Thredbo's lift-accessed bike park and valley trails have riding for first-timers right through to downhill racers. Here is how the trails step up, what to pack for the mountains and the kit that makes a big day easier.
Protection first, then the kit that keeps you comfortable all day.
Trail helmets for adults and kids, plus full-face options.
Knee and elbow guards for rocky, technical descents.
Gloves for a steady grip and protected hands.
Jackets and gillets for when mountain weather turns.
Hydration packs, vests and bladders for longer rides.
Multitools, lubes and cleaners to keep your bike running.
A handful of trails and areas, from first laps to the big descents.
A lift-accessed beginner trail in the Cruiser MTB area, with easy radial turns, small berms and rollers. Thredbo describes it as the perfect starting point for riders new to gravity riding.
Good to knowThredbo's beginner guide suggests taking the first lap slowly to inspect the trail, then repeating it until you feel at home. Ride the green trails before you step up to blue.
A true flow trail that descends from the top of the Merritts Gondola and wraps around the side of the mountain. Deep berms and rolling terrain mean very little pedalling or braking.
Good to knowIt is the next step after Easy Rider in Thredbo's own trail progression. A good one for building confidence at a bit more speed.
Thredbo's longest-standing flow trail, machine-built with rollers, jumps and flowing berms on a steady gradient. It is long and lively without being steep.
Good to knowThredbo lists it among its low intermediate flow trails, for riders who have already ridden the green trails. Grasshopper is the suggested warm-up before it.
Thredbo's famous downhill run, dropping around 600 metres vertically through tree-lined slopes. Expect off-camber sections, rock drops, large gap jumps and a wall-ride.
Good to knowIt sits at the top of Thredbo's progression, for advanced riders only. The resort recommends a downhill-specific bike for its steeper, faster trails, and full-face helmets are highly recommended.
A shared-use trail that follows the Thredbo River down the valley, crossing several suspension bridges through grassland and eucalypt forest. There are easier sections near Thredbo and longer, harder stretches further on.
Good to knowYou share it with walkers, so give way and ride at a friendly pace. One-way rides need a pick-up or car shuffle, and NSW National Parks advises carrying water, a first aid kit and a personal locator beacon.
The Flip beginner skills park sits at the top of the Merritts Gondola, with small rock gardens, berms and rollers for practising cornering, braking and body position. Down in the village, the Village Green Pump Track suits all levels.
Good to knowThe skills park makes a handy warm-up before your first trail of the day. If you want technical practice without a lift pass, Thredbo points riders to the Golf Course Loop beside the river.
Thredbo makes helmets mandatory on all its trails and highly recommends full-face helmets for gravity riding. A snug fit matters most, so it should sit level and stay put when you shake your head. If you are hiring, ask about protection when you collect your bike.
Knee pads and elbow guards take the sting out of small spills on rocky trails. On the steeper downhill runs, many riders add body armour and goggles too. Thredbo's recommended list also includes full-finger gloves, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
Conditions in the Snowy Mountains can change quickly, even on a warm morning. A light rain jacket or gillet packs small and makes a cold chairlift ride or a sudden shower far more bearable.
Lift laps are short, but a full day of riding adds up. A hydration pack lets you sip between runs and carry a snack, and it is close to essential on the longer Thredbo Valley Track.
Thredbo's MTB School runs Intro to MTB sessions for brand new riders, covering gears and braking. Even confident road riders pick up useful gravity skills in a clinic.
Work through the green trails before moving to blue, and repeat each one until it feels easy. The trail map and Thredbo's progression guide show which trail comes next.
Look at Thredbo's lifts and trails status before you head up, as trails can close for weather or maintenance. Pack a layer even if the village feels warm.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Mandatory on every Thredbo trail | Full-face is highly recommended on gravity trails |
| Knee and elbow pads | Protect joints on rocks and roots | Try them on with your riding shorts and sleeves |
| Gloves | Better grip and fewer grazes | Full-finger gloves suit the bike park best |
| Rain jacket or gillet | Mountain weather changes fast | Choose one that packs into a jersey pocket or pack |
| Hydration pack | Water and snacks without stopping | Fill it before you head to the lifts |
| Multitool | Quick fixes on the trail | Practise using it at home first |
| Glasses or goggles | Keep dust and grit out of your eyes | Wrap-around styles give better coverage |
No. Thredbo Retail and Rental hires gravity-focused enduro and downhill bikes, along with recreational bikes and e-bikes that suit the valley trails, and protective gear is available in the resort too. Thredbo says enduro, downhill and hardtail rentals must be booked online and can sell out in busy periods, so book ahead. If you bring your own, Thredbo recommends at least a full suspension enduro bike for the bike park, as cross-country bikes are not recommended on its gravity trails.
Yes. The bike park is built around progression, with green trails such as Easy Rider and Sidewinder, a beginner skills park and Intro to MTB clinics for people who have never ridden off-road. Thredbo suggests lapping each trail until you are confident before moving up. Kids aged 5 and up can ride the lift-accessed trails, with beginner to intermediate trails in the Cruiser area.
A helmet is mandatory on all trails at Thredbo, and the resort highly recommends full-face helmets for its gravity trails. A full-face helmet covers your chin and jaw, which matters at downhill speeds and on rocky, technical runs. An open-face trail helmet is lighter and cooler for cross-country riding like the Thredbo Valley Track. Whichever you choose, check it fits snugly and has not taken a hard knock before.
Dress in layers, as conditions in the mountains can change quickly between the valley and the top of the lifts. A breathable jersey with long sleeves, riding shorts or pants, and a packable rain jacket or gillet covers most days. Add full-finger gloves, closed-toe shoes and eye protection, which are all on Thredbo's recommended gear list. Sunscreen is worth packing too, as the sun is strong at altitude.
Thredbo is an alpine village in Kosciuszko National Park in the NSW Snowy Mountains, reached by road along the Alpine Way past Jindabyne. National park entry fees apply on the Alpine Way, so check the NSW National Parks website before you go. Once you are in the village, the bike park lifts carry you and your bike up the mountain, and the Thredbo Valley Track starts from Friday Drive in Thredbo.
Pick your first trails, check the conditions and pack layers for the mountains. We have the kit to get you set for the ride.
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