Before you leave home
Check the weather and come preparedThe 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.
The Eagles Nest cafe positioned at the top of the chairlifts will be open for light refreshments from 10am on both mornings.
Download the Emergency Plus app
Please download the Emergency Plus App in the event there is an accident within your group. For assistance on the day, call Ski Patrol on 6459 4147 with coordinates of your location from the app. We will have guides and medics completing the climb with you who will also be able to assist you in calling for help.
Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March - before the climb
Wet weather plansIf the weather is inclement and Kosi Challenge is unable to proceed (due to snow, rain, 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.
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.
If your plans have changed and you need to change your time wave, please email us as soon as possible to: kosichallenge@rarecancers.org.au
Chairlift ticket and RARE merchandise
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.
Please note that your chairlift ticket also includes use of the gondola. If you're climbing Kosi on Friday, can also use your pass for the chairlift or gondola on Saturday.
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, please bring one along to add to the wall. Permanent markers will also 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 orange high-vis RARE vests. Please alert them to any incidents. They are equipped to call for assistance if needed.
Please do not run along the metal walkways. This can be dangerous, especially in wet weather.
Friday Fun Day: Kosi Quest photo and video challenge
As part of our Friday Fun Day, complete a set of photo and video tasks during your climb, submit your entry and go in the draw to 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.
The winner will be drawn at our Kosi Kick-off on the Friday evening.
Continue the fun!
Lawn games and activities will be set up near the check-in area throughout the day, so you can keep the conversations and connections going after you get off the mountain.
Friday 14 March - Kosi Kick-off from 5pm to 7pm
Celebrate the difference you're making!
All Friday and Saturday challengers are invited to attend our Kosi Kick-off event in the Kosciuszko Function Room (located 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 learn more about how your fundraising is changing lives. We will also draw the winner of the Kosi Quest, sponsored by CUBE.
All are welcome with no tickets or reservations required. Attendees are welcome to purchase beverages from the bar.
Saturday 15 March - Awards Ceremony from 5.30pm to 7pm
Please join us from 5.30pm 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 15 March will be the deciding amounts when allocating awards.
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. Attendees are welcome to purchase beverages from the bar.
Please note that your personal fundraising page on the Kosi website will remain live until Friday 4 April 2025 to allow your supporters time to continue donating after you have conquered Kosi.
Questions
Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Kosi website for everything you need to know about the Kosi Challenge. If you have any additional questions, please get in touch with Natalie Clancy, Head of Fundraising, at kosichallenge@rarecancers.org.au.
We can't wait to welcome you to Kosi soon. Travel safely - and we'll see you there!
