Places That Rock: Thredbo AM trail

It’s taken a long time, with a lot of work from a lot of passionate people but the Thredbo All Mountain or Cross Country trail is officially open. Well at least 75% is… That’s right the All Mountain trail is open with a temporary fire road connection before approximately 8km and many minutes (depending on your skill level) of pure flowing descent from Dirt Art.

Getting up and away from the central Flow and Cannonball DH trails, the All Mountain trail traverses across the mountain range eventually spitting you out onto Friday flat or back across to the Valley Terminal. Probably the most central trail in the big dream of a trail system that will lead you from Eagles Nest to Jindabyne. On the Friday afternoon of this years Cannonball Festival, we headed out with a crew to find out just how awesome this new trail is.

GETTING THERE

Find your way to Thredbo and from there you will need, a chairlift pass and you’re on your way for some runs.The temporary access to the ‘All Mountain’ trail begins at the first fire road crossing on the ‘Flow trail’ as you come past ‘Kareela Hut’. Chances are you will still ride past the turn off at full speed so make sure you ask for some detailed instructions from the Thredbo MTB staff in the valley terminal. Once you have made the turn off there however the trail is well signposted. There is a little hike a bike as well as a few springs to cool off in on your traverse, so take it easy and don’t cook yourself because there is a long descent ahead. When the full trail opens, hopefully by easter, access will be straight out of Eagles Nest.

TECHNICAL NATURE

Expect berm after flowing berm, loose silt corners and undulating rock formations to keep you on the tips of your clip in’s. Everything is roll-able but a quick look at a few things along the way will prevent any accidents. You will know when you reach these features.

A and B lines are marked or simply super apparent. There are also a generous smattering of jumps and hidden gaps, so just keep an eye out. Dirt Art have clearly designed the trail with the idea that anyone can have a go and the Thredbo crew clearly think the same, with beginners set to go down here before the Flow trail. Honestly, it is missing a sit and ponder rock garden. Maybe we will get this in the final upper section?

YOU WILL NEED

All your regular trail necessities, c02, tube, multi tool and water. There are regular sweeps from the mountain patrol, so if you are stuck, injured or need a helping hand someone shouldn’t be too far behind.

DISTANCE

As it stands at 75% built about 8km. It will be longer when fully built. We took the no garmin, no rules approach and just enjoyed the flow.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Keep an eye out for all the sneaky lines… too many to mention here but keep your eyes peeled and find your perfect way to interpret the trail.

IN THE AREA AND LOCAL EVENTS

Thredbo plays host to National and State level events as well as it’s own Cannonball Festival throughout the year, keep an eye on the AMB calendar for dates. The mountain is open throughout summer to ride and you can easily pair this with one of Thredbo’s less riding related festivals for a fun weekend away.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Summer. Duh! Unless you want to be under several feet of snow. Ignore my smart arse-ry and take this humble advice. If you can, try to go during the week for less of a crowd and a trail practically to yourself or bring ten of your mates for an epic session.

LOCAL BIKE SHOPS

The Thredbo Valley Terminal houses all you need for your riding adventures. Check in with Mr Sam Brownlie to get your bike diallllled.

FACILITIES

Toilets – Yes at Eagles Nest and Thredbo Terminal. Nothing on the trail, get sprinting if the need arrises.

Drinking Water – Yes, throughout Thredbo

Parking – Throughout Thredbo. Make sure you have your park pass and their is easy parking around friday flat and further south of the Valley Terminal for non timed parking. You have a bike use it.

Trails Signposted – Yes.

Mobile Reception – Strong at the top of the mountain to wavering at the bottom

Shelter – No. Take a rain jacket, play it smart.

BBQ Facilites – No

Accommodation – At the trails doorstep in Thredbo but there is also accommodation in Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback.

RATINGS

Technical 4/5

Fitness 2/5 (hello gravity)

Cross Country 2/5

Trail 5/5

All Mountain 4/5

Downhill 5/5 (it’s all down)

Jump 3/5