Thredbo

Thredbo occupies a valley on the flank of the Ramshead Range, and it has the longest runs and greatest vertical drop of any Australian ski resort, around 670 metres, with a village of lodges and restaurants built up the slope in a way that feels more European than most Australian resorts. In summer the Kosciuszko Express chairlift carries walkers to about 1,930 metres, from where a raised metal walkway leads six and a half kilometres to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres, the highest point in Australia and a walk rather than a climb. Mountain biking on gravity trails, the alpine bobsled and river fishing fill the rest of the summer.

What you actually see

• The ski terrain - the longest runs and biggest vertical in Australia.
• The summit walk - the raised walkway from the chairlift to Kosciuszko.
• The alpine village - lodges and restaurants climbing the valley side.
• The summer trails - downhill mountain biking and alpine walks.

When to go

June to September for skiing, with July and August most reliable; December to March for the summit walk and biking. Snow cover varies greatly year to year. Weather above the treeline changes fast in any season and the summit walk is exposed.

Honest expectations

Australian snow is unreliable and thin seasons happen; lift passes and lodging are expensive regardless. Park entry is charged per vehicle per day on top of everything. The summit walk is easy underfoot but long, exposed and often cold and windy even in January.

Nearby

Jindabyne is the base town; Charlotte Pass and Perisher lie over the range.