5 great things you can do in Thredbo this ski season

Last year the ski industry did it tough, thanks to COVID. Although many resorts managed to work with restrictions so people could ski or snowboard, it meant many of the activities that go hand in hand with the snow, such as long dinners, live entertainment and children’s festivals couldn’t happen.

This year, ski resorts have had time to work around remaining restrictions and create plenty of great experiences for visitors.

Three skiers on a chairlift at Thredbo, NSW
Thredbo is gearing up for a bumper 2021 after 2020 proved challenging. Picture: Getty Images

“We expect demand to be high,” says General Manager at Thredbo Resort, Stuart Diver.

“We anticipate we will be operating under certain COVID-19 restrictions, but are committed to providing Australia’s best snow experience. We are looking forward to bringing back many of the most loved Thredbo experiences as well as introducing some new ones this season.”

Thredbo’s winter season is on sale now, and will be open for skiing from 12 June, subject to snow conditions. After last year, this season is expected to be busy – so book early!

“We encourage guests to plan their visits early, book in advance and be flexible with travel dates to avoid disappointment – particularly families and larger groups,” advises Diver.

Here are some of the best activities – on and off the mountain – to enjoy in Thredbo this season:

1. Sunrise Sessions

Start the day with a spectacular view. Enjoy sunrise over the Snowies from Australia’s highest ski lift. Once you’re at the top of the mountain, enjoy breakfast at Australia’s highest restaurant, Eagles Nest. Sitting at 1937 metres, the restaurant boasts 270 degree views, as well as an excellent Alpine breakfast burger. On the way back down the slope, you’ll be guided by one of Thredbo’s Winter Olympian Ambassadors, as you score first tracks down Supertrail, Australia’s longest run.

$149 per person, over 16s only. Bookings available for 27 July – 31 August.

2. Merritts Mountain Haus Feast & Snowcat Experience

Take your apres-ski to the next level by riding to dinner in Australia’s only Alpine Gondola.

First off, take a snowcat tour before arriving at Kareela deck to watch Thredbo’s famous Flare Run and Fireworks show – with a complementary glass of GH Mumm. Then, board the gondola to Merritts Mountain House where you can enjoy a Bavarian-inspired feast. On the way back to your accommodation in the snowcat, you’ll see beautiful views of Thredbo’s village lights.

$249 per person. Bookings available on Saturday nights between 3 July – 11 September.

3. Kareela Snowcat Dinners, presented by GH Mumm

Kareela Hutte is Thredbo’s premier ski-in, ski-out dining experience, but this season you can travel by snowcat to enjoy a four-course dinner and wine experience. Expect modern European influenced cuisine, including grazing boards, excellent pork knuckle, and incredible desserts. There’s an extensive wine list, and you can expect plenty of GH Mumm throughout the evening too.

$219 per person. Bookings available on Wednesday nights between 7 July – 1 September

Kareela Hutte is Thredbo's fanciest fine-dining venue. Picture: Thredbo
Kareela Hutte is Thredbo's fanciest fine-dining venue. Picture: Thredbo

4. Snowshoeing

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. These tours didn’t happen last year but are back for 2021. If you’re after an alternative to downhilling, this is a great way to take in some of the spectacular views. Slip your feet into some snowshoes and walk across the Australian Main Range. Your guide will point out interesting landmarks and features of the mountains as you walk across the crisp unspoilt powder.

Dates and details vary. Find out more.

5. Kids' Flare Run

The Flare Run is part of the Thredbo institution, where every Saturday night a team of expert skiiers and snowboarders carry flares down the Supertrail for people to watch. Now, kids can take part in their own version. At sunset, children can travel on the Easy Does It chairlift with instructors, and can ski down the slopes with LED flares. Once they reach the bottom, there’s special firework display.

Free for children, every Thursday during the 2021 season.

Two children with a ski instructor on top of a snowy mountain at Thredbo
Thredboland is back after a hiatus during the Covid-restricted 2020 season. Picture: Thredbo

Everything you need to know about skiing at Thredbo

Although the extra entertainment is fun, the main attraction at Thredbo is the skiing itself.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s passes:

*2021 Thredbo Day Passes are $169 for adults and $89 for kids.

*For the first time, they will offer three types of season pass including a Premium Season Pass, Value Season Pass (excludes 26 June – 11 July school holidays) and Midweek Value Season Pass (excludes weekends and 26 June – 11 July school holidays).

*Season passes will be on sale from 31 March, and day passes, lessons and rentals will be on staggered sale from 6 April, depending on travel dates.

For more info on passes and prices, visit thredbo.com.au

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