Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 10 December

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Guest Services Outdoor Operations Manager

This week we were reminded that Mother Nature loves to keep us guessing when it comes to ‘summer’ in the mountains! With a fresh snowfall on Monday night blanketing the upper slopes of Thredbo and the alpine walks, it was a chilly start to the week. The snow was quick to melt but remnants are scattered along the alpine.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO 

As you pass Merritts Creek bridge, just out of Thredbo, the path is lined with the hardy and intricate white flowers of Bog and Coral Heath.
Further on, when crossing the headwaters of the Southern arm of the Snowy River, if you look closely you can spot native fish in the water called Mountain Galaxias. This water does not freeze over in winter as it is always flowing, a reason these little fish can survive up here.  Keep your nose out for Alpine Stackhousia – you will be sure to smell these tiny bright yellow flowers before you see them. This species emit a strong scent of honeydew and grow in mats with dark green leaves in damp areas.

Sections of the Kosciuszko walking track from Thredbo to Rawson Pass continue to be updated by NPWS. It is spectacular to see the helicopter carrying in supplies to these remote areas to create a safe and accessible walk for all.

BEYOND MT KOSCIUSZKO 

This week our guides team ventured out to North Ramshead, one of our private hikes offerings, and were reminded of just how rewarding this 7-kilometre hike is! We set off the beaten track into North Ramshead for an outstanding view of Mt Kosciuszko and wandered down to the ‘Reflection Pools’. Here you are surrounded by some of the alpine’s most fragile ecology with our guides sharing what makes it so special and of course leading the way in what to avoid.

THREDBO VALLEY TRAILS

Thredbo’s mountain team have been focusing on updating areas of the Merritts Nature track by installing smaller sized steps in the hopes these will be kinder to knees and ankles. Along the valley trail the Alpine Bottlebrush is in bloom with a cream and yellow flower. These medium – tall shrubs can be spotted along watercourses. With a violet-blue swept-back petal, the Tasman Flax Lily is having its summer moment and only blooms in December. It is an easy spot from the Kosciuszko Express chairlift and along the trails, as they grow up to 1-metre at maturity.

As we move into school holidays be sure to check lift and trail status updates here.

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them their cultures, and elders past, present and future.