Merritts Gondola
High-speed gondola offering stunning alpine views and access to Australia's highest restaurant and premier mountain bike trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fresh snow
Merritts Gondola
Best Time
Crisp air, fresh snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
High-speed gondola offering stunning alpine views and access to Australia's highest restaurant and premier mountain bike trails.
"Game changer on the mountain. Super quick access from the village with more comfort than any other lift."
🎟️ Book Ahead for Deals
Pre-booking tickets can offer cheaper prices than on-the-day purchases.
🌦️ Check Weather Before You Go
Weather can impact operations; prepaid tickets may not be refundable if cancelled due to conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Gondola Ride
Village to Merritts Mountain House
Glide above the snowy landscape in a high-speed, eight-person cabin for breathtaking mountain vistas.
Merritts Mountain House
Top of the Gondola
Enjoy Australia's highest restaurant with delicious food and drinks amidst panoramic alpine views.
Summer Mountain Biking Access
Merritts Gondola Mid Station & Top
Access world-class downhill mountain bike trails like Sidewinder with convenient lift service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Savings
Weather Dependency & Refunds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead for Deals
Pre-booking tickets can offer cheaper prices than on-the-day purchases.
🌦️ Check Weather Before You Go
Weather can impact operations; prepaid tickets may not be refundable if cancelled due to conditions.
🚴♀️ Summer Bike Access
Load your bike from the mid-station or top for easy access to downhill trails.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Merritts Mountain House offers Australia's highest dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Deals
Pre-booking tickets can offer cheaper prices than on-the-day purchases.
🌦️ Check Weather Before You Go
Weather can impact operations; prepaid tickets may not be refundable if cancelled due to conditions.
🚴♀️ Summer Bike Access
Load your bike from the mid-station or top for easy access to downhill trails.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Merritts Mountain House offers Australia's highest dining experience.
💰 Value for Skiers/Boarders
Consider if the cost is justified if not skiing or snowboarding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Merritts Gondola is praised as a 'game changer' for its speed and comfort, offering quick access to the mountain and stunning views from Australia's highest restaurant. However, many visitors find the cost prohibitive, especially for non-skiers, with some expressing frustration over strict refund policies due to weather. +2
"Giving two stars— it’s like robbery, overpriced. Just a bar on top, nothing else, had to pay $75. It’s nit worth it unless you do skis or snowboarding. These are also overpriced, better go to Perisher"
Md Rakibul Islam
"Over price can only do once if what to do again have to pay again not must up the top just a bar unless snowboarding or ski not worth the money."
Annalease Hardman
"Great fun multiple travel
one stop food shop only half way up for $75"
Patrick W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Merritts Gondola is conveniently located in the Thredbo Village, providing easy access from the village center and Friday Flat. It's a central point for both winter and summer activities. +1
While Thredbo Village has parking, it can be limited, especially during peak season. It's often best to utilize the resort's shuttle services or walk if staying in the village. Check Thredbo's official website for current parking information and fees.
Yes, you can load the Merritts Gondola from the mid-station, which is particularly useful for mountain bikers accessing trails like Sidewinder.
The high-speed, eight-person gondola takes approximately 6 minutes to travel from the Village to the base of the Cruiser Area.
The gondola cabins are designed for easy access, and the stations are generally well-equipped. It's advisable to contact Thredbo Resort directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost can vary, with reports of around $75 for a non-skiing/snowboarding ride. Booking in advance is recommended for potentially cheaper prices.
If you have a valid ski or snowboard lift pass for Thredbo, the Merritts Gondola is typically included, providing access to the mountain. However, it's always best to confirm the specifics of your pass.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the day, but booking in advance is strongly advised to secure better pricing and guarantee your spot, especially during busy periods.
Refund policies can be strict, especially for prepaid tickets. If the gondola is not operational due to weather, refunds may not be guaranteed, which has been a point of frustration for some visitors.
