Since the early 1990s, Thredbo, located at 500 km/310 mi in the south of Sydney, has been a popular destination in summer for recreational and competitive mountain biking, attracting prominent racers from all over Australia and overseas.
There are about 4.5 km/2.8 mi of cross country single-track and fire-trail around Thredbo Village, connecting Thredbo with the neighboring villages. The spot is suitable for mountain bikers of all levels. Thredbo hosts also the world’s renowned downhill track, known as the Cannonball Run.
The Cannonball Run is accessed by taking the Kosciusko Express Quad-Chairlift up to Eagles Nest. The course runs back to the bottom of the chairlift, at 600 m/1968 ft of vertical drop below. With approximately 4.2 km/2.6 mi of fast single-track with multiple drops and jumps, the Cannonball Run represents one of Australia’s longest downhill circuit.
The Cannonball Run hosts many races during the summer months, including national and state-level rounds, the Australian Iron-horse Open, the National Inter-schools Mountain Biking Competition. Track engineers have created a significant difference to the sustainability of downhill mountain biking in a sensitive alpine environment.
Furthermore, the Thredbo Mountain-cross track opened in 2005 and it is designed by the famous Australian trail expert Glen Jacobs. It is situated in Friday Flat and it comprises a start gate, multiple doubles, rollers, step-downs and step-ups.
The spot has hosted numerous competitions since its opening including national and state rounds and the National Inter-schools Mountain Biking Competition. Thredbo Village offers more than 5,000 accommodation options, however, it is still a small place to scroll around.
There is a free shuttle bus system with buses running in circles every 5 minutes, so you do not have to walk far when carrying your equipment and wearing your board. The Village Square is the meeting point of the village, a place to browse, a place to buy, a place to meet or simply sit down to cafeteria, watching people passing by.