All participants of the in-person Kosi Challenge will start from the same location -
in the courtyard of the Alpine Bar in the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.
From here, there are two ways to reach the Summit:
Merritts Nature Track
Distance:
- One-way: 10.5km
- Round trip: 21km
Route:
You will climb 4km to Eagles Nest and continue the 6.5km to take you to the top!
On your journey back, walkers can choose to take the chairlift down at Eagles Nest or continue to walk.
RCA recommends that participants choose the chairlift return option if you are feeling tired. The walk down Merritts Nature Track is still very strenuous and the track is uneven.
Eagles Nest
Distance:
- One-way: 6.5km
- Round trip: 13km
Route:
You will get a chair lift to the Eagles Nest Lookout, then walk 6.5km to the Summit.
What can you expect on the day?
The in-person Kosi Challenge is an all-day event as we make our way to Australia's highest point (2,228 meters above sea level) and back for Australians with rare and complex cancers.
Here's what you can expect on the day:
Check-in
The check-in area will be set up in the Alpine Bar Courtyard at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.
Here, you'll come and say hi to our team and collect your RARE hat, join your allocated time wave (selected at time of registering online) and listen to your quick briefing. Then you'll head off over the footbridge towards Valley Terminal, the starting point of the initial trek.
Valley Terminal to Eagles Nest (4 km)
Valley Terminal is the start of the initial 4km trek to Eagles Nest. You can walk or take the chairlift straight to Eagles Nest.
Chairlift tickets are included with your registration, but if this is your preferred route, you will need to select a start time after 9.00am.
Eagles Nest to top of The Summit (6.5km)
Once you reach Eagles Nest by foot or chairlift, you will walk the additional 6.5km to the Summit!
The Summit
Once you reach the top of Mount Kosciuszko, take time to celebrate (you did it!), take photos and enjoy the spectacular view!
Please note: For the safety of all climbers, 100 people are permitted on top of the Summit at any one time. Your guide (wearing a high vis RARE vest) will advise when it's time to move on after you have adequate time to rest, celebrate and enjoy.
Summit back down to Eagles Nest Lookout (6.5 km)
Start your 6.5km descent from the Summit to Eagles Nest.
Eagles Nest to Valley Terminal – by foot or chairlift
Once you arrive back at Eagles Nest, you have the option of walking the remaining 4km to Valley Terminal base or taking the chairlift down.
You will recieve a chairlift pass on the morning of the Kosi Challenge if the chairlift is your preferred option.
Arrive back at the registration area at Thredbo Alpine Hotel
There is no time limit placed on the climb.
Please be aware if you wish to take the chairlift down from Eagles Nest to Valley Terminal, the last chairlift leaves at 4.00pm.
