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Think you know Thredbo? Come back when the snow has gone.
Summer shows you a completely different side of the mountains. Hiking boots replace ski boots, mountain bikes roll through the village and the alpine landscape opens up for long days outside.
You can walk to the top of Australia in the morning and cool your feet beside the Thredbo River that afternoon. Ride the chairlift just for the view. Take on the Alpine Coaster. Throw a line in the river. Or pick one thing and make a day of it.
There's no need to rush.
If you're looking for things to do in Thredbo in summer, here are some of our favourite ways to spend a few days in the mountains.
Pick a few. Leave room for a change of plans. See where Thredbo takes you.
"Get outside and see where the day takes you"
What is Thredbo like in summer?
Summer in Thredbo is pretty simple. Get outside and see where the day takes you.
The ski runs turn green, walking trails open across the mountains and bikes replace skis on the lifts. It's a good time for hiking, riding and exploring Kosciuszko National Park, but there's just as much to be said for slower mornings and afternoons beside the river.
One local tip: don't put too much faith in the blue sky outside your window. Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer. Water, sunscreen and an extra layer are always worth throwing in your bag.
Now, where to first?
Get out on the mountain
Walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko
If you're going to walk up a mountain, it might as well be Australia's highest.
The Kosciuszko walk from Thredbo is one of those days you'll talk about long after you've headed home. Take the Kosciuszko Chairlift up the mountain, then follow the track through open alpine country towards Australia's highest point.
The walk from the top of the chairlift is around 13km return, so give yourself time.
And don't make the summit the only thing you're looking for. Stop along the way. Look back across the mountains. Keep an eye out for alpine wildflowers. This is one walk where getting there is a big part of the story.
Good walking shoes, water, sun protection and an extra layer should all make the trip with you.
Tip: Make sure to check current Kosciuszko National Park conditions and alerts before you go!
Go mountain biking in Thredbo
In summer, the skis come off the lifts and the bikes go on.
Thredbo Mountain Bike Park has more than 40km of trails, giving beginners through to experienced downhill riders plenty of mountain to explore.
New to it? Start easy and build your confidence. Been doing this for years? You'll find technical descents, jumps and rocky terrain further up the mountain.
We've deliberately kept this bit short because there's a lot more to know before you ride, from which trails to start with to bike hire and lift passes.
Read our complete guide to mountain biking in Thredbo
Ride the Kosciuszko Chairlift
You don't need hiking boots or a mountain bike to head up the mountain.
Take the Kosciuszko Chairlift up and watch Thredbo Village get smaller below you as the views open out across the surrounding mountains.
From the top, you can set off on one of the alpine walking trails or simply spend some time looking around before riding back down.
It's an easy way to get up high and see another side of Thredbo, especially when a 13km walk isn't part of today's plan.
Take on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster
Not every mountain adventure needs walking shoes.
The Thredbo Alpine Coaster twists and turns its way down the mountain, with riders controlling their own speed as they go.
It's easy to fit into a day around the village and a good one to keep up your sleeve when you're travelling with kids.
Take in the scenery on the way down. Or see how quickly everyone asks for another go.
"Some of the best afternoons in the mountains are the ones you don't plan too carefully"
Slow things down
Find a spot beside the Thredbo River
Had a big morning on the mountain? Don't feel like you need to fill the afternoon.
Grab some lunch, find a shady spot beside the Thredbo River and stay there for a while.
Read a book. Dip your feet in. Watch the bikes roll through the village. Talk about tomorrow's plans.
Some of the best afternoons in the mountains are the ones you don't plan too carefully.
Try fly fishing on the Thredbo River
If your idea of a good morning involves a fishing rod and a quiet stretch of river, you're in the right place.
The Thredbo River is known for trout fishing, with clear alpine water and mountain scenery thrown in for good measure.
If you know what you're doing, bring your gear and find your spot. If you don't, guided lessons are available in Thredbo.
A NSW recreational fishing licence is required, and seasonal rules apply, so check the latest requirements before you cast a line.
Then there's really only one thing left to do.
Wait.
Go horse riding in the High Country
Want to see the High Country from a different angle?
Horse riding experiences around the wider Snowy Mountains can take you beyond the village and into the surrounding countryside, with options ranging from shorter rides to longer adventures.
There's something about seeing the mountains from horseback that suits the pace of a summer holiday. You can cover some ground without needing to hurry through it.
Spend a day around Lake Crackenback
Just down the road from Thredbo, Lake Crackenback is an easy addition to a few days in the mountains.
Explore on foot or by bike, spend some time around the water or simply make it part of a slower day away from the village.
You don't need an ambitious plan. Head out after breakfast, see where the morning takes you and make your way back to Thredbo when you're ready.
Venture further into Kosciuszko National Park
Staying a little longer? There's plenty more of Kosciuszko National Park beyond Thredbo.
The Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool make for a bigger day out, with limestone caves, bushwalking and a spring-fed natural thermal pool to discover.
It's further afield, so give this one the time it deserves rather than squeezing it between other plans.
Sometimes the drive is part of the day out too.
Stay in the middle of it all at House of Ullr
Big days outside call for easy evenings.
House of Ullr puts you right in Thredbo Village, so when the walking shoes come off or the bikes are packed away, you're already home for the night.
There are hotel rooms for two, options for families and friends, and Cedar Creek Lodge when you're bringing the whole crew.
Hungry? The Mad Mexican is downstairs. Tomorrow's adventure? That's close by too.
Get some sleep. See what the weather's doing in the morning. Then head out and explore some more.
Things to do in Thredbo in summer FAQs
Planning a summer stay in the mountains? Here are a few things worth knowing before you head to Thredbo.
Is Thredbo worth visiting in summer?
Summer shows you a completely different side of Thredbo. The snow gives way to walking and mountain bike trails, while scenic chairlift rides, fishing, the Alpine Coaster and Kosciuszko National Park give you plenty of reasons to get outside.
And if you want a slower day, the river isn't going anywhere.
What are the best things to do in Thredbo in summer?
The best Thredbo summer activities get you out into the mountains. Walk towards the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, explore the mountain bike trails, ride the Kosciuszko Chairlift or spend a slower afternoon beside the Thredbo River.
There's plenty for families too, including the Thredbo Alpine Coaster and easier ways to explore the alpine landscape.
Can you visit Mount Kosciuszko from Thredbo in summer?
Yes. Thredbo is one of the main starting points for walking to Mount Kosciuszko. You can take the Kosciuszko Chairlift up the mountain before continuing on foot towards Australia's highest summit.
Check current lift, track and weather conditions before heading out.
Is Thredbo good for families in summer?
Yes. Thredbo family activities range from the Alpine Coaster and scenic chairlift rides to bike riding, walking and easy afternoons beside the river.
The nice part is that you don't have to fill every hour. Pick an adventure for the morning and leave some room to see where the afternoon takes you.
Where should I stay in Thredbo in summer?
Staying in Thredbo Village keeps you close to many of the walks, activities and places you'll want to explore during a summer stay.
House of Ullr offers hotel rooms and options for families and groups right in the village, so you can spend less time getting around and more time out in the mountains.