Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk

Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk

Walk the roof of Australia through alpine plains, ancient snow gum forests and dramatic escarpments, taking in the summit of Mount Kosciuszko and some of the most remote wilderness on the continent.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Flexible Itineraries
  • Comfortable Stays
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Overview

The Snowy Mountains of New South Wales offer a side of Australia that surprises most walkers. This is a landscape of genuine alpine drama, where summer snow drifts linger on the high plains, magical snow gum forests line the ridgelines, and towering mountain ash fills the valleys below.

The Snowies Alpine Walk traces a remarkable route through the heart of this wilderness, passing through Guthega, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Thredbo via the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest peak. Along the way, challenging trails wind across rugged escarpments and open alpine plains, with panoramic views over spectacular ravines from the summits of Caruthers Peak and Kosciuszko itself.

The striking Blue Lake and the contrast of summer snowdrifts against the warm-season landscape are among the moments that make this walk feel unlike anything else in Australia. Adventure, tranquillity and genuine awe await in equal measure across this sparsely populated and unforgettable alpine wilderness.


The Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk experience

Wonder
Summit Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres, Australia's highest peak, on a clear alpine ridge
Cross the Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge, the highest altitude suspension bridge in Australia
Walk through glacier-carved landscapes of Blue Lake, Headley Tarn, and the Main Range in one journey
Wellness
A linear alpine hike through Kosciuszko National Park from one alpine village to the next, pack-free
One of the least-walked national parks in the world, with vast solitude even in peak season
Mountain lodge hosts cook dinner each night in comfortable alpine village accommodation
Nature
Snow gum woodlands, alpine wildflower meadows, and granite boulder formations across the Main Range
Ramsar-listed wetlands and the source of the Snowy River are part of the high-altitude ecosystem
Alpine wildflowers carpet the meadows from November to February in one of Australia's great seasonal spectacles
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Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk reviews

More About This Destination

This area is home to 11 national parks and nature reserves and the highest peaks on mainland Australia. The parks consist of approximately 1.km, about one-quarter the size of Tasmania. The Snowys are the highest part of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches for 3000km from northern Queensland to western Victoria. Deep snow falls annually in the Alps, and it has been said that overall, this region has more snowfall than Switzerland.

The glacier-carved valleys, glacial lakes and alpine plains are all geographically significant. A diverse range of endemic cold-climate plants and animals has enormous ecological importance and remains, to a large part, inaccessible to human interference.

The Alps have a rich Indigenous history — more than 13 language groups regularly made their way up into the highlands. For at least 2,000 years, these trips would peak in spring, when communities came together to harvest Bogong moths, which migrated to the mountains in huge numbers and were an important food source.

WHERE ARE THE SNOWY MOUNTAIN WALKS LOCATED?

The Snowy Mountains are 200 km west of Canberra, approximately 200 km from the CBD, and around 2.5 hours by vehicle. The group trips start in Canberra, and the self-guided trips start in Jindabyne.

WHAT IS A SELF-GUIDED WALK?

A self-guided walk is designed for walkers who prefer to be independent. Travelling self-guided allows you to walk from place to place, progressing from one accommodation to the next at your own pace with whom you want when you want. You can Enjoy Worry-Free Navigation. Our detailed maps and route notes ensure that you’ll easily find your way, whether you’re a beginner or veteran explorer—no compass or GPS needed. The paths are signposted irregularly. However, it’s a reasonably well-defined trail, so with the comprehensive notes, no technical expertise is required. Our self-guided trips offer the freedom to enjoy the splendid isolation of the trail, without the heavy weight of a pack on your back

CAN YOU CUSTOMISE THIS WALK FOR MYSELF OR FOR MY GROUP?

We specialise in customised trips. Whether it’s just for yourself or a group of 30 walkers, we are here to help you with the logistics to ensure a stress-free experience. Please feel free to contact us to find out more.

WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION DO YOU PROVIDE?

