Sundeck Cup’s $90k+ Handshake to the AUS XC team

Article by Karen Forman

Ninety thousand dollars. That’s about how much money has been raised for the Australian Cross Country Ski Team during the 18-year life of the annual and somewhat quirky Sundeck Cup handicap event, held at Perisher each August.

It is, to quote national cross country committee chair, Peter Cunningham, “a lot of money”, thanks largely to the “very generous” support of Cliff Wallis, the owner of the Sundeck Hotel.

“This money goes towards things like wax technicians, transport, coaching and travel, things which otherwise our national athletes would have to fund themselves,” Peter said.

“Although we have had other fundraisers for the team over the years, the Sundeck Cup has been ongoing for nearly two decades and we are incredibly grateful for Cliff’s initiative in the beginning and his ongoing support.”

The 2023 edition will be held at 11am Thursday August 10 and Cliff is once again onboard and keen to see a full quota of entries to support Australian cross-country skiers.

National team member Bentley Walker-Broose, a locally born and raised Perisher skier who lives in Cooma and has competed in the event several times, echoes Peter’s sentiments.

Bentley says it is always “a pure joy” to take part in, for two reasons.

"Firstly, the Sundeck is a very unique event on the Australian race calendar that I highly recommend everyone participate in, if you want to challenge your friends or just go in to have a good time. I've been in the top 10 a few times in this event. They have consistently given out really cool prizes and have had great hospitality at the Sundeck Hotel for the presentations.

"Secondly, the fund-raising for the Australian National Team is incredibly important for our training and competing overseas! Without the fundraising, a lot of our costs wouldn't be able to be covered. We really appreciate everything Cliff and the Sundeck have done for us with fund-raising and support.”

Cliff Wallis (centre), with athletes Bentley Walker-Broose, Seve de Campo and Liam Burton, and Snow Australia cross country chair Peter Cunningham.

Snow Australia Cross Country Director, Finn Marsland, said that Cliff Wallis had supported national team with fundraising activities even before the Sundeck Cup, including several beer-tasting functions at the Sundeck Hotel that were co-supported by Chuck Hahn, the head brewer for James Squire.

“We encourage our national team members to take part and support the event, partly to give members of the public the chance to race alongside their national representatives,” he said. “The unique format brings together cross-country skiers of all ages, levels and aspirations, all with the opportunity to win.”

Peter, who has run the event since its inception believes its unique handicapping system is a great drawcard for entrants.

“It was Cliff’s idea to run it as a handicap,” he said. “He originally came to us with an offer to support the team, but then said he preferred to set up an annual race rather than make a one-off donation and the Sundeck Cup was born. We cap it at 60 entries and often have the full quota – so it is good to enter online to ensure a spot, although we do accept late entries on the day.”

For many years handicaps were calculated on average speed from recent races, usually the Boonona Open and KAC.

“I used to sit down and work out how many kilometres per hour each entrant was going and how long it would take them to ski the 7.5km trail at Perisher backwards,” Peter said.

“We had one year where we had a photo finish with eight people all crossing the line together, which meant the handicapping had worked, but we ended up changing the system to one where skiers nominate their estimated time and the winner is the entrant who skies closes to the median time. They can be a fair way off their handicap, yet still have a chance at winning, thanks to our mysterious formula.”

The winner of the Sundeck Cup also takes home the prestigious Sundeck jacket, which brings with it a very special property. When wearing the jacket, the winner receives free drinks at the Sundeck Hotel for a year. The list of past winners can be viewed here.

2021 Sundeck Cup winner Jeff Standen, sporting the Sundeck jacket.

The course hasn’t changed over the years, although with current snow conditions, Peter says some adjustments may need to be made for the 2023 edition.

The much-anticipated post-race nourishment, included in the entry fee, will this year be held at the Nordic Shelter rather than the hotel, similar to 2022 and 2021.

To enter the 2023 Sundeck Cup, visit www.snow.org.au/events/182671/