Videos (Falls Creek & Buller only)
==> Change for phone
==> Sunscreen (getting burnt at the snow is as easy as in summer).
==> Sunglasses
==> Cash
==> A Good Book Summer
==> Hat/Cap
==> Insect Repellant
==> Fishing Rods & Licence
==> Hiking Shoes
==> Mountain Bike & Helmet
==> All Food
==> Opening & Closing Lodge Instructions
Winter
==> Waterproof Clothing
==> Water Resistant Gloves
==> Warm clothing
==> Woolen hat/Balaclava
==> Snow boots
==> Car Chains (Compulsory)
==> Small Shovel (to dig out car if necessary).
==> Fresh Meat & Vegetables (Falls Creek & Buller only)
==> Milk & Bread for communal use (Mt Hotham only)
What is provided?
Buller & Falls Creek Hotham
FOOD: Breakfast (bread, bacon, eggs, cereal), basic food for lunch and dinner (potatoes & onions, but no meat), milk (for tea/coffee/cereal only).
Roast meat & vegetables are provided for communal Saturday Night Dinner.
OTHER: blankets, doonas, soap, toilet paper etc. FOOD: Breakfast (bacon, eggs & cereal), basic food for lunch, all meat & vegetables for communal dining each night. No milk or bread is provided.
OTHER: Blankets, doonas, soap, toilet paper etc.
Where are the lodges situated?
Lodge Addresses
Mount Buller 5 – 7 The Avenue Mt Buller
Falls Creek 100 Parallel St, Falls Creek
Mount Hotham Great Alpine Rd Mount Hotham
How do I book?
All bookings are made through the central booking office 03 8786 7899.
Bookings can be made by phone, fax, email or through the online bookings system on our website – www.usc.com.au
Is there a limit to the number of bed nights I can book per season?
Whilst there is no limit to the number of bed nights you can book, the club does try to make it an level playing field for all members by ensuring that those that apply for only one or two trips each season are able to be accommodated around those trying to book every weekend.
There is a listing of how the bookings are allocated in each years bookings circular (ie length of stay, number of members in each booking, racing etc).
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