AUSTRALIA
|
Thredbo, NSW - SNOWCENTRAL
A little taste of Europe in the heart of the Australian Alps, Thredbo is a convenient 5rs from both Sydney and Melbourne. Even during summer, Thredbo appeals, with mountain biking, hiking and the annual Thredbo Jazz festival- an event not to be missed. However, it comes into its own in winter, with some of the friendliest staff, best dining and off-mountain facilities and all-over ambiance, Thredbo is the ideal resort for those who want a really good time, both on and off the mountain.
THE SNOW AND WEATHER
Thredbo is the textbook example of Australian conditions- when it's good, it's very good, but when it rains it pours. As it has some of the largest vertical drop in Australia, the village begins at an altitude of 1300m, which means that you have to be there at the peak of the season to get snow at your lodge. This really doesn't matter much, because the village is situated across a small valley from the lift terminals and a five-minute walk is in order.
Thredbo conditions are incredibly variable; powder days are highly prized, though few and far between, early season can be either hard and fast or topped up with man-made, and late in the season conditions will usually fall into a melt-freeze cycle of spring conditions. The best bet in this variability is to stick to groomed trails- that's why they buy grooming machines, they take a lot of the variability out of the trails and ensure you get to ski on the best possible conditions. Low snow levels are topped up as often as possible with snowmaking on most major trails, including the Supertrail all the way to the bottom of the village terminal.
Predicting snowfalls is less a science and more a lottery; light falls occur on a reasonably regular basis but large dumps are intermittent at best. Hope that it's cold, because rain is not an uncommon event towards the end of the season (September and onwards) however a good base will most times hold up remarkably well after rain.
THE TERRAIN
The best place to start is with the beginners- the logical choice. With Friday Flat, a long, gentle slope ideal for learning to rip, Thredbo is perfect for beginners of all ages, however it is with children's classes that it excels. The specialized children's area, Thredboland, takes children from age 3 and snowboarders from age 4 and teaches them the basics in a partitioned section of the beginner's slopes in small classes with children of their own age. Both the moving ski carpet and the Milo Express, a motorized sled, serve to bring the kids back up the mountain before they are able to ride the express quad to the top of the slope.
For the slightly older, Thredbo offers specialized classes of 4-6 students for age 7-14 year-olds with workshops, races and all-mountain adventures for the slightly more advanced. Even those young-at-heart are served on a high-speed quad to allow fast access to all of Friday Flat: 500m long and only 10o steep, perfect for building confidence.
Intermediates will find themselves in heaven, with 67% of all terrain ideal for their standard. Merrits is the ideal place to begin- several alternate tree-lined runs letting you charge as much as you can and an abundance of rollers to practice those airs, all served by a dedicated high speed quad to get you riding all day.
Australia's longest run, the Crackenback Supertrail is well within the grasp of intermediate boarders and skiers, as is its immediate neighbour, World Cup, site of Thredbo's GS and Super G races. When conditions are good, head up and over to Antons and Sponars to get away from the crowds.
Experts will find themselves scraping for a lot of real challenges, however look to the Boundary Rider to skiers left of the cruiser chair or the runs off skiers right of the Crackenback spur.
Ideally you want to go on a trek backcountry- there are really nice bowls off the back of Karels t-bar and some steeps and chutes along the ridge to skiers left of Merrits, however these are not within the bounds of the resort, and as such are not patrolled or condoned by the resort.
For the boarders and new-schoolers, head to the left at the bottom of the Bowls at Merrits for a scattering of rails and kickers in the terrain park or take a short hike above the top station of the Cruiser chair to find the pipe. Dragon-shaped, when it's open it can be really good, nice height and trannies but only one lip gets the sun and as such can be inconsistent from wall to wall.
ACCOMMODATION, TICKETS & TRANSFERS
The village of Thredbo is located across the valley from the ski slopes, and for the majority of the season is not covered in snow. Hence, accommodation is not ski-in, ski-out and a short walk is required. Those staying at Woodridge will find it easiest to catch the continuous shuttle bus between the Valley Terminal and Friday Flat, with a minute stroll to either from the bus stop. In addition, circuit buses travel along most of the resort to ferry people directly from their accommodation.
Thredbo has lodges, group share and private rooms for all standards, extending from backpacker accommodation at the YHA to the luxury of Squatters Run and everything in between, get in early to ensure good accommodation for your price range, or talk to us at Snowman tours and travel for the best deal.
FACILITIES & GOING OUT
This is where Thredbo really sets itself apart from other Australian mountain. Catering for all budgets and all tastes, Thredbo has over 20 different cafes and bars - more than the number of lifts.
Both on and off the mountain the dining is excellent; on mountain try a lunch at Kareela Hutte or the restaurants at the bottom of Friday Flats or Merrits, and take a slow lift up to Black Sallee's or Eagles Nest for an evening meal. Off mountain, try a kebab for lunch from Kebabz, across from the valley terminal.
The budget conscious could probably split one between two people and still not feel hungry.
Evening meals leave you spoilt for choice- the sophistication of Credo, the rustic charm of t-bar or some of the most delicious pizza at Alfresco Pizzeria near the valley at the bottom of the village arcade- eat in or take away. Try grilling your own steaks at the House of Ullr or BYO to Altitude 1380. I have eaten at all of these and not had a bad meal yet. For those who still have the energy and aren't completely full from the abundance of food, try going to the Schuss Bar for live music and a game or two of pool.
Anyone looking to dance and keep going through to the early hours, try the Keller bar. With a reasonable DJ and special events throughout the season, you can keep partying until 3am.
SKI SCHOOL, GUIDING & CHILD CARE
The ski school at Thredbo is first class, with fantastic instructors and small class sizes. All levels of skiers can pick up tips from the instructors, with options for even the advanced to take race clinics or trick and pipe classes.
Women's High Intensity Program and Ski Like A Pro programs have been put into place to further the skills of the upper intermediates. The Thredbo High Performance Alpine Training facility is opposite Woodridge, offering not only professional facilities, but also massage and physio facilities, heated pools, spa and sauna - the ideal way to relax after a tough day on the mountain. Childcare is available from 8:30-4:30 i.e. first to last lifts for children aged 6mnths to 6yrs. By that time, they should be champing at the bit to start on a board or skis.
BOTTOM LINE
Thredbo is a very cozy resort to stay at for a week and an even better place to stay at for even longer. With enough terrain to keep most riders happy and a vibrant village atmosphere, you are in for a memorable time with friends and family.
For the latest information and deals call;
SNOWMAN TOURS & TRAVEL
07 3855 1264 / 07 3855 4000
For the best deals and experience...
[ Back to the Reviews List ]
|
|
|
In this section:
|
|