Operating hours vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's essential to check the official Thredbo Resort website or app for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the top, you can dine at Merritts Mountain House, Australia's highest restaurant, enjoy panoramic views, and access various ski runs or summer mountain bike trails. +1
Yes, it's a popular scenic ride for non-skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the mountain views and dine at Merritts Mountain House. However, some visitors feel the cost is high if not participating in snow sports.
The gondola provides access to trails like Sidewinder and Lower All-Mountain Trail, offering flowy downhill riding for various skill levels. +1
Absolutely! The gondola ride offers fantastic opportunities for photography with stunning alpine scenery. Ensure your phone or camera is secure.
Yes, events like snowboard competitions and previews are sometimes held at the top of Merritts Gondola, offering spectators a unique vantage point.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option is Merritts Mountain House, located at the top of the gondola, which serves as Australia's highest restaurant. +1
Merritts Mountain House offers a range of dining options, including brunch and other meals, catering to skiers, snowboarders, and scenic visitors.
Reports suggest there might be a 'one stop food shop only half way up,' but the main dining destination is at the summit.
As Australia's highest restaurant, prices can be on the higher side, reflecting the unique location and accessibility.
It's advisable to check with Thredbo Resort or Merritts Mountain House directly regarding reservation policies, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola cabins themselves offer incredible panoramic views. Once at the top, the viewing platforms around Merritts Mountain House provide stunning backdrops of the snowy peaks. +1
Winter offers a picturesque snowy landscape, perfect for capturing dramatic mountain scenes. The early morning light can be particularly beautiful. +1
Yes, the trails accessed from Merritts Gondola, like Sidewinder, offer dynamic scenery for action shots and scenic mountain biking photography.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour light over the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas from the gondola. For action shots on the bike trails, a telephoto lens might be useful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining the gondola ride with a visit to Merritts Mountain House for a family-friendly meal. For younger children, the novelty of the ride itself is often the highlight. If visiting in summer, the gondola provides access to family-friendly walking trails or simply a scenic outing. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to manage costs.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're looking for scenic views without the high cost, explore other viewpoints in Thredbo or consider if a shorter, less expensive lift option might be available. Prioritize booking tickets well in advance, as this is the only way mentioned to potentially reduce the cost.
🚴♀️ Mountain Bikers
Being able to load your bike and ascend quickly means more time shredding and less time hiking. The mid-station access is also a convenient feature for riders. This lift service is a key reason Thredbo is a premier gravity biking destination in Australia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Merritts Gondola Experience
During winter, it serves skiers and snowboarders, connecting them to various slopes and the popular Merritts Mountain House, which boasts being Australia's highest restaurant. In summer, the gondola transforms into a vital link for mountain bikers, providing lift access to renowned downhill trails like Sidewinder and Lower All-Mountain Trail. This allows for more 'hot laps' and extended riding sessions.
While the ride itself is enjoyable, it's important to note that the cost can be a point of contention for some visitors, particularly those not engaging in snow sports or biking. Some reviews suggest that for a purely scenic ride, the price might feel steep, especially if a refund isn't possible due to weather.
Dining at Merritts Mountain House
The ambiance is designed to be both cozy and spectacular, with large windows framing the alpine scenery. It's a popular spot for those seeking a break and a meal with a view, whether they've been skiing, snowboarding, or simply taking the scenic gondola ride. The convenience of its location at the top of the Merritts Gondola makes it an easily accessible destination for a memorable meal.
Given its prime location and status as Australia's highest restaurant, dining here can be a premium experience. While it offers a fantastic culinary stop, visitors should be prepared for potentially higher prices compared to eateries lower down in the village. Booking in advance or checking their operating hours is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Summer Mountain Biking Access
Cyclists can load their bikes onto the gondola, which can be boarded from the Village or the mid-station. This accessibility is a major draw for the mountain biking community, enabling them to experience the thrill of downhill riding with the convenience of a quick lift return. The trails are known for their flow and features, catering to a range of skill levels.
The gondola's summer operation is a key part of Thredbo's appeal as a gravity biking destination. It ensures that riders can efficiently access the network of trails, making for a more exhilarating and time-effective biking experience.
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