Thredbo Ski Season 2025 Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Australia’s snow enthusiasts need look no further than Thredbo for a ski season to remember. Located in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park, the alpine gem of Thredbo Resort was voted Australia’s Best Ski Resort in 2024 for the eighth consecutive year at the prestigious World Ski Awards. Featuring the country’s longest ski runs and Australia’s only alpine gondola, Thredbo’s wide variety of snow terrain is suitable for first-timers through to thrillseeking powder hounds. Just add a picturesque European-style village, buzzy après parties, kids’ festivals, action-packed skiing and snowboarding events plus accommodation options to suit every type of traveller, and you’ve got the perfect balance of indulgence and snow-based fun. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

When is the best time to go to Thredbo?

Ski season at Thredbo typically runs from the June long weekend through to the October long weekend. The 2025 season opened on 7 June and is set to close on 6 October . While July and August are traditionally the coldest and snowiest months of the season, you’ll typically still find snow on the ground in the shoulder months of June and September.

How to get to Thredbo

From Sydney

Take the 55-minute flight from Sydney to Canberra, then board the Thredbo-bound shuttle (bookings required) or rent a car from Canberra Airport and drive two-and-a-half hours to your accommodation. Alternatively, if you enjoy a road trip, the journey south from Sydney to Thredbo spans about five-and-a-half hours.

From Canberra

From Canberra, Thredbo is just two-and-a-half hours by car. Private shuttles and Greyhound buses are available, with travel time totalling about three-and-a-half hours.

From Jindabyne

As the closest township to Thredbo, Jindabyne is less than half-an-hour away. If driving isn’t on the agenda, the 20-minute Snowy Mountains Bus Service runs between East Jindabyne and Thredbo multiple times throughout the day during the winter season – single day, three-day and season tickets are available to be booked online.

Tip: If you’re planning on driving, be sure to secure a vehicle pass to ensure entry into Kosciuszko National Park. Day and multi-day passes can be purchased via the NPWS Visitor Centres and the Thredbo Visitor Centre, while annual passes can also be bought online.

Passes for Thredbo

Thredbo offers a range of different winter passes for ski enthusiasts and non-skiers alike, with advance purchases online often scoring guests up to a 30 per cent saving on their booking.

Skiers and snowboarders looking to visit for less than a week are best served by the winter lift pass. This pass provides access to all mountain lifts as well as the Merritts Gondola for one to seven days (prices vary based on guest age and number of days, with discounts available when booked seven or more days out from your trip). Disabled Winter Sports Australia (DWA) members and their carers can access 50% off the in-resort rate for the one to seven day passes, depending on availability.

Those who prefer to find their fun off the snowfields should opt for the one-day winter adventure pass, which offers non-skiers and snowboarders combined access to the Alpine Coaster ride, Merritts Gondola and Thredbo Leisure Centre’s pool, sports hall and other facilities. Individual passes for each of these experiences are also available.

For serious snow-sports fans, the winter season pass grants unlimited skiing and snowboarding as well as a number of in-resort discounts, with prices starting from $1850. There’s also the add-on Thredbo Ikon Base Pass, which gives you access to more than 39 international ski destinations, while the full 25/26 Ikon pass spans over 60 world-class ski destinations globally.

Getting a MyThredbo Card

To access the lifts, a reusable MyThredbo Card is required, which can be purchased online for $5 after creating or signing into your MyThredbo account and collected from the Friday Flat or Valley Terminal kiosks in Thredbo. Any time you buy a pass or lesson, it will be automatically linked to your MyThredbo Card. For more information on how to use the card, visit Thredbo’s website.

The best ski slopes at Thredbo

In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Thredbo to ride Australia’s longest runs and experience the wide variety of terrain on offer, with more than 50 trails connected by 14 lifts.

For beginner skiers and snowboarders

The purpose-built beginner area at Friday Flat is the best place for first-timers to find their snow feet and is serviced by two dedicated lifts. Once you’ve mastered the basics, jump on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the three-kilometre Village Trail that takes you all the way from the top of the mountain to the village base or head to the 5.9-kilometre Walkabout run from Karel’s T-bar, which offers gentle slopes and idyllic mountain vistas.

