Just a few more sleeps until the Kosi Challenge kicks off in Thredbo! If you are joining us this weekend, please ensure you’ve read all the details about the day so you can come prepared.
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 and snacks for the climb.
The Eagles Nest café positioned at the top of the chairlifts will be open for light refreshments from 9.30 am on Saturday morning.
Friday 17 March – evening
Meet and greet the RCA team!
We will be in the Lounge Bar at Thredbo Alpine Hotel between 5-7 pm. If you are in town, please pop in to say hello and purchase a beverage or two!
Collect your complimentary RARE hat or drink bottle
You can collect these from the RCA team between 5-7 pm in the Lounge Bar at Thredbo Alpine Hotel. Alternatively, they will be available for collection at the registration area on the morning of Kosi.
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.
Saturday 18 March – Morning
Wet weather plans
If 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 Kosciusko National Park. You will receive an SMS by 6.30am on the morning of Kosi (Saturday 18th March) with further instructions and alternate plans.
Arrival and registration
Registration will be setup outside the Thredbo Alpine Hotel Bar. It will be clearly identifiable with RCA signage. You will need to arrive and register (via QR code) 15 minutes before your selected time wave. This will give you enough time to check-in, grab your complimentary RARE merchandise 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.
Collect your chairlift ticket
Thredbo will only allow you to access the chairlift if you have a pass.
If you have pre-purchased chairlift tickets, you can collect them at the registration desk.
If you have not pre-purchased a chairlift pass but would like one, please visit guest services at Thredbo Alpine Hotel to make your purchase. The cost will be $49.00 per adult and $11 per child 3-17 years.
Safety information
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.
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 metal walkways. This can be dangerous, especially in wet weather.
Restrooms and rubbish
There are only three toilet locations: inside the Thredbo Alpine Hotel Bar, Eagles Nest café, and just before the summit climb on Kosi.
Please do not leave rubbish behind in our beautiful National Park.
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 be available for you to leave a personal message on the wall if you wish.
Top Shot Challenge to win $2,500 donation
Thanks to CUBE PR, the person/team with the most creative photo/video of their journey leading up to Kosi or on the summit will receive a $2,500 contribution from CUBE to their fundraising page.
The rules are simple: take a creative photo or video of yourself or your team and post it to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn tagging @RareCancers Australia and using #kosichallenge, prior to 5pm Saturday 18 March.
Saturday 19 March - Afternoon
Catching the chairlift down
The last chairlift down to base is at 4 pm from Eagles Nest. This is the recommended route for your journey down. You will require a chairlift ticket to use the lift.
Awards Ceremony
Please join us from 5.30-6.30pm 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 and OIT.
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, and a small BBQ menu will also be on offer to tide you over until dinner.
The fundraising amounts showing on the Kosi website at 5 pm will be the deciding amounts when allocating awards.
Please note that your personal fundraising page on the Kosi website will remain live until 30 April 2023 to allow your supporters time to continue donating after you have conquered Kosi.
Questions
Please visit the Frequent 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, Events and Fundraising Manager, at natalie@rarecancers.org.au
We can’t wait to welcome you to Kosi this Saturday. Travel safe – and we will see you there!
