FAQ
TRAVEL FAQ
Q: Do I need Travel Insurance
A: if you are not an Australian resident, YES! It is mandatory to have travel insurance while on the program. Be sure to have insurance that covers snow skiing.
Q: How fit do I have to be?
A: This depends on how much you want to get out of the course. If you are an intermediate skier, you should already know what those first few days back on snow feel like. The more you prepare, the quicker you can get over your jet-lag and aching muscles. Even the fittest of us will still feel the burn on the thighs after the long runs at Thredbo.
Q: What's the weather like?
A: June and July tend to be the coldest months, with the odd day getting as cold as -15C. Usually though, in these months the temperature will vary between -8C and -2C on the mountain. In the village the temperature will be around zero or just above. The temperature varies up high with some windy days, so a good technical jacket is wise and you should have decent goggles.
Q: Can I extend my program?
A: Not this season coming. the accommodation is fully booked out following the program with the peak season school holidays.
Q: Can I stay for a few extra days?
A: Generally, no. If you wish to stay longer you must pay by the week, and as mentioned above, only if the accommodation is available.
Q: Are there airport transfers?
A: No, there is a bus service to thredbo from Sydney and Canberra. Try alpine express coaches website at www.transborder.com.au for times and booking info it costs around a $100.
Q: Are the apartments far from the village?
A: All of our accommodation is in the village. There is a free bus service to get around the village if needed.
Q: Can I bring european hairdryers, electric razors, computers etc.?
A: You can bring all your electrical appliances that are used in Europe. Be sure to have the correct socket adapters for them though.
Q: How much spending money do I need?
A: This really depends on how much you eat, how much you drink and how often you intend eating out? A good ballpark figure would be $20 per day depending on the above.
Q: What is included in the price of the Program?
A: See the welcome page
Q:What is the drinking age in Australia?
A: 18 years in all states of Australia. Despite the rumours drinking is not mandatory in australia only strongly recommended.
Q: Are there other things to do in Thredbo?
A: Thredbo boasts fantastic facilities for a small village. It has a leisure centre with 50m swimming pool, spa, water slide and inflatable water feature, indoor basket ball courts, bouldering wall for climbers and gym, squash, tennis. There are the many cafes, shops and bars, post office and supermarket, internet and video store, etc.
Q What are the apartments outfitted with?
A. Each room will be provided with linen and bath towels. They contain TV, DVD and a small fridge. You will need your own soap and shampoo. They will be cleaned each week as will the linen.
Q: Are there contact numbers when I am in Thredbo?
A: I suggest that if you are in Australia for any length of time that you purchase a prepaid mobile phone. MATT also has a number family can call to pass on any emergency messages. If you need to, all mail can be sent to you via the post office:
C/O Thredbo Post office
2625, NSW,
Australia
WORK FAQ
Q: I intend to stay in Thredbo after the course. Can I get work with Thredbo after completing the course?
A: Provided you pass it is possible to work. You must have a valid work permit to even seek work though. We will organise positions with the snowsports general manager, Adam Hosie. You will not need to do a hiring clinic. They need people that will provide excellent customer service for their clients. You will then have a 2 week trail period, as all new employees do, at Thredbo Snowsports School before full-time employment. The best chance for non residents to gain a work visa is to get a holiday working visa. Thredbo Snowsports School will not provide you with a visa. Check with www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/
EQUIPMENT FAQ
Q: How should I dress when skiing in Thredbo?
A: Dress in layers,. Waterproof outerwear is essential, jacket and pant with vent/zips are great. It can get wet and it often gets windy up high, so googles are essential.
Q: Should I hire ski's or buy?
A: Buy. Even if you are only doing the 4 week program, the cost of hiring ski's/boots/poles for a couple of weeks would virtually buy you a new pair. There are many places to shop in the village; as well the exchange rate may be in your advantage to buy in Australia. All the boot fitting shops in town will guarantee the fit of the boot for life, where many places overseas will charge about $100.00 an hour for a fitting / adjustments. The program also offers instructor pro deals on Nordica skis. The doberman spitfire comes with a recommendation as the perfect working ski for the Australian mountains and conditions.
Q: Are there lockers available for storage of skis and boots.
A: The River Inn is ski in ski out and has excellent storage included.
If you stay at Kara’s you have storage as well and there are lockers available for a small charge at the base of Thredbo for ski's boots and other equipment.
CONTACT US
For information or to book a place on the program contact; mattinthredbo@bigpond.com
ELITE, P.O. Box 23, Thredbo Village, NSW, 2625, Australia.
