Thredbo is is probably the closest thing Australia has to an alpine village. It lies just on the snowline, and has a variety of accommodation, ski lodges, restaurants, and even a heated swimming pool. Accommodation is just a short walk or shuttle bus ride to the ski lifts in the winter, and the town is still alive during the summer months, with bushwalks, mountain biking, and even some snowplay well into summer. By comparison Perisher Valley is a large ski resort, with more lifts and more skiing area during winter. However it is not a summer destination, and all you will see there is a large carpark. There is some accommodation there also, but little alpine village atmosphere.
National park entry fees apply to vehicles and are payable at entrance stations on roads into the park and other locations. There is also a fee for bus passengers. The fee for a car in winter is $27 per 24 hours. In summer it is $16 per vehicle per day. Drive-through (non-stop) passes for the Alpine Way are free.
Chains must be carried during winter, and you must know how to fit them. If chains are required, signs will be placed in the appropriate chain fitting bays, however quite often chains are not required.
During the ski season many bus companies offer ad-hoc trips to the snow. Transborder Express offers year-round service once daily between Canberra and Thredbo.
A free shuttle buses run between Friday Flat, the carparks, and the Village during winter. Parking can be difficult in the village, even during the busier periods in summer.
The entire resort is open to both skiers and snowboarders. There are beginner and all-mountain lift passes available for 1, 3 or 5 days.