So you’ve finished the last run, you’re tired and thirsty, your feet hurt and you’re rapidly losing your patience. Yes, you can make the trek back to your resort, but on a busy day, that’s not always the quickest mission. Incoming on-mountain dining. Stop on the side of the slopes, click off your skis and walk straight into an epic restaurant or cafe boasting the best apres vibes.
Kareela Hutte – Thredbo
If we told you to close your eyes and imagine what a classic, European alpine restaurant looks like, you’d probably think up an image that matches Kareela Hutte. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, this iconic ski-in ski-out destination is famous for its à la carte European-influenced menu, never short on Schnapps and schnitzels. Complemented by a beautifully curated wine list and unparalleled views, Kareela is the true embodiment of Thredbo’s culture and vibrant après scene. They also host spectacular evening events, like their Kareela Snowcat Dinners that include a 4-course dinner and wine experience overlooking the lights of Thredbo Village below. As well as their Kareela Supper Club on Saturday nights presented by Pommery Champagne, kicking things off with a snowcat escort up the hill, dinner, drinks and unmatched view of the iconic Thredbo Flare Run and fireworks from the deck.
Black Sallees – Thredbo
Step off the Snowgums chairlift and into an infinite rotation of Japanese-inspired good times at Black Sallees. Nothing warms the soul like a bowl of delicious ramen, fresh poke bowls, katsu curry and Japanese-inspired shared plates. With mountain views just off the top of the Crackenback Supertrail and nestled amongst the gum trees, take a seat on the deck and absorb the ’high on life’ vibes that come with your new-found alpine lifestyle.
White Spider Restaurant & Bar – Perisher
White Spider Restaurant and Bar at the Eiger Chalet is one of Perisher’s finest spots to wine, dine and unwind after a day on the slopes. It offers a unique dining experience with stunning views and sophisticated dishes in their warm welcoming space. On the menu you can expect to see a variety of dishes, such as seafood, steak, pasta, and more. In an ideal location at the bottom of the Perisher Quad Express Chair, sit back and enjoy some apres-ski fun with a wine, beer or cocktail on the mountain listening to live music at the bar and treating yourself to some well-deserved delicious food.
Eagles Nest – Thredbo
Perched above Thredbo Village and 1937 meters high, sits Eagles Nest, Australia’s highest restaurant. Jump on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the top of Thredbo, head in and unclick your boots to find 270 degrees of sweeping views across the valley. There’s no better way to enjoy the view than with a pizza and spritz in hand. Open 10am-3pm and offering a range of Italian-inspired lunch options including pizzas, meatballs, tortellini, tiramisu, gelato and resort-famous cheeky hot chocolates, there is something here for the whole family. For those more advanced skiers and snowboarders, their Sunrise Sessions offer an experience like no other. The Eagles Nest team will take you to enjoy sunrise at Australia’s Highest Lifted Point followed by an on-mountain breakfast accompanied with a G.H. Mumm mimosa.
The Man From Snowy River Hotel – Perisher
One of the most popular bars in the Perisher Valley, The Man From Snowy River Hotel’s Pub Bar is the place to be for a well deserved Aperol. With wonderful views from Front Valley to Mt perisher, watch the sun set while you mix with locals and fellow skiers outside on the balcony or inside by the stone fireplace. The bar is open for lunch from noon to 3pm and dinner from 6pm until 9pm. You can expect all your pub favourites from schnitzel, burgers, wings, salad bowls, and fries.
Guthega Inn – Perisher
Take a break from the slopes and grab some food and drink with a view at Guthega Inn. The stunning mountain landscape location at their restaurant and bar with an outdoor terrace offers locally sourced high-quality ingredients and dishes that showcase the flavours of the region and seasons, with the best prime meat dishes in the area. Crowd favourites include their kransky rolls and housemade chicken & veal schnitzels, and this season expect their popular hot and cold seafood platter added back to the winter menu. Open from 10am to 10pm, you can also grab yourself a selection of beverages from the bar that includes an extensive wine list, along with local and international beers and spirits, and of course, Wildbrumby Schnapps.
Merritts Mountain House – Thredbo
Say bye to mid-day munchies and hello to Merritts Mountain House. At 1660m sits Thredbo’s all-round family favourite restaurant, famed for its deluxe hot chocolates and traditional European market feel. Board, ski, or catch the Merritts Gondola up and find a hub of lively snow lovers chilling out and replacing the energy they’ve just burnt up with German beer and hearty food. On weekends you’ll find that no one does an après session quite like Merritt’s with the freshest alpine acts spinning tunes on the Merritt’s Deck from midday. During the winter season, the restaurant will also be opening for dinner, extending the gondola’s open hours to take guests on the mountain for a Merritts Mountain Haus Feast featuring Bavarian-inspired food.
Basecamp Cafe – Perisher
Sundeck – Perisher
Step aside high-rises and skyscrapers – donning the title of Australia’s highest hotel, Sundeck is the place to be. As the first hotel in Perisher, Sundeck has snapped up the perfect position with panoramic views of Front Valley. Open from 10am daily, these guys know the way to an Aussie’s heart is a daily BBQ from 12-2pm every day. You’ll also find Tathra’s Humpback Brewery on tap, live music Mon-Sat 4-6pm, sports on the big screen, magic show Thursdays and might even catch a glimpse of the contenders of the annual snowman competition. When the slopes are giving you a hard time, pull up a seat, grab a snag, a beer and take in the sparkling scenery.
Loving the ski-in ski-out content? Check out our list of the must-stay chalets in the Snowy Mountains.
