Beginner Guide
Looking to hit the snow for the first time? You’ve come to the right place…
Thredbo is Australia’s Best Ski Resort boasting a purpose-built beginner’s area offering a gentle slope for first timers. With Australia’s only alpine gondola to get you up the mountain with ease, Thredbo is here to help you find your snow feet. Discover convenient equipment rental at the base of the mountain, friendly lessons for all ages and abilities and a ton of events, parties and activities to enjoy in Thredbo Village.
Bringing the family for the first time? Check out our Family Guide.
Plan Your Trip
Getting Here
Thredbo is located in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains, NSW and is conveniently accessed by car, bus or plane.
Roughly 5.5 hours’ drive from either Sydney or Melbourne and 2.5 hours’ drive from Canberra, Thredbo offers both day and overnight car parking facilities.
Alternatively you can fly direct from Sydney and Brisbane to Snowy Mountains Airport (Cooma).
Special Deals
Looking for the best prices? Find all of our special deals on lift passes, rental and accommodation in one place and save on your next holiday to the snow.
The Mountain
Beginners can head to Thredbo’s purpose-built area designed to progress skills in a fun and safe environment. First timer (yellow runs) on Friday Flat offer a gentle slope and easy chairlift access. Once you have progressed and feeling confident with your turns, head to Thredbo’s green runs for more of a challenge.
Lift Pass & MyThredbo Card
Your MyThredbo card is your personal key to Thredbo. Whenever you buy a lift pass or lesson online it will be loaded onto this card. All guests need a MyThredbo Card to access the mountain. Better yet, load MyMoney to your MyThredbo Card and enjoy contactless payment at all Thredbo outlets!
Collect your MyThredbo Card at one of Thredbo’s 24-7 MyThredbo Card Kiosks, conveniently located in Thredbo and Jindabyne, or at Guest Services in Thredbo.
Equipment Rental & What You Need To Bring
Below are a few tips on what to bring in order stay warm and comfortable on your snow holiday. If you don’t have them, you can purchase them in Thredbo:
- Thermal under layers
- Waterproof, insulated jacket
- Waterproof, insulated pants
- Beanie
- Ski socks
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Helmet
- Neck warmer (doubles as a face covering)
Thredbo Retail and Rental is your one stop shop for all the gear you need for your first-time skiing or snowboarding. Located close to the lifts at Friday Flat and Valley Terminal, let our staff talk you through the equipment and find you the best fit.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Thredbo offers stunning mountain views, convenience and comfort for all guests. You can choose from lodges, hotels, on-snow chalets, luxurious apartments and self-contained units. Everything is within easy walking distance or a quick free shuttle bus to the base of the mountain.
On Mountain
Friday Flat
Friday Flat is a designated beginner area and a great place to learn. The slope is an easy gradient that is accessed by the Easy Does It Quad, which is designed to have you conquering chairlifts in no time.
When it’s time to take a break, Friday Flat Bar & Bistro offers quick and easy meals in a grab and go style.
Lessons
If it’s your first time getting on a snowboard or skis, we recommend having a lesson with one of our highly qualified and experienced instructors. They will introduce you to the basics of skiing and snowboarding in a fun, safe and progressive environment.
Merritts Gondola
Home of Australia’s only alpine gondola, Thredbo makes it easy for those new to snow to get up the mountain, and to Merritts Mountain House faster. The 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 approximately 6 minutes.
Snowshoe Tours
They say if you can walk you can snowshoe. Walk across the snow and into the big white yonder with your guide pointing out interesting features and landmarks. This is a great alternative to a day of downhilling or perfect for those after a soft adventure and some incredible views of the Australian Main Range.
Find Out More
Off Snow
Après & Events
Après is a French term that translates literally to “after ski” or “after skiing” and is a general phrase to describe the social activities that take place after a day spent hitting the slopes. We have an entire season of events to get you celebrating well into the evening and experiencing the true meaning of après.
What’s On
The Village
Thredbo’s village is located at the base of the mountain and offers a great range of lodges, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops all within a short walking distance. At night the village transforms into a vibrant alpine environment with live music, action and stunning sights to enjoy with family and friends.
Explore
Restaurants & Bars
There are over 30 places to relax, sip and dine in Thredbo including Eagle’s Nest, Australia’s Highest Restaurant.
With cosy bars, late night spots and dining options ranging from à la carte, càfe style, casual bistro, tapas, BBQ or grab and go. You are sure to find a few favourites during your time in Thredbo.
Find Out More
Thredbo Leisure Centre
Located just a 5-minute walk from Thredbo Village Square, the Thredbo Leisure Centre is open to everyone and offers a variety of activities. Experience the Waterslide, Mission Inflatable, a world-class trampoline facility, pool, indoor sports hall, bouldering wall, squash court and weights gym. Thredbo Leisure Centre is jam-packed with fun for everyone.
Find Out More
Saturday Fireworks
Get your friends or family and watch our team of expert skiers and snowboarders light up the Supertrail with flaming flares followed by a fireworks spectacular that dances and glitters across the Thredbo sky.
Held every Saturday night (weather dependent), the Flare Fun and Fireworks Show is the perfect way to kick off your Saturday night.
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