Tip: For the inexperienced, ski and snowboard lessons led by Thredbo’s team of instructors will help you develop your technique and build confidence. Lift passes are required and both private and group lessons are available to be booked.

For intermediate skiers and snowboarders

About two-thirds of Thredbo’s terrain is suited to intermediate riders. At Karels T-bar – Australia’s highest lifted point at 2037 metres – ring the community bell before tackling the five-kilometre High Noon trail, which stretches all the way down to the village, or embark on the country’s longest continual run, the 5.6-kilometre Crackenback Supertrail.

For advanced skiers and snowboarders

Advanced riders will find endless on- and off-piste challenges in Thredbo, including challenging black runs such as the 3.2-kilometre-long Funnel Web, one of the property’s steepest.

For backcountry skiing and snowboarding

Bypass the classic trails and carve your own fresh turns in pure untouched snow on a Backcountry Tour. These off-piste trips (there are options for beginners through to experienced backcountry explorers) are guide-led full-day adventures for visitors seeking unmatched views of the Kosciuszko Mountain Range, untracked snow outside the resort’s boundaries and fascinating information on the region’s ski history, First Nations heritage and ecosystem. You’ll be provided with a safety briefing and specialist equipment before setting out into the wilderness.

Anyone embarking on these tours requires an upper intermediate to advanced level of skill. Those less confident on skis or a snowboard can book a three-hour Snowshoe Tour, suitable for anyone who can walk and has a moderate level of fitness.

For night skiing and snowboarding

Every Thursday night from 12 June to 18 September (conditions permitting), the Family Flare Run sees kids and their parents enjoy a night of skiing and snowboarding beneath the starlit sky, illuminated by twinkling LED flares. While the event is free, online registration and a MyThredbo card are required.

Accommodation in Thredbo

Hugging the base of the mountain and overlooking the ski slopes, Thredbo’s cute-as-a-button village has a great selection of hotels, lodges and apartments that embrace the ski-in, ski-out lifestyle.

Pure Chalet Thredbo

With just four master rooms and suites, Pure Chalet Thredbo on Alpine Way is ideal for those who prefer their lodgings on the quiet side. All rooms offer mountain vistas and electric blankets and a substantial daily European or cooked breakfast is included to keep you fueled for adrenaline-packed mornings on the slopes.

Thredbo Alpine Hotel

Right next to the Village Square and close to the base of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, the historic 65-key Thredbo Alpine Hotel is decked out in mountain-chic style and offers in-house dining options including the Lounge Bar for live music, cocktails and snacks by the fire.

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa

Prefer to stay away from all the action? A 15-minute drive from Thredbo, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa (above) serves alpine vistas and cosy modern furnishings in both its lakeview apartments and self-contained mountain chalets. There is also a full-service spa and wellness centre onsite, with a variety of massages, facials and therapies on the menu.

Rockpool Lodge

If it’s five-star alpine luxury you’re seeking, settle in at Rockpool Lodge, a two-bedroom chalet with an open fireplace and underfloor heating just a couple of minutes away from the ski lifts.

Candlelight Lodge

Just a five-minute drive from Thredbo Village Square, the intimate 14-room Candlelight Lodge evokes the charm of an old-world inn with its lantern-framed wood-and-stone façade. Ideal for small and large groups alike – the Family King Room sleeps up to six people – you’ll also find a sauna and an in-house massage therapist to help ease ski-weary muscles.

Thredbo Alpine Apartments

Designed for families, the centrally located one-, two- and three-bedroom Thredbo Alpine Apartments are self-contained, with kitchens and balconies facing the mountains.

Where to eat and drink

Thredbo Village has more than 30 venues for socialising, drinking and dining. Enjoy a gourmet dinner with a view at Cascades Restaurant, a hearty meal at The Local Pub to keep you going on the slopes, woodfired pizzas from T-Bar Restaurant and Mexican fare at House of Ullr. There are plenty of on-mountain options, too, with Merritts Mountain Haus, Kareela Hutte, Eagles Nest and Black Sallees popular for refuelling stops between ski runs.

