No snow? No worries! How to enjoy Thredbo with the family regardless of weather

The launch of an exciting new attraction just made visiting the snow a good idea - regardless of the weather!

4 min read

June 12, 2024 - 9:59AM

Experience Thredbo's exciting new Alpine Coaster!

Lifestyle

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.

In the days leading up to my visit to Thredbo Resort for the official launch of their winter season - and an exciting new roller coaster attraction which I’ll get to later! - I was given multiple warnings:

“Oh, apparently there’s no snow!”

“I heard it’s going to be the worst Aussie ski season ever because it’s not cold enough.”

“Ha! Good luck skiing… on the grass!”

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Snow has been a little slow but it's coming. Image: Leah Goulis

It’s true, there’s not much snow … yet!

I’m not going to lie, driving up Alpine Way towards Thredbo did feel a little different from other times I’ve visited the Snowy Mountains.

Instead of glimpses of snow as you pass the turnoff for the Ski Tube, we were greeted with patches of grass and undecorated trees.

Despite it being a chilly 6 degrees outside, this isn’t winter!

It was true. There was no snow. But it’s also only the beginning of June so let’s throw a very big “yet” in that sentence.

In fact, snowfall has begun as I type this so it won't be long until those patches of grass turn into a fluffy, white playground for all to enjoy.

So, what’s a family to do when there isn’t much to shred on the mountain? Umm.. quite a lot, actually!

Opening weekend is a party not to be missed

While you do risk not being able to ski as planned, the opening weekend at Thredbo is where it's at.

I checked in to Alpine Hotel located at the foot of the mountain in Thredbo. The village was buzzing with atmosphere regardless of snowfall (which was due in about 4-5 days we were told!)

But this community didn’t need snow to get the party started. Celebrations began the moment we arrived in the bustling Euro-style village.

Lots of things to do for the kids during opening weekend. Image: Leah Goulis

Let's start with the kids. Despite the minimal powder, children were able to enroll in a cheeky ski lesson over at Friday Flat and a heap of free activities were also on offer in an exclusive kids' area set up near Merritts Gondola.

Here, little ones can enjoy painting their own rocks, decorating marshmallow men, get their face painted and indulge in some s'mores over the fire pits.

All of it is a heap of fun for the whole family, but the launch of Thredbo's newest attraction - The Alpine Coaster - is what people will be queuing up for this winter season.

Thredbo's new and exciting attraction - the Alpine Coaster! Image: Leah Goulis

Thredbo’s new Alpine Coaster

This winter will see plenty of tourists wanting to nab a ride on the Alpine Coaster - the first to be build in the Southern Hemisphere.

So what is it? To put it simply, it's a roller coaster that travels through the mountain where you're in control.

1.5km in length, the coaster travels up the mountain before ducking and weaving on the way down through trees, tunnels and bridges. Passengers can control their speed of up to 40km/h and brake to a slower pace any time they like.

But if you're like me and take a dare-devil friend, you can bet they're going to go full throttle which will possibly result in the loss of a beanie. Don't worry, I'm not mad about it, it was from Kmart.

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Fun is an understatement when it comes to this new attraction and the fact that it's open all year round, it's Thredbo's way of "weather proofing" themselves if you like. While it was certainly pretty with no snow, whizzing through the alpine landscape when it's covered in white will be something else.

While the kids will certainly love it, it's a ride, so it comes with a few safety rules. To ride the coaster on your own you must be 8 years or older and over 135cms tall. For the little ones aged between 3 and 8, someone over the age of 15 will need to ride tandem with you.

Tickets are available to tack on to your lift pass, otherwise you can book an individual ride from $15.

All of the food! Image: Leah Goulis

Other things to do when it's not snowing

Now that I've sold you on the latest new attraction, let's talk about all of the other exciting things you can do if hitting Thredbo's "Big 5" runs aren't on offer.

No mater how long your stay is, I recommend taking the chairlift up to Eagle's Nest, Australia's highest restaurant. Sit for a bite to eat or indulge in one of their epic hot chocolates. The view from the top is also breathtaking.

If you're more of an active type, the Leisure Centre will keep you moving. The centre boasts a heated pool, inflatable water slide, sports hall with Olympic-sized trampolines, a bouldering wall, squash court and a fully-equipped gym.

If you prefer to exercise outdoors, Thredbo is known for its picturesque hikes, so check some of them out too.

Saturday night boogie sesh. Image: Leah Goulis

Night time at Thredbo

Winter fun in Thredbo village isn't reserved for the day time. The night comes alive thanks to the many free après events filled with live music and entertainment.

I was lucky enough to catch Client Liason on stage during opening weekend, but the line-up for the rest of the season is impressive - including the likes of Peking Duk and Sneaky Sound System.

Saturday nights end with an epic fireworks display that the whole family can enjoy before calling it a night and doing it all again in the morning. Hopefully, with a bit of overnight snowfall!

The writer was a guest of Thredbo Resort to celebrate the 2024 winter season and the launch of the new Alpine Coaster. If you spot her beanie on the coaster track, tell it she says hi!