Seven Reasons Why Thredbo's Après Ski Scene Is So Cool

Thredbo is the ultimate winter destination, and 2022 is the year you experience it for yourself.
Kosa Monteith
May 26, 2022

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Never picked up a snowboard or snapped on a pair of skis? No problem. Not only are there ample opportunities to upskill on the slopes — there's so much more to Thredbo than snow sports. 

Welcome to the après-ski lifestyle: fine wine, fondue, fireplaces and some next-level snowfields fashion. This winter is your chance to go all out with luxurious champagne lunches, outdoor dance parties, live music, mountaintop feasts and fireworks lighting up the night sky. Whether you want to jump into the jam-packed events calendar or wind down by the fire at a cosy bar with a schnapps in hand, you're about to discover why Thredbo is an award-winning winter experience.

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THE FASHION

Forget being swaddled in shapeless, dull puffer jackets and uninspiring colour palettes. Thredbo is all about the 80s snowfield chic. We're talking stylish fluoro detail, faux fur, and a killer headband and flashy goggle combo that'll have you looking sharp on the mountain and at the bar. 

Need some inspo? When it comes to vintage winter gear, it's go hard or go home. So crack out the snowflake sweaters and furry headbands and get ready to put your best boot forward.

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THE PARTIES

Congratulations, you now have a wardrobe fit for the First Base First Base's A Vintage Après Ski Soirée — the wildest party you'll find in Thredbo this winter. If you think a night of dancing, DJs and Canadian Club will help to cut through winter's bite, make First Base your number one party priority. July 23 will see Stace Cadet take pride of place; August 20 brings the ever-fabulous Poof Doof to the chilly locale; and attendees on September 3 are in for a surprise headliner.

Heineken is joining forces with Thredbo to transform Alpine Bar into the outdoor live music space of dreams with Heineken Saturday. Set Mo will be bringing their groove-heavy dance tracks on June 11; while the August 6 session will be a tribute to the electronic mastery of Daft Punk courtesy of Discovery, the duo dedicated to the One More Time virtuosos.

And, if that mega offering still has you wanting more, White Claw Weekend is bringing KLP to increase the heat in the snow town. Seltzers and a DJ set from an industry heavyweight after a morning on our glorious slopes? The makings of an epic Saturday.

If you only hit up parties for the food (we get it), take the Alpine Gondola up to Merritts Mountain House for its Bavarian-inspired winter feast. The Kareela Hutte Supper Club is a genteel affair where you can watch the Saturday night fireworks with a champagne and canapé in hand. Or, if you're after something a bit more low-key, see what's on at some of the smaller local venues, such as the regular trivia night at T-Bar.cp-line

THE MUSIC

Can't make it to one of the parties? Don't worry, you won't miss out on Thredbo's music scene. Venues around the village have loads of live gigs throughout the busy winter months.

Swing by Merritts Mountain House for regular DJ sets or head over to the Schuss Bar to catch live bands performing. The Lounge Bar at First Base is the perfect spot to kick back with a drink by the fire and take in a solo set. Make sure you keep an ear out for more local gig announcements closer to the snow season — chances are there'll be something that grabs you.cp-line

THE FOOD

You might not think of Thredbo as a foodie destination, but that's about to change. Apart from its top-notch restaurants and delightful ski-side kiosks, Thredbo is laying on a spread of delicious events this winter.

First up, the GH Mumm Long Lunch will return with luxurious alpine fare and the finest bubbles. On Wednesday evenings from July 13–September 7, you can ride on the Snowcat to Kareela Hutte for a night of premium wining and dining overlooking the picturesque snowy village. Craving a foodie experience, but can't wait to hit the slopes? Head up the mountain for a Sunrise Session. Nothing will beat a delicious breakfast and mimosa on the mountain before jumping on your skis or snowboard in the first rays of light. cp-line

THE DRINKS

Whether you're chasing a fine wine by the fire or hankering for mountaintop steins of beer, Thredbo has an ideal venue for your preferred tipple.

Eagles Nest — the highest restaurant and bar in Australia — offers beer, wine and cocktails with an unparalleled view. Love a bev but can't loathe getting in and out of your gear? Head to ski-in, ski-out venue Kareela Hutte for your vino break.

Down in Thredbo village, the Après Bar at The Denman boasts a brilliant range of spirits and liqueurs and a team of cocktail experts ready to shake up your perfect winter drink. For an enviable wine list, hit up Cascades Restaurant, Sante or grab a bottle at Thredbo Cellars. Or, take a trip out of town to the Wildbrumby distillery for locally produced schnapps, vodka and gin at the cellar door.cp-line

THE VILLAGE

Whether you stay in a cabin, chalet, apartment or the Alpine Hotel itself for your winter wonderland, you'll soon discover that Thredbo is more than a resort — it's got that community vibe.

Be sure to visit the village bakery, the aptly named Local Pub to tie one on, and then go full alpine indulgence with fondue at Candlelight Restaurant and a rejuvenating session at Tineke Edwards Massage Therapy after a big day on the slopes (or in the lounge bar). For a touch of arts and culture, you can check out JK Gallery and Mountain Shop for original artworks, sculptures and homewares.cp-line

THE STORIES

Whatever winter adventure you choose, you'll have plenty of stories to tell. Whether you travel with the whole crew, the family, or make new friends along the way, you can sit back at the end of the day and regale them with tales of your successes and slip ups on the slopes.

Did you catch the fireworks? The ice sculptures? Which roaring alpine fireplace is, in fact, the most cosy? Soon, you'll have all the intel on secret spots to share with your crew that are sure to keep you heading back, year after year. cp-line

Keen to check out Thredbo's après ski scene for yourself? For more information and to plan your snow trip, visit the website.

Published on May 26, 2022 by Kosa Monteith
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