It takes about seven hours to get to Thredbo from Sydney or Melbourne if you factor in a few pit stops along the way. Thredbo is about a 15-minute drive from the Skitube terminal at Perisher and three hours from Canberra. You can pick up a day and multiday park entry pass from the Thredbo Visitor Centre or NPWS vehicle-entry station. But snow bunnies will find better value with the purchase of an NPWS Annual All Parks Pass, which can be bought online ahead of time. If you’re coming from further afield, like Brisbane, fly Qantas direct to Canberra Airport, just 2.5 hours away from Thredbo. Pick up a rental car from Snowy Mountains Airport or take the shuttle bus.

Tucked inside The Alpine Hotel, Segreto reopens this winter with a menu that threads classic Italian with Argentinian flames and flavour. The chef’s tiramisu alone is worth the booking. After dinner, the room transitions into something more intimate with a snack and cocktail menu and somewhat of a ‘segreto’ (secret) speakeasy energy. Walk-in only after service. 1 Friday Drive, Thredbo; thredbo.com.au

Avoid the lift lines and make a straight downhill run on skis to Black Sallees off the top of Crackenback Supertrail. From here, contemplate the ice cream bowl of a mountain from the sun-drenched deck. Or cosy up around the fireplace with a glass of gluhwein. Order katsu chicken curry so you can casually flex to fellow skiers about your time spent in Japan. Village Trail, Thredbo; thredbo.com.au

Owned by local Thredbo musician Mark Travers and his partner Sheree, Piste Bar has already earned its place on the village circuit. This winter it returns with a new head chef whose laksa has developed something of a following. The setting, overlooking the Thredbo River with the ranges behind it, is also a draw. Live music runs Wednesday through Sunday. 1 Diggings Terrace, Thredbo; pistebar.com

At 1937 metres, Eagles Nest is Australia’s highest restaurant. It’s adjacent to Kosciuszko Express Chairlift and the ultimate rooftop restaurant, with 270-degree views of mountains wrapped in a rumpled white blanket every winter. Keep it simple and have a Rueben toastie or deli board with a few cheeky vinos. Top Of Kosciuszko Chairlift Kosciuszko Express; rydges.com

Don’t worry, be schnappy. The atmospheric Wildbrumby Distillery Door & Café is just a short Uber ride out of Thredbo and worth the small talk with your driver. The squat building cobbled together out of glass and tin pays tribute to the beauty of utility. The distillery was founded by former ski instructor Brad Spalding and his wife Monika, whose grandfather was a distiller in Austria. The couple marry traditional distilling methods with local sourced botanicals to create a range of schnapps, gin and vodka. Alpine Way, Crackenback; wildbrumby.com

Gear up early to get on the high-speed gondola bound for Merritts Mountain Haus, an essential stop for seasoned snow bunnies. Hearty Haus specials include beef goulash or winter soup with focaccia soldiers. The beef brisket burger with cheese, slaw and pickles will also sort you out. Sit outside on a sunshine-y day to soak up the views and vibes for schnappy hour. Merritts Mountain Haus also offers a night-time feast that includes a gondola ride over the glowing village. Top of Merritts Gondola, Thredbo; rydges.com

T Bar leans into its location in Thredbo with a menu of local produce sourced from the Snowy Mountains. T Bar is giving woolshed and popular with families of snowboarding teens who need to refuel after spending the day flinging themselves downhill. The Italian eatery specialises in hearty dishes such as gnocchi and risotto. Do order the devilishly good Diavola given a kick with circles of Calabrese salami. Shop 1/2 Mowamba Pl, Thredbo; tbar-restaurant.com.au

Cascades caters to visiting shredders who come here each season for the signature Sunday roast. Show off your new designer boots for dinner at the fine diner known for elevated options such as pressed lamb and Paris mash, petits pois à la Française and pepperberry jus or leek and mushroom risotto. Don’t peak before your dessert of decadent lemon panna cotta. Cascades is popular with guests of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel for its over-the-top buffet breakfast. thredbo.com.au

Ugg Boots are an acceptable form of footwear in Thredbo. Join your fellow ski bums at the Alpine Bar to enjoy a few Kosciuszko Pale Ale schooeys under the stars. The sprawling courtyard is a popular place to unwind after a day spent on the mountain. Expect DJs and live bands and a line-up of big-name artists to take centre stage during Aprés at the Alpine Bar. 8 Friday Dr, Thredbo; thredbo.com.au

Follow the sound of mariachi music to The Mad Mexican in the heart of Thredbo. The eatery in the House of Ullr is a fun place to take the family for a feast of spicy chicken wings, sweet potato fries and beef barbacoa tacos. Shrug off your Kathmandu parka and commandeer a spot at the communal table where you can wax lyrical about your run time over a few spicy margs. 89 Mowamba Pl, Thredbo; houseofullr.com.au

A leisurely day skiing with a moderate amount of effort burns about 400 calories an hour. That gives us license to carb-load at Alpine Pizzeria. Those with an adventure-first attitude should ignore that little snobby voice inside their head and give the ham and pineapple pizza a go. Or pair the spicy pepperoni pizza with a bucket of Balters. Noice. Friday Dr, Thredbo; thredbo.com.au

The Local Pub is also a top spot for a slap-up dinner of gnocchi with beef ragu or the hugely popular spice bag stuffed with chips, pork belly, capsicum, curry sauce, chilli and coriander. The pub has the largest balcony in Thredbo so grab your beanie and enjoy the scenery during happy hour from 3.30-5pm on weekdays. Hard-launch your new situationship here over a few glasses of shiraz around the fireplace. Alternatively, dress like one of the Peaky Blinders and sign up for the Friday night Pool Comp every Friday. thredbo.com.au

Can’t afford the airfare for a season in Kitzbühel, Austria? Console yourself by dredging wodges of bread through a creamy puddle of the signature fondue at Candlelight Lodge, a fixture for families visiting Thredbo Village for 50 years. Make sure you book a table on a Saturday evening when skiers descend the slopes in a synchronised formation for the weekly flare run followed by fireworks at 6pm during the ski season. 32 Diggings Terrace, Thredbo Village; candlelightlodge.com.au

You’ve checked the cams and the forecast is grim. Don’t be piste off: just take the day off and linger in the Lounge Bar instead. Give yourself an ear worm of that hit song by Harry Styles by ordering the Watermelon Sugar cocktail. And feel smug that you’re not ascending to the top of the summit on this grey and blustering day. Snuggle up near the fire crackling away in the centre of the room over an alpine board of cheese and charcuterie. Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Friday Drive, Thredbo Village Resort; thredbo.com.au