We're excited to have another amazing weekend in Thredbo for the 2026 Kosi Challenge!
Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of your Kosi experience.
Before you leave home
Check the weather and come prepared
The weather in Thredbo is highly changeable on any given day. Please check the weather forecast in advance and come prepared for all conditions. We recommend sturdy walking boots or shoes that have been worn in, waterproof jacket, light woollen jumper or fleece, thermal top, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Remember to also pack at least one litre of water, lunch, snacks and any medication you may need for the climb.
The Eagles Nest café positioned at the top of the chairlifts will be open for light refreshments from 10am on both mornings.
Download the Kosi Challenge app
Our Kosi Challenge app (available for Apple or Android) has all the details you'll need for your time in Thredbo. Here, you'll find details about what's happening on Friday and Saturday, Kosi Challenge news, all your fundraising resources and can check your progress on the leaderboards. Plus, we'll add alerts if any plans change on the day of your climb.
Before you climb
Wet weather plans
If the weather is inclement and we are unable to proceed (due to snow, heavy rain, strong wind or thunderstorms) Thredbo Management will cancel the chairlift and trekking in Kosciuszko National Park. You will receive an SMS by 6.30am on the morning of your climb with further instructions and alternate plans.
Arrival and check-in
Check-in will be setup outside the Thredbo Alpine Hotel Bar. It will be clearly identifiable with RCA signage.
You can check your registered time wave on the email you received when you registered, or earlier this week.
In order to manage congestion on the mountain and at the summit, please stick to your registered time wave. You will need to arrive and check-in 15 minutes before your selected time. This will give you enough time to check-in, grab your complimentary RARE merchandise and chairlift/gondola ticket included in your registration, and join your group at the marshalling area.
Any questions on the day can be directed to an RCA team member wearing an orange branded RARE vest.
Chairlift ticket
Everyone's registration includes a chairlift ticket. Thredbo Management will only allow you to access the chairlift if you have a pass. All passes will be handed out at the check-in desk on the morning of your climb. The last chairlift down to base is at 4pm from Eagles Nest. This is the recommended route for your journey down. You will require a chairlift ticket to use the lift.
A selection of RARE merchandise will also be available for purchase on the day.
In Honour wall
An 'In Honour' wall will be on display for those who are climbing in honour of a loved one. If you have not submitted a photo prior to the event, you're welcome to bring one along to add to the wall. Permanent markers will be available for you to leave a personal message on the wall if you wish.
Registered participants only
Your safety and wellbeing at Kosi is our number one priority. Attendance numbers are strictly limited by NSW National Parks. RCA reserves the right to decline entry to any persons who risk jeopardising the safety of the event, including those who have not registered for an in-person ticket.
During the climb
Safety and incidents
Please note there is a time limit of 15 minutes once you reach the summit. No more than 100 people can be on the summit at any one time.
Marshals, guides, RCA staff and medics will be wearing yellow high-vis RARE vests. Please alert them to any incidents. They are equipped to call for assistance if needed.
Please do not run along metal walkways. This can be dangerous, especially in wet weather.
There are toilet facilities in Thredbo Village, at the Eagles Nest cafe (at the top of the chairlift or Merritt's Nature Track), and about 800m from the summit.
Friday climbers: Kosi Quest photo and video challenge
As part of our Kosi Quest on Friday 13 March, you're invited to complete a set of photo and video tasks during your climb. Submit your entry and you could win a HUGE $4,000 boost to your fundraising, plus a $1,000 Red Balloon voucher, thanks to Cube PR. Keep an eye out for the Kosi Quest information at the check-in area.
All Friday and Saturday challengers are invited to attend our Kosi Kick-off event in the Kosciuszko Function Room (located upstairs next to the pub) between 5pm to 7pm. Here, we'll congratulate those who have already walked Kosi, and welcome those who have just arrived to Thredbo to walk Kosi on Saturday!
Join us for a relaxed catch-up to share stories from the day's climb, chat with your fellow climbers and the RCA team and learn more about how your fundraising is changing lives. We will also announce the winner of the Kosi Quest, sponsored by Cube PR.
All are welcome with no tickets or reservations required. Beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.
Saturday 14 March - Awards Ceremony from 5pm to 7pm
Please join us from 5pm to 7pm in the courtyard of Thredbo Alpine Hotel to acknowledge all the top fundraisers, including the winners of the Kosi Cup, Corporate Cup and Pharma Cup, sponsored by Medicines Australia. We'll also hear from some of the people your fundraising will support and impact - reminding us all of why we climb.
The fundraising amounts showing on the Kosi website at 5pm on Saturday 14 March will be the deciding amounts when allocating awards. Formalities will start from 5.30pm.
No tickets are necessary, but please note there is limited space in this area, so the venue may need to decline entry once it reaches maximum capacity. Beverages will be available for purchase at the bar and you are welcome to bring your own food.
Please note that your personal fundraising page on the Kosi website will remain live until Friday 3 April 2026 to allow your supporters time to continue donating after you have conquered Kosi.
