Nail skiing in Thredbo with our ultimate guide to Thredbo Ski Resort

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Whether you’re a total novice or just craving more from your visit, our comprehensive guide to skiing Thredbo Ski Resort will elevate every getaway.

Labelled Australia’s best skiing destination eight years consecutively at the World Ski Awards, Thredbo Ski Resort is the ultimate winter escape.

A five-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne, the adventure playground is filled with wonderful dining experiences, renowned après-ski entertainment, charming accommodation and some of the world’s best slopes. Here, we’ve crafted the ultimate travel companion to help you experience it all (including what’s on offer if you don’t physically ski!).

Thredbo accommodation

a look inside one of the cabins at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park
Spend cosy winter days at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.

From the snow-capped chalets of your dreams to budget-friendly stays right in the action, Thredbo Ski Resort is home to a wide range of accommodation options. If it’s village life you’re keen to soak up, complete with killer bars, shops and excellent eateries, a collection of hotels and resorts within walking distance to the chairlifts provides plenty of safe options.

Thredbo Alpine Hotel is a standout, mere steps away from the foot of the mountains, as is River Inn on the fringe of the village if you’re all about location.

Self-contained apartments and Airbnbs also dot the village, making catering for families a lot easier (and cheaper), and there are extremely lavish chalets and lodges to indulge in with many offering ski-in/ski-out access.

If money’s tight, there are also a few caravan parks to choose from that offer drying rooms and equipment hire. You’ll need to drive a little as they’re located mostly around Jindabyne, a 30-minute trip from Thredbo, but they’re a popular option and set in stunning locations. We love NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park for its countless amenities and Discovery Parks — Jindabyne for its cosy cabins.

 Thredbo skiing and snowboarding

a parent and child snowboarding in Thredbo
Bring your little ones along to learn to ski at Thredbo.

Sure, all the extracurricular activities are epic, but Thredbo Ski Resort is world-renowned for its distinct offering of skiing and snowboarding, with ski season kicking off on the June long weekend every year and wrapping up on the October long weekend.

Experienced snow bunnies will love the country’s longest ski runs including the five-kilometre High Noon trail, renowned for its steep terrain. There’s also the five-kilometre Village Trail that’s incredibly scenic.

On the other end of the spectrum, the gentle slopes of Friday Flat are the perfect spot for beginners and children. Home to a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons including private tutorials, kids’ group lessons and daily adult group lessons, it’s the place to master your craft.

More daring shredders should drop into MOOKi’s Mini Pipe , located at the top of the Cruiser Chairlift. The 13-foot halfpipe is a hit with confident snowboarders who fly through the air like Olympic-grade skateboarders. Kids and kids-at-heart will lose hours to this awesome attraction.

Glide like a pro or shred like an action hero? Leave amateur hour in your rear-view and head straight for the 3.7-kilometre Supertrail, where high-speed turns flow on tap.

Thredbo ski passes and ski hire

skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort
Elevate your skiing and snowboarding experience with a winter pass.

To get to the top of every mountain, you’ll need a winter pass with lift access to Thredbo Ski Resort’s chairlifts and the Merritts Gondola, a European-style, fully enclosed cable car.

Thredbo ski passes should be purchased in advance to save you money and avoid having to queue. You can also purchase an individual Merritts Gondola pass, which takes you to the base of the Cruiser area, but you’ll get more value for money if you package the lot.

One-day adult lift passes start from $154 if you shop now and be warned: prices increase the closer you get to ski season. Adult season passes start from $1850, but it’s worth noting that season passes sell out well before ski season, so forward planning is paramount. Children’s lift passes start from as little as $20 and around $75 for season passes but prices rise steeply depending on the child’s age.

As for your all-important outfit and everything in between, remember you can always hire snow gear when you’re there to help minimise your luggage. Clothing, boots and sporting equipment are all top-quality and ready to be snapped up.

Premium rentals and sports rentals, which both include skis and poles, or a snowboard, helmet and boots, start from $121 per day, per adult. One-day clothing rentals start from $84. There are two spots to collect your gear: the Thredbo Valley Rental Terminal right near Guest Services and Thredbo Rental Friday Flat, right near Friday Flat.

Thredbo snow cams

a person skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort
Die-hard skiers can watch the snow fall online at the Thredbo Snow Cam.

One of the biggest teases ever instigated by the Thredbo Ski Resort team, Thredbo snow cams are cameras that have been set up to stream real-time footage from various trails and hot spots on the official Thredbo website.

If you’re counting down to your trip, or have recently departed, they instil total FOMO thanks to clear-as-day videos showcasing just how much fun is being had without you.

Die-hard skiers can literally watch snow falling virtually at the Cruiser Area, Basin T-Bar, High Noon, Friday Flat, Alpine Coaster, Kosciuszko Walking Track and Central Spur intermediate area, providing an always-on indication of what to expect from Mother Nature when you hit the slopes.

Thredbo wining and dining

food and drinks at Cascades Restaurant, Thredbo
Sample local favourites from the seasonal menu at Cascades Restaurant.

There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to eating out in Thredbo with excellent eateries covering Japanese, Italian, Mexican, European and even more international cuisines. Spanning fine dining feasts like those offered at Cascades Restaurant and Zack’s Grill, upstairs at Berntis Mountain Inn, and good old-fashioned pub feeds like the hearty meals at The Local Pub, there’s an option for every budget and taste bud.

