I never check the weather app as obsessively as I do during ski season, monitoring for a trail of snow emojis or, at the very least, sub-zero temperatures – optimal for snowmaking.
So, when a three-day blizzard dumped more than 40 centimetres of snow across much of the NSW and Victorian alpine region, backed up by Thredbo’s extensive snowmaking, that was my cue. Perfect timing for the school holidays. I loaded up the car with ski gear, grabbed my two teenage boys and headed for the mountains.
We were rewarded with bluebird skies, crisp winter days and glorious groomed runs from top to bottom on High Noon.
But as much as I love carving up the slopes with my boys in hot pursuit, some of the most memorable moments happened after the lifts closed.
That’s the beauty of a resort like Thredbo. A snow holiday is about so much more than chasing runs – on skis or snowboard. The slopes are just the start of it.
Here are five ways to make the most of your time on – and off – the mountain.
Thredbo Alpine Coaster
After a full day on the snow, we’d catch the gondola down to make a beeline for the Alpine Coaster – a 1.5km thrill ride that winds its way through spectacular alpine scenery. Opened in 2024, the coaster features tunnels, bridges and sweeping turns, with riders controlling their own speed of up to 40km/h (if you’re brave enough to keep your hand off the brake).
It quickly became our afternoon ritual, my boys insisting on it. While it’s open year-round, there’s something extra exhilarating about careering through snow-covered trees with crisp mountain air on your face.
Pickleball (and the rest)
Our other post-ski ritual: pickleball at the indoor Thredbo Leisure Centre. My teenagers discovered the three pickleball courts en route to the gym and barely left, the competition proving almost as fierce as it had been on the slopes.
Now I have two teens obsessed with pickleball.
The Leisure Centre also has a heated pool complete with waterslide and inflatable obstacle course, squash courts, a bouldering wall and a trampoline centre – aptly named Zero Gravity – where many of Australia’s aerial skiers train.
Family Flare Run and s’mores
After all that activity, we wandered over to Friday Flat for complimentary s’mores and hot chocolates around the outdoor fire pits while DJ Frosty spun tunes from atop a snowcat for the Kids SnowRave – the perfect warm-up for the weekly Family Flare Run.
Held every Thursday evening on the Easy Does It beginner run, skiers of all ages snaked their way down the mountain with glow sticks attached to their helmets, before the night caps off wth a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the mountain. It may be a gentle amble downhill rather than an adrenaline rush, but it’s the only opportunity to night ski at Thredbo – so we made the most of it.
Next time…
If you have more time than we did, there are plenty of other non-ski experiences worth adding to your itinerary. These two are already on my list for our next visit.
Backcountry Snowshoe Tour
Swap skis for snowshoes and venture beyond the resort boundary with a guide, exploring the vast backcountry and discovering the region’s alpine history, fragile ecosystem and Indigenous heritage along the way.
Tours operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, with evening tours also available.
Merritts Mountain Haus Feast and Gondola Ride
Ride Australia’s only alpine gondola beneath a canopy of stars before settling in for a hearty Bavarian-inspired dinner at Merritts Mountain Haus, with favourites including schnitzel, cheese kransky and sauerkraut.
The dinners are held on selected Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the snow season.
Whether you’re travelling with teenagers, younger children or first-time snow visitors, there’s every incentive to make the trip to the alps.
Thanks to Thredbo’s extensive snowmaking, there’s skiing to enjoy throughout winter, but it’s everything beyond the slopes that transforms a ski trip into a memorable family holiday.
Note: The author received complimentary lift passes from Thredbo, including access to the Alpine Coaster and Leisure Centre. Accommodation and all other expenses were self-funded.
