There’s something special about an Aussie snow trip. Skiing in t-shirt weather (sometimes). Helicopter rides over the Snowy Mountains. Wilderness picnics watching wallabies prance in the snow. Catching incredible local DJs at arvo après-ski session. Yep, no one does a ski trip like Aussies do.
In honour of our unrivalled Aussie ski season, I’ve done the hard yards of shredding the slopes, sinking the White Claws, playing cricket in the snow, and soaring over the snowcapped peaks in a chopper to bring you a fresh and spicy guide to Thredbo.
Nail Your Ski Style Aesthetic
If you’ve never been to the snow before, knowing what to wear can be hella stressful. There’s an unspoken dress code when you hit the slopes that's like 90s grunge meets 80s retro. Find inspiration in films like Hot Tub Time Machine and Dumb And Dumber.
Where To Embrace The Art Of Après-Ski
Your après-ski sessions are just as important as the skiing itself. Whether you've just stepped off the snow and into a bar, at a gig, or chilling at a bonfire with mates, simply arm yourself with a refreshing White Claw and boom—you're nailing the art of après-ski.
As for spots in the village for après-ski, Lounge Bar is a must. This bar has an indoor fireplace to cosy up to, or warm up on the dancefloor when the bar has guest DJs and musicians.
Alpine Bar tops the list as Thredbo’s best outdoor venue for events and live music in the village. Depending on when you’re visiting, there are usually parties, notable music acts or DJs planned for the weekend so stay across all the news via their socials. Plan your trip for August 13 when KLP hits the stage, check out the deets on White Claw's Weekend with KLP here.
The Après Bar is all in the name. Located at The Denman, you can really embrace the age-old tradition of après by clicking out of your skis or unstrapping from your board, taking a few steps and a short flight of stairs and voila, you’re there. This bar is known for the bartenders doing fancy things with their cocktails like throwing tricks behind the bar.
Next up is Schuss Bar, a sort of sports bar meets club. Early on, you can come and watch live sports on the big screens before the vibe picks up with DJs or live music acts.
Things To Do (That Aren’t Skiing And Boarding)
Of course, you come to the slopes for skiing and boarding but there are plenty of other activities to pack into your itinerary. A snow trip is all about doing things you’ve never done before like going full baller with a scenic chopper ride over the Snowy Mountains. From Jindabyne, you will soar to a remote cabin in the woods complete with a wilderness picnic. This is a bespoke offering but it seems like the Thredbo crew can move heaven and earth for anyone willing to embrace those spontaneous ‘let’s do it’ moments, so be sure to hit them up.
For something a little different, play cricket in the snow. While it’s usually reserved for the sweltering summer sun, backyard barbeques or the beach—it might be even more fun playing it in the snow.
Make the most of every moment on your vaycay and head up the mountain on a sunrise hike. You won’t even need to get up that early since the sun rises so late in winter. There’s plenty to explore around the mountain and ample opportunity to spot wallabies prancing in the snow. So cute.
When your legs need a break, lean into those meaningful moments with mates in your chalet. Cook up a feast together and close out the night with a card game (we played some heated rounds of Bullshit) while toasting s'mores and cheers'ing White Claws by the fire.
Where To Eat
On The Mountain
Healthy food does not exist at a ski resort. In the snow hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and s’mores are mandatory. Save the salad for at home. My personal favourite meal on the mountain was a loaded hot dog and refreshing Mango White Claw from Black Salles. Located at the top of Snowgums Chairlift just off the top of the Crackenback Supertrail, you can warm up inside or dine on the deck set amongst the gum trees.
Friday Flat Bar & Bistro is a classic and conveniently located at the bottom of the mountain. It's also got a large outdoor dining area where you can rest your legs as you greedily devour lunch and watch the boarders and skiers shoot down the mountain.
Sitting pretty at 1,937 metres high and offering 270-degree views of Thredbo Valley you’ll find Eagles Nest, pegged as the highest restaurant in Australia. If you don’t want to eat like you’re at a 12-year-olds birthday party, you can actually get some delicious, less stodgy meals here.
In The Village
Compared to the on-mountain bites, you will, in fact, find some salads and other gourmet options in the village. If you’re feeling a wee bit fancy, make a booking at Cascades Restaurant. Expect dishes like a cheesy grazing board, lamb rump, beetroot halloumi salad and even Merimbula oysters. There’s something about having oysters at the snow that is so weird and simultaneously a huge flex—so be sure to snap that moment for the ‘gram. Cascades also do a hectic brekky buffet that I highly, highly recommend.
Now back to embracing heavy meals, if you’re like me, you'll eat pizza for at least one meal per day and T-Bar Restaurant does some of the best. They’re woodfired, so immediately superior. Aside from pizza, there are baked scallops, calamari, pappardelle ragu slow-braised lamb and beef, and ravioli with zucchini, ricotta and mint.
The Local Pub will do a quick and dirty rendition of your favourite pub grub. I opted for the kid's cheeseburger and fries that were 10/10 and was actually a really big portion. This pub has the biggest balcony in Thredbo and is the ideal spot for a sundowner. It was too cold for us so we opted to play a few rounds of pool armed with a Ruby Grapefruit White Claw inside instead.
Embrace those spontaneous and unforgettable ‘let’s do it’ moments. From trying something new like a black run or heliskiing, this is how you take it next level and do winter the White Claw way.
Please do not share this content with anyone under the age of 18.
Image credit: Urban List
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by White Claw and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.