All the accommodations have been chosen to reflect the character of the region. Accommodations can range from small local hotels, owner-run ski lodges, to family-run bed and breakfasts; you can be assured that wherever you stay, you will be warmly welcomed. Most importantly, accommodations are in great locations and have all the necessary facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Self-Guided: Transport to and from Jindabyne and on and off the track is provided:

During your walking holiday, walkers only wear lightweight daypacks. We will shuttle your luggage between your accommodations seamlessly as you walk to your next destination and have it waiting for you by the time you arrive.

Group Guided: Transport to and from Canberra and on and off the track is provided:

During your walking holiday, walkers only wear lightweight daypacks. We will shuttle your luggage between your accommodations seamlessly as you walk to your next destination and have it waiting for you by the time you arrive.

The climate in the Snowy Mountains clearly varies even throughout the day; it can vary even in the height of summer, but it is still safe to walk. But bring warm clothes, shorts, and T-shirts. In winter, get out your snowshoes if you want to get out and walk. We don't offer trips at this time.

The Snowy Mountains self-guided walking holidays are available from December to early April. Please see our What To Bring section in FAQ’s for more information.

For more information, please see the Bureau of Meteorology’s information concerning average temperatures and rainfall levels throughout the year.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

  • Walking notes, a map, and a map case
  • Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
  • Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm jumper or jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • 1 to 2 litres of water
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Some money
  • Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
  • Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with an extra battery or SIM cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

Frequently asked questions

The prime season for walking in the Snowy Mountains is during the summer and autumn months, from November to April. Outside of this window, the high alpine tracks are often covered in snow. Summer (December to February) is a particularly spectacular time to visit. The alpine meadows burst into life with an astonishing display of wildflowers, which must be seen to be believed. The weather is generally warm and suitable for hiking, though conditions in the mountains can change rapidly at any time of year. Autumn (March and April) offers cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for dedicated hikers to enjoy the crisp mountain air and expansive views.

This is a world-class, fully-inclusive group-guided walking experience. What's Included: Expert Guides: You will be led by two engaging, knowledgeable, and experienced guides. Accommodation: 3 nights' comfortable accommodation at Valhalla Lodge in Perisher Valley, with private ensuite rooms. All Meals: The trip is fully catered with high-quality meals prepared by an in-house chef. This includes cooked breakfasts, comprehensive walkers' lunches, and excellent two-course dinners. All Transport: Return transport from Canberra to the Snowy Mountains is included, as well as all transport during the walk and luggage transfers. Fees & Passes: All National Park admission fees and any necessary chairlift passes are included in the price. What's Excluded: Drinks: Alcohol and other drinks with meals are not included (except for tea/coffee and juice with breakfast). The lodge has a range of wines and beers available for purchase.

For the three nights of this walk, you will be based at the modern and comfortable Valhalla Lodge in Perisher Valley. A key advantage of this lodge is its location right inside the Kosciuszko National Park, offering stunning views and allowing you to walk directly in and out of the accommodation on some days, minimizing travel time. All rooms have private ensuites. The lodge features a welcoming common area with a lobby fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day on the trails. The in-house chef provides superb meals, including cooked breakfasts to start your day and delicious two-course dinners in the evening, making for a comfortable and restorative stay in the heart of the mountains.

This walk is graded as Moderate (Grade 3). It involves hiking on well-formed alpine tracks, but the terrain can be uneven and the walks are reasonably long, with some arduous sections. The mountain environment means you need to be prepared for variable weather and some challenging ascents. As a group-guided walk, the pace is managed by the expert guides. They are skilled at catering to the needs of the group, offering plenty of options and advice to ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported. While the group moves together, the presence of two guides often allows for some flexibility, ensuring a comfortable pace for all participants without anyone feeling pressured.

This guided walk operates on specific, scheduled departure dates throughout the summer and autumn season. You can check current departure dates here. Because the trip is guided and group sizes are kept small to ensure a high-quality experience, places are limited. We recommend booking several months in advance to secure a spot on your preferred date, especially for popular holiday periods like January.

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