6 months ago I moved to Thredbo to live, work and learn how to snowboard. Living in a beautiful national park come winter wonderland has been an absolute dream. I moved to the mountains for an opportunity to make money and to enjoy the snow - however I am now leaving with beautiful, sassy friends, incredible memories and a love for the mountain that will forever bring me back.

I want you to enjoy Thredbo like a local.

Where to eat

Segreto. Strictly a limited time offer as this little authentic Italian 36 seat restaurant is only open for the winter! Be sure to book in advance as it does get full quickly. Expect the most scrumptious meats from the grill particularly the parmesan crusted veal, a hearty truffle gnocchi or a generous serve of tender calamari with lemon aioli. Pair your meal with a Peroni or a tasty bottle of Italian red, and if you leave hungry you have done it all wrong.

Black Bear Inn. This adorable family owned and run restaurant will make you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. Think quaint pub like vibe with a warming fire place, beautiful mountain views and a great atmosphere. Their trio of schnitzel goes down and treat, and be sure to treat yourself to a special dessert here.. it will have you licking your lips and wanting more. They have a delicious house ginger beer on tap or if schnapps is more your thing then there is ample to choose from!

Bernti’s. Have a drink at the bar downstairs before heading up a floor to the Bernti’s Grill for a more fine dining experience. The mixed dozen oysters here are a must, and they specialise in steaks - so look no further if you a good hearty piece of meat cooked to perfection. Bernti’s always boasts a great atmosphere full of locals so be sure to strike up a convo and get to know them!

Where to drink

The Denman. This little space boasts some of the best cocktails and live acoustic music in Thredbo. Usually open pretty late, you could either drop by the aptly named Aprés bar for a post ski/pre-dinner drink, and conveniently head upstairs to their Terrace restaurant, or finish your evening here with a tasty night cap. Be sure to hit them up for the money shot… you won’t be able to stop at one.

The Schuss Bar. Again a winter only venue but definitely one of the loudest & best. It’s an extremely small venue but it makes up for size with its impressive DJ lineup, quick service and fun vibes. It is a strange mix of sport bar by day and night club by night but some how it makes it work. The place to see & be seen.

Kareela Hütte. This is the best of the best on mountain ski in ski out drinking on the deck kinda place. Packed with locals and those that can afford $40 for a burger, I always just opted for a well earned Maisel’s Weisse Bier served in a tall glass, a shot of Kareela gold schnapps and perhaps a cheese plate to share. There’s a big wooden deck outside if it’s a blue bird day, or a cosy chalet feel inside where you feel like you have been transported to a mountain hütte in the Swiss alps.

Walks around and up the mountain

Obviously if there’s snow on the mountain then get yourself kitted up and ride that beast. Be it skiing or snowboarding Thredbo truly is a winter wonderland. One of my absolute favourite days once I was confident enough, was heading out to the back country. To fine tune your skills then I would recommend taking at least one lesson just to confirm you’re heading in the right direction. If when you arrive in Thredbo and the snow has melted, then it’s still one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia. With so many paths snaking around, you can just throw on your hiking boots and walk up to the highest peak in Australia. My favourite tracks around the mountain are;

Thredbo River track.
Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko.
Merritts nature track.

Worth the drive

The Wild Brumby Distillery. This adorable family owned business is a breath of fresh air and definitely worth a visit en route from Jindabyne to Thredbo. Famous for their delicious schnapps, which you will find stocked everywhere around the mountain, a tasting is a must. Sit on the back porch that wraps around the adorable café and sip on a fresh raspberry soda sourced straight from their farm. Devour a tasty and well priced Ruben sandwich - at only $10 it’s a steal. With a drive ahead of you, treat yourself to a snappy chino: a cappuccino with butterscotch snaps to get you going. Yum!

Lake Crackenback. Beautiful in the winter boasting amazing ammenities and a spa, however for me this little paradise comes alive in the summer!! For just $10 you can use a bunch of activities including canoeing and paddle boarding on the lake. The water is surprisingly not too cold and theres even a white sandy beach to take advantage of.

Lake Jindabyne. This enchanting little snowy mountain town is located on the edge of Lake Jindabyne. All year round this town has so many activities and is a great base to explore all of the surrounding Ski fields and National park walks. In winter this rather small country town turns into a bustling city, housing many of the mountain workers and guests. In the summer, when the sun is shining, the Lake is where you will want to dive on in, or kick up your feet with a fishing rod and a cold beer. Birchwood cafe or Parc Cafe are sure to satisfy your hunger or serve you up a tasty coffee in the morning.