Why you should visit Thredbo in Summer

Immerse yourself in nature on a bushwalk or hike

As winter retreats in September and October each year, the once snow-blanketed Kosciuszko National Park transforms into delicate tundra in hues of green and brown. The air in this part of the country is startling fresh, and the gorgeous alpine landscape, thawing and budding in the spring or coated with wildflowers and buzzing with activity in the summer, is perfect for exploring with long walks or hikes. 

For a real sense of achievement, journey to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak. Crystal clear streams, rock formations, twisted gum trees, alpine grasses, and distant valley peaks make it a breathtaking ascent, but the well-maintained paths and steel boardwalks mean it's a surprisingly friendly climb, and it's even accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs.

Get a head start up Crackenback with the chairlift to the beginning of the 6.5km summit track – and once you've ticked off Kosciuszko, consider continuing a few kilometres further to the country's second-highest peak, the arguably more beautiful Mount Townsend, crowned with rocky tors.

As you'd expect of NSW's largest National Park, there are plenty more walks in the area to tempt you, so if your legs can handle it, take a look at some of the others as well.

Experience Australia's best mountain biking playground

With its breathtaking scenery and phenomenal track construction, Thredbo is a truly world-class location for mountain biking. On the very same slopes the skiiers and snowboarders shred up in the winter time, come spring you'll find an abundance of linked cross country and gravity trails, as well as two pump tracks, skill parks and, uniquely, chairlifts with bike racks to repeatedly ferry you up to the top after each run. 

As with skiing, you'll want to be approaching intermediate level to get the most out of the steeper descents on offer, though there are runs for riders of all abilities and it's worth mentioning that Thredbo also features beginner lessons help you get started.

Nearby Jindabyne also has some worthwhile trails that are worth checking out, in particular at Mill Creek and Tyrolean. Primarily cross country fare, these should be a bit more accessible to novice riders than the steep gravity offerings of Thredbo. 

If you're in need of bike hire, look no further than YHA Thredbo, which has high quality Trek models available to rent for a reasonable price. 

Speed to the summit on a chairlift

One of the biggest boons to hikers and especially mountain bikers, and what makes Thredbo truly special for the latter, is its summer chairlift access. During the extended summer season (approx. November-April), Thredbo's chairlifts run just like they do in the winter, with several also adding bike racks as well.

This not only makes it a breeze for mountain bikers to zoom to the top with their bikes for repeated downhill runs, it also gives hikers easy access to a host of high altitude routes, and allows everyone else convenient access to some spectacular views.

With over half a dozen distinct lift routes, including 4 suitable for bikes: the Cruiser, Gunbarrel and Kosciuszko chairlifts and the European-style Merritt's Gondola, you can take your pick of scenic and strategic and plan your day around a number of key peaks, biking, hiking or taking in this stunning alpine landscape in whatever way you see fit. 

Hurtle down the Alpine Bobsled

A sure way to get a thrill of speed, especially if you're not a mountain biker, is by making our way to Thredbo's distinctive Alpine Bobsled. More generally known as a summer toboggan or alpine slide in other parts of the world, these are a summer favourite at ski resorts in Europe, and Thredbo's rendition delivers plenty of fun with sledders barrelling down a winding metal chute at speeds of upwards of 35km/h.

The Alpine Bobsled induces just enough adrenaline to get the heart racing, while still feeling totally safe and leaving the control of your velocity in your own hands. The whole family can get involved, too, with solo rides permitted for ages 9+ and the option for little ones to pair up with an adult and tandem their way down.

Try your hand at disc golf

Everyone loves the classic Aussie pastime of throwing a frisbee, and with mini golf being such a popular pastime for groups of friends or family, it's no wonder that combining the two is a real winner of an idea. Disc golf captures the casual appeal of mini golf on a full size golf course, and lets anyone who can (somewhat) throw a frisbee join in the fun without any of the hassle of clubs, caddies or finnicky golf swings. 

Just like in golf, in disc golf each player must try to get their frisbee into the metal baskets in as few throws as possible, with one of you (hopefully) keeping score along the way.

Best of all, even if you're one of the majority of people whose frisbee throwing usually ends up careening straight into the ground, it still makes for a hilariously entertaining way to spend an afternoon with friends in the great outdoors. 

More things to do in Thredbo in summer

Thought we were done? Think again. Thredbo has plenty more activities, adventures and ways to relax during the warmer months. Here are some of our top picks:

• Enjoy live music and a festival atmosphere over the Christmas, New Year and January period with the Thredbo Summer Music Series.
• Take advantage of the incredibly well-equipped Thredbo Leisure Centre in Thredbo Village, featuring a ton of fun ways get active with its gym, pool, waterslide, sports hall, bouldering wall, squash court and recreational trampoline centre.
• If you're less of a frisbee fan and want to get stuck in to some actual golf, Thredbo Golf Club's 9-holes are Australia's highest golf course and are a stunning place to have a game.
• Get stuck into some rock climbing and abseiling, a more extreme experience amongst the Snowy Mountains' distinctive glacial boulders.
• Thredbo features its very own skate park, a great spot for a family picnic and letting the kids let loose on their skateboard, scooter, bike or roller blades (remember – wear pads!).
• Watch or get involved in a myriad of mountain biking competitions and races across the MTB season.

Where to stay

To enjoy everything that a summer in Thredbo has to offer you'll need a place to stay for at least a couple of nights. With recently refurbished, high-quality rooms, in-house Trek mountain bike hire, comfortable indoor and outdoor common spaces and a fully-equipped guest kitchen, look no further than YHA Thredbo, located in the heart of the village.

Read next: The best hikes and walks around Thredbo