The NSW Snowy Mountains is an adventure playground for sporting enthusiasts. In the winter months, hit the slopes in Perisher or Thredbo for skiing and snowboarding and during the warmer months, explore the region by bushwalking and hiking. In any season, you’ll discover that the alpine villages of the Snowy Mountains, including Jindabyne, each offer spectacular scenery and warm hospitality.
Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your Snowy Mountains holiday.
Getting to the Snowy Mountains
It’s easy to reach the Snowy Mountains in southwest NSW with a range of transport options such as bus services, train and coach services. The Snowy Mountains are serviced by nearest airports in Cooma, Wagga Wagga and Canberra. Those opting to self-drive 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains from June to October. The Snowy Mountains are approximately a five-hour drive from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra. Enjoy the journey with the perfect Snowy Mountains road trip itinerary.
Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains
Skiing and snowboarding
Hit the slopes in winter for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and night skiing. The snow season runs from June to October, with peak times of July and August. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skier, the Snowy Mountains has the perfect conditions for your needs, from lessons to challenging ski runs. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Thredbo and Perisher also offer backcountry ski touring, taking you beyond the regular ski fields.
Bushwalking and hiking
In the warmer months, experience the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Mountains by bushwalking and hiking. Trekking Mount Kosciuszko is a must-do, with the quicker route via the chairlift in Thredbo to the Kosciuszko walk to Rawsons Pass, where it’s a gradual climb to the peak. The longer summit walk route commences in Charlotte Pass and takes approximately 6-8 hours. There are plenty of other scenic walking tracks in the Snowies, and be sure to read bushwalking safety tips before you set off.
Museums and galleries
The Snowy Mountains has a thriving arts and culture community to discover. In Cooma, check out the Raglan Art Gallery and Cultural Centre, a notable regional gallery hosting regular exhibitions by local artists. Thredbo Alpine Museum displays a comprehensive collection of memorabilia, equipment and photos documenting Australia’s snow sports history.
Where to visit in the Snowy Mountains
Kosciuszko National Park is home to Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko and the snow resort towns of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Mount Selwyn. Visit the surrounding charming towns, Jindabyne and Cooma, for essential shopping and dining.
Jindabyne
Jindabyne near Kosciuszko National Park is popular year-round for those seeking outdoor adventure, especially during the winter months. Jindabyne is the hub of the Snowy Mountains for retail therapy, enjoying a hearty meal or convivial drink with the locals. In summer, the crisp mountain air attracts bushwalkers, horse riders and water sport enthusiasts.
Perisher
Perisher Valley groups together Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. Perisher Ski Resort is the largest resort in the southern hemisphere with 47 lifts, an array of ski runs, extensive cross-country skiing trails and a fun snow-tubing park.
Thredbo
Stylish and cosmopolitan, Thredbo is a great base for the ski season, with more than 30 bars and restaurants on offer, making it easy to slip from slopes to après.
How to stay in the Snowy Mountains
Luxury Accommodation
Retire from a day of skiing to the luxury of a Snowy Mountains apartment or luxury lodge. The Eastern Thredbo Village offers a pair of boutique properties with views of Mount Kosciuszko and carefully curated interiors for the modern traveller. For more alpine luxe in Thredbo, Nanook offer three stylish apartments. For privacy and seclusion, check out the rustic luxe Moonbah Huts situated on a small private lake near Jindabyne, featuring stone open fireplaces and 100-year-old wrought iron beds.
Hotels
Snowy Mountains hotels offer comfortable accommodation with extra services such as restaurants and day spas. Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa offers full hotel facilities so you can unwind in the sauna or enjoy an indulgent meal in the restaurant after a big day on the slopes. The Denman offers compact rooms close to the action in Thredbo with onsite restaurant and bar. Also, check out the 10 coolest places to stay in Australia’s ski fields.
Lodges
For group getaways to the Snowy Mountains, book an entire chalet or lodge offering great value and self-contained accommodation. Illoura Lodge at Smiggins Holes is a not-for-profit private club lodge that also accepts bookings from non-members on request. Candlelight Lodge offers centrally located accommodation in Thredbo with views of the ski slopes for a touch of European style.
Budget
If you think it’s cheaper to ski overseas, think again. Here’s our guide on how to hit the slopes in Australia on a budget, including shared accommodation such as Thredbo YHA.
