Skiing at Thredbo

Thredbo NSW 2627 (Pop 3 000)
Pic: by Enoch Lau

Thredbo is located at Mt Crackenback’s base in the Snowy Mts 498 km s-w of Sydney. Graziers settled around 1850s, gold was discovered (1860s) and together with the Alpine Way, the ski industry was born in late 1950s. Thredbo has as many summer as winter activities. A chairlift, open the whole year, travels almost 600 m into the mountains and then follows an easy 6 km walk to Mt Kosciusko’s peak. Thredbo Blues Festival (Jan), Thredbo Jazz Festival (May).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Ski Fields includes 480 ha of skiable terrain as well as Australia’s longest ski runs (up to 5.9 km). Lessons (skiing and snowboarding) and equipment hire all available here. Additionally the Outdoor Adventures School offers lessons and excursions in cross-country, snowshoeing, freeheeling and off-piste skiing. Other Sporting Activities include excellent trout fishing (Thredbo River), walks (Meadows Nature Walk) ice skating and mountain-biking around the village.

Nearby:
Pilot Lookout (10 km s-e) scenic views of The Pilot (1828 m) and The Cobberas (1883 m – in Victoria). Mt Kosciuszko and Kosciuszko NP a huge park of over 647 000 ha containing Australia’s highest peaks, the Snowy River and ski fields. In warmer months, explore Yarrangobilly Caves and enjoy a thermal pool swim. Take one of the many walking trails amidst the alpine wildflowers. Early Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki named Mt Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest mountain) after Polish leader Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Accommodation:
Thredbo Village has a motel, half a dozen hotel/lodges, 3 holiday apartments/cottages and a farmstay. Visitor Information Centre: Friday Drv. Tel (02) 6459 4100.

Airport:
Cooma Airport (OOM) Kosciuszko Rd, Cooma West. Tel (02) 6452 4455. (81 km n-e).

Hospital:
Cooma District Hospital, Bent St. Tel (02) 6452 1333 or (02) 6455 3222. (97 km n-e).