The NSW Snowy Mountains is mainland Australia’s true alpine wilderness. From June to September, visitors flock from afar to witness Mount Kosciuszko and the nation’s highest peaks in all their white glory.

Josephine Huynh guides you on the ultimate snow playground experience, just at Canberra’s doorstep.

Getting there:

The easiest way to access the Snowy Mountains is by road or coach. Most people travel to the region by car, as it’s the most flexible and rewarding way of exploring the mountains and see the spectacular scenery.

Don’t forget to bring anti-freeze for your engine, roof racks if needed and snow chains – these can be hired from a snow sports shop or service station along the way, and a professional will show you how to fit them to your car. Listen to road reports on the local radio to see if chains are required and always check road conditions by calling the RTA Hotline on 132 701 or visiting livetraffic.com.

Keep in mind there is a fee for vehicles using Kosciuszko National Park.

For visitors travelling across the country, there are regular coaches including Murrays and Greyhound to Cooma, Jindabyne, Thredbo, Tumbarumba and Tumut.

Once at the Snowies, the Skitube Alpine Railway is a great means of transport to the slopes. You can conveniently park your car in the free day/night parking at Bullocks Flat and hop straight onto the Skitube. Plus if you have a valid lift ticket, travel between Perisher and Blue is free!

Gear hire or purchase:

Whether you’re after a full kit or just one item, snow gear can be purchased at one of the many village snow sport stores.

You can also hire on entrance at each resort’s ski and board service centre, or at the Skitube terminal. While your there you can grab a lift ticket, book into snow school for lessons and check out the information desk, kiosk or souvenir shop.

Alpine Sports
Alpine caters for all abilities, from first timers to the experts. For those young at heart you can hire toboggans or try the latest demo boards.
Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne

Rhythm Snowsports
Rhythm has grown to become the largest snow sprts store in Australia with six departments including board, ski, cross country, fashion, retail, service station and online store. It’s also open 24 hours, which is super handy!
8 Sharp Street, Cooma

Resorts and accommodation:

The Snowy Mountains has four winter resorts, each offering something different.
Perisher is the largest resort, Thredbo has the longest runs, Charlotte Pass is an intimate experience only accessed by over-snow transport and Selwyn Snowfields is a fun family resort.

Once you have decided which resort to visit, you need to decide where to stay. There are many different accommodation types from budget backpackers to luxurious self-contained lodges.

The Denman Hotel
A breathtaking boutique mountain retreat, The Denman Hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Thredbo Village and is home to The Terrace Restaurant and Thredbo’s only day spa.
21 Diggings Terrace, Thredbo

Thredbo YHA
Offering shared, twin and family rooms, Thredbo YHA boasts million-dollar views, value for money and modern facilities – it’s the perfect base to explore the high country.
2 Buckwong Place, Thredbo

The Station
Close to Kosciuszko Nation Park and Perisher Ski Resort, motel rooms and self-contains apartments at The Station are an affordable option for families, groups or individuals. The venue also hosts many music events during peak season!
8228 The Snowy River Way, Jindabyne

Food and entertainment:

In the villages of the Snowy Mountains you can go out for a casual bite to eat or experience gourmet dining if that’s more your style – whatever your after, there is a range of cuisine choices.

You can also mingle with the locals at one of the bustling nightlife bars over a beer, wine or some schnapps, while enjoying live and local music.

Banjo Paterson Inn
Banjo’s has become a popular institution loved among locals and visitors alike. It offers year-round quality dining and entertainment, and busts out the tunes most nights during winter. Banjo’s Nightclub also hosts some of the country’s top DJs.
1 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne

Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery Door and Café
The only schnapps distillery in Aus, where beautiful local fruit is used to make special mango, raspberry, pear or apple schnapps, Wildbrumby is surrounded by an expansive sculpture garden – a must-visit during your snow stay.
Alpine Way, Thredbo Valley

Activities off the slopes:

You can go to the movies in