Winter. It’s not for everyone.
I love skiing and would happily spend all winter on a mountain in Thredbo if I could, but it’s not for everyone. It’s an expensive sport, requires a lot of gear and equipment, and one needs to have a high tolerance to cold and snow.
Australia, which many may not realise, has some fantastic Alpine ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains, part of Kosciuszko National Park. However, even if you don’t ski, there’s still plenty to do in Thredbo, Australia’s most well-known ski resort.
If careening down a mountain isn’t your idea of a good time, here’s what to do in Thredbo if you don’t ski.
There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the Snowy Mountains and downtown Thredbo for a few days, whether you’re accompanying others who do ski or just looking for a winter escape. You’ll still want snow gear though, even if you’re not hitting the slopes, as winter in Australia’s high country can get seriously cold!
Snowshoeing in Thredbo
Downhill skiing and snowboarding can be pretty intense. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the snow with a slightly less adrenaline rush, snowshoeing might be for you.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoes, if you’ve never tried, lock onto your shoes or boots and distribute your weight over a larger area, so you can walk on heavy or deep snow without sinking in. You can also snowshoe across flat terrain, so it’s a good activity for those looking for less intense cardio, compared to skiing.
You don’t need special shoes, but waterproof boots and socks are the best for keeping your feet warm.
Rent snowshoes daily or weekly from Thredbo directly, or from one of the many private rental shops in town. If you’re driving to Thredbo from Sydney, you can also stop off at some of the rental shops in Jindabyne or Cooma— they often have cheaper prices compared to on the mountain.
Where to snowshoe in Thredbo?
One of the most popular spots for snowshoeing is along the Rock Creek snowshoe track. It’s great for beginners and also very scenic.
The track is well signposted and begins in Perisher Village, a short drive from Thredbo. It starts near the intersections of Kosciuszko and Porcupine Rds, near the Rock Creek Ski Club hut.
It meanders through snow gums and scenic river views on a 3km loop.
You can also try snowshoeing around Thredbo Village, or try to tackle some of the snowshoe trails at higher elevations—make sure you have water and uphill snowshoeing will work up a sweat, very quickly!
If you do ski, which is better, Perisher or Thredbo?
Scenic Chairlift Rides
Part of the fun of ski resorts is soaring over the mountains on a chair lift or gondola. Luckily, this isn’t reserved for skiers! In both summer and winter you can take a scenic chairlift ride, allowing for a birds-eye view of the gorgeous Snowy Mountains.
As of winter 2023, winter scenic chairlift passes prices are as follows:
- Adult $42
- Senior $31
- Kids $22
- Family $94
It’s a little bit expensive, but it’s one of the best ways to see the mountains if you’re not skiing, so definitely worth budgeting for. Tickets can be purchased from the Valley Terminal Guest Service.
Once you’ve made it to the top of the resort, stick around for a while and take in the epic views (it will be much, much colder at the top, so dress accordingly).
Stay for lunch at Merritts Mountain House, next to the chairlift. Enjoy a hot meal and watch the skiers and snowboarders cruise down the mountain.
Note: There is a new gondola (Merritts Gondola), the first in Australia, opening in winter 2020 in Thredbo. I am not sure if this will be open to pedestrians, but watch this space.
Looking for more unique places to visit in NSW? After Thredbo, check some of these hidden gems across the state.
Trampolining
For something completely different, spend the day inside and go trampolining! Wait, what?
If you consider that Thredbo is a training ground for elite skiers and boarders, it makes sense that trampolining facilities would be at a ski resort, as it helps freestyle athletes with training, agility, and working on tricks.
However, you don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the trampoline park.
Located within the Thredbo Leisure Centre, the Acrobatic Centre of Excellence offers access to the public as well, as long as you book a session in advance. Supervised sessions can be fun for kids or adults, whether you want to improve your ski technique or just blow off some steam.
For hygiene purposes, you’ll need to bring along your own socks.
You can find plenty of unique things to do in Sydney too, if you know where to look!
Thredbo Leisure Centre
Even if trampolining isn’t for you, the Thredbo Leisure Centre is still worth a visit. Thredbo in winter can be icy cold, and if your hands have gone numb one too many times, head to the Leisure Centre to warm up.
One of its best facilities is for aquatics, with indoor swimming lanes and an inflatable obstacle course.
You can also tackle an indoor bouldering wall, squash courts, a weights room, and yoga classes.
The Leisure Centre is about a five-minute walk from Thredbo Village, so easy to access even if you don’t have a car.
Relax by the Fire
Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing. On a cold snowy day, is there anywhere nicer than being next to a roaring log fire, hot chocolate in hand, enjoying the winter scenery?
One of my favourite things to do in winter in Thredbo (or anywhere) is to relax by the fire. Luckily, they aren’t in short supply!
If you’re near the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, there’s a spectacular, 360-degree huge stone fireplace in the Lounge Bar. Or, you can likely find one in your guesthouse or hotel.
Cosy up with a good book, perhaps a mulled wine, and enjoy the winter wonderland and suberb mountain views. Plus, the Friday Flat slopes are opposite Thredbo Village, so there’s plenty of places where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and watch the skiers. Or, back in your room, you can always watch the Aussie classic The Man from Snowy River, an iconic film set in the Snowy Mountains.
Looking for accommodation in Thredbo? Read reviews and find the best prices for your dates.
Shop in the Thredbo Alpine Village
Thredbo Village isn’t huge, so I wouldn’t recommend planning on doing much shopping. However, there are a number of shops to browse if you’re looking for something to do on a snowy afternoon.
Many of the shops, as you would expect, are adventure sports or ski shops, but even there you can find clothes, shoes, jackets, or accessories. You will find some local Snowy Mountains designers though, ideal if you’re looking for locally-made handicrafts. There is also a supermarket for snacks or food to keep in the room.
Alpine Photography
I’ve saved the best for last- if you’re a photographer, I would absolutely recommend visiting Thredbo and Kosciuszko National Park in the winter months.
The landscape of the Snowy Mountains is unlike anything I’ve ever seen— gnarled, windswept gumtrees, branches twisted in all directions, jagged rock formations and mountains, and an almost eerie, foreboding landscape.
The Snowy Mountains are home to a huge range of wildlife as well, including wallabies, wombats, and emu. Although you’re not likely to see it, this region is also home to Australia’s most threatened species, the corroboree frog.
Bundle up and head out into the park for some spectacular photography opportunities.
Warm up at the local Wildbrumby Distillery
There’s nothing like a schnapps to warm you up on a cold day! Wildbrumby is actually Australia’s highest distillery, set just outside of Thredbo. They create their own gin, schnapps, and vodka, using local grown fruit and botanicals.
The distillery/cellar door is open to visitors and there’s a cafe on site too, along with a pretty cool outdoor sculpture garden. Architecturally, it’s a really serene and relaxing place, so definitely worth a visit in either winter or summer.
So, what to do in Thredbo if you don’t ski? Plenty!
Have you been to Thredbo? Would love to hear your tips.
(The feature photo is also courtesy of Destination NSW)