Cascades

A local favourite, Cascades (above) in the Thredbo Alpine Hotel serves modern pan-European cuisine along with a side of riverside and mountain views. Stop by for a hearty buffet of hot breakfast classics, an après-ski tipple or a miso glazed free-range pork cutlet for dinner by the snow.

T-Bar Restaurant

For Italian-inspired fare, classic woodfired pizzas and creative cocktails, T-Bar Restaurant on Mowamba Place is the spot to book. The menu includes Italian favourites such as slow-cooked lamb stew and mushroom risotto, while the signature seasonal drinks at the inhouse Paradise of the Mountain Bar, such as Mocha Martini , are ideal for an aprés ski celebration.

The Mad Mexican

Also on Mowamba Place, head to The Mad Mexican to devour taco share plates and jalapeño enchiladas over a chilli Margarita or two – there’s also a kid-friendly menu featuring quesadillas, miniature tacos and Dino nuggets.

Eagles Nest

Towering 1937 metres above ground, Eagles Nest at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift is Australia’s highest restaurant. In addition to delivering stunning 270-degree vistas of Thredbo Valley below, you’ll also find pizza, pasta, warming hot chocolate and decadent treats to nibble on.

What to do at Thredbo if you’re not skiing

From watching the sunrise at one of Australia’s highest lifted points to playing spectator at major ski competitions, Thredbo's unique on-mountain experiences and popular events are an annual affair.

Ride Australia’s only alpine gondola

Thredbo Resort lays claim to Australia’s only alpine gondola. The state-of-the-art Merritts Gondola is a high-speed eight-person gondola that takes skiers, snowboarders and scenic passengers from the village to the base of the Cruiser Area in about six minutes.

Live music and entertainment

With a line-up of buzzy après events each night, the action continues long after the skis are off. This winter, live music and entertainment will take over Thredbo village, with headliners including Peking Duck and Yolanda Be Cool performing. Plan your trip accordingly, with the Thredbo calendar.

On-snow action

From beginners to pros, the skiing and snowboarding action will be never-ending all season with events for all ages and abilities from the kid-friendly 13-and-under Project Shred to the Thredbo Triple Crown freestyle series for skiers and snowboarders and the snowboarders' day of days – the 11th Annual Transfer Banked Slalom.

Kids’ snow festivals

During the July and September school holidays, Kids Snow Festivals will keep little ones busy with movie nights, special kids’ flare runs and plenty of other on- and off-mountain activities – there’s even a magical fireworks display every Saturday night.

Saturday night flare run & fireworks

If you’re lucky enough to be on the mountain on a Saturday night, catch the mesmerising Flare Run (above), during which Thredbo’s expert team of skiers and snowboarders wind down Supertrail with flares in hand, followed by a fireworks spectacular that lights up the sky.

Unique on-mountain experiences

Kareela Supper Clubs presented by Pommery Champagne
Select Saturdays from 12 July – 30 August 2025
Ride the gondola to Merritts Mountain House where a snowcat awaits to ferry you to Kareela Supper Club. You’ll watch the Thredbo Flare Run and fireworks show from Kareela Hutte’s deck with Pommery champagne and canapés in hand.

Kareela Snowcat Dinners
Select Wednesdays from 23 July – 27 August 2025
Don your finery and head to the Kareela Hutte on-mountain restaurant in a passenger snowcat, where a four-course dinner with matched wines experience awaits.

Merritts Mountain Haus Feasts
Select Wednesdays and Fridays from 27 June – 29 August 2025
After a heart-racing day of carving up the snowfields, reward your exertions with a hearty Bavarian-inspired feast. Ride under the stars in Merritts Gondola to Merritts Mountain House for an evening of merriment – liederhosen optional.

Sunrise Sessions presented by Range Rover
Every Tuesday from 22 July – 2 September 2025
The early start time for the Sunrise Sessions will be worth it when you’re sipping a Mimosa at Australia’s highest lifted point. After an on-mountain breakfast, you’ll be sufficiently fuelled to make first tracks down Supertrail – Australia’s longest run.