Guests who prefer to stack their accommodation with in-house supplies should note that the tiny supermarket in Thredbo is pretty limited (and quite costly given this captive audience). Fresh fruit runs out regularly, for example. Our advice? Drop into Woolies in Jindabyne ahead of your arrival to grab everything you’ll need for your stay. You’ll also find several bottle shops there, too, to help you secure those holiday vitals.

Thredbo winter events

the Kareela Snowcat Dinner, Thredbo
The Kareela Snowcat Dinner is a spectacular ode to traditional European dining.

You’re in Thredbo, famed for its party atmosphere and go-all-night hijinks, so stay across the Thredbo Ski Resort’s events calendar to make the most of your adventure. There’s a handy events guide on the website where you can sift through dates for a holistic scan of everything, which might even dictate when you schedule your visit. Take a squiz before you go.

Highlights within the 2025 ski season include the Kareela Snowcat Dinners from July 23 to August 27, which shuffles guests via a snowcat up to Kareela Hutte for a spectacular ode to traditional European dining, and the Sunrise Sessions from July 22 to September 2, which stage on-mountain breakfasts ahead of guests relishing in the day’s first tracks down that epic Supertrail.

And if you don’t ski?

Merritts Gondola in Thredbo
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Merritts Gondola.

Visiting for those chic winter vibes and unforgettable ground-level fun? You’re not alone. For the first time ever, Thredbo Ski Resort introduced an access-all-other-areas option for non-skiers in 2025. Dubbed the Winter Adventure Pass , the ticket includes a scenic lift pass on the Merritts Gondola, entry to Thredbo Leisure Centre’s pool and gym, and a ride on the Alpine Coaster. Prices start from $71 if you book early, while booking closer to the date is going to see that figure go up by roughly 30 per cent.

Discover the best things to do in neighbouring Jindabyne

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Hike Australia’s highest peak under the Geminids meteor shower this summer

This once-a-year night hike in Thredbo takes you to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

Each December, the skies above the Snowy Mountains light up in one of nature’s most dazzling displays. The Geminids meteor shower, famous for its bright, frequent shooting stars, transforms Thredbo’s alpine landscape into an otherworldly theatre of light. And for one night only, you can hike to Australia’s highest point to watch it unfold.

Thredbo’s Geminids Meteor Shower Hike is the ultimate bucket-list adventure for stargazers and thrill-seekers alike. As night falls, hikers begin their guided journey to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. Equipped with headlamps and expert local guides, groups set off into the crisp alpine air, climbing steadily as the last light of day fades from the ridgelines. The 13-kilometre Grade 3 round-trip is challenging but rewarding, and as darkness deepens, the stars appear in astonishing clarity above the trail.

A composite photo created by combing 44 phots that have been oriented to match the star position and show how meteor showers originate from the same point relative to the stars. These meteors were part of the Geminids meteor shower. The midground is an evergreen forest as a silhouette.
The Geminds meteor shower hike is the perfect nighttime event. (Image: Getty Images / Craig Taylor)

At the summit, participants are treated to one of the clearest night skies in the country. Far from city light pollution, the Milky Way stretches overhead, and the Geminids begin their spectacular show. Dozens of meteors streak across the horizon every minute, burning bright against the southern sky. It’s an almost surreal experience, made even more special by the hush of the mountains and the shared wonder of those watching beside you.

The Geminids meteor shower is caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which Earth passes through each December. Unlike many meteor showers that appear faint or sporadic, the Geminids are known for their intensity, with colourful, slow-moving meteors that are easy to spot with the naked eye. The show peaks around midnight, when the meteors appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation high above Mt Kosciuszko.

Along the way, guides share stories about the region’s natural and cultural history, as well as insight into the astronomical significance of the Geminids. Warm drinks, snacks and plenty of photo stops make the experience both adventurous and comfortable. And by the time hikers descend in the early hours, the sense of awe lingers long after the stars fade.

When: 14-15 December 2025

Other night hikes

The Super Full Moon hike in Thredbo
The Super Full Moon hike takes place on 5 December.

If you can’t make the Geminids event, Thredbo offers a calendar of other night hikes that let visitors experience the alpine region after dark in different ways.

The Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko offers an equally spectacular but softer kind of magic. Under the glow of the moon, the entire landscape shimmers silver, revealing a side of the Snowy Mountains few ever see. You can experience this on 3 January 2026, 2 February or 2 April.

The Super Full Moon Hike takes that glow to the next level, with the moon appearing larger and brighter than usual. Spots are limited, so book the 5 December hike in advance.

The Lunar Eclipse Hike is a highlight too, giving participants the rare chance to watch the moon slowly darken and turn a burnt red hue above Australia’s rooftop on 3 March.

For those who prefer stargazing without the glare, the New Moon Hike is the best option. With no moonlight to compete with, the Milky Way blazes overhead, making it ideal for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts. You’ll catch this hike on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

The Aries Tor at Sunset hike in Thredbo
The Aries Tor at Sunset hike isn’t quite as long as the other night hikes.

For an option that begins at golden hour, the Aries Tor at Sunset hike is perfect for travellers who want the views without staying up too late. The rocky outcrop glows orange as the sun sets, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This hike is available between 1 December and 29 March.

Whether you go for the celestial drama of the Geminids or the calm glow of a full moon, Thredbo’s night hikes are proof that the Snowy Mountains shine brightest after dark.