Places in the heart: Pete Evans

Skiing at Victoria's Falls Creek was not just the most fun a kid could have; it also taught chef, restaurateur and TV presenter Pete Evans some critical life lessons.

One of my fondest memories is when I went to Falls Creek for my first ever adventure in the snow.

I was 15 years old and had to sell my saxophone to help pay for the chance to go on a school excursion and learn how to ski. Having grown up on the Gold Coast, I usually went to school in shorts and a T-shirt, so the prospect of a week in the snow was very exciting. It was something I felt I just had to experience.

We piled on to the bus and travelled to Victoria from the 'Goldy' - my mates and I, the other kids from school, and a teacher. The bus trip was hilarious and when we finally arrived at Falls Creek, it was simply surreal to see such a beautiful blanket of white stuff on the ground. The cold hit us when we hopped off the bus. We enjoyed a full week learning to ski and snowboard, and had so much fun we could barely believe it.

Most importantly, I learnt a simple but crucial life lesson: if you want to do something well and develop precise skills, you must be trained by expert instructors. I have continually found this to be true in many aspects of my life. Too many people try to do things (including cooking!) without learning the basics and correct techniques.

My experience in the snow was life-defining. Since that amazing trip, I make sure that my year includes an adventure with mates. Whether it's a surfing holiday, a fishing adventure or a return to the snow, I always try to arrange a get together and relive those fundamental bonding moments.

Interview by Mal Chenu

This series of articles produced with support from Tourism Australia.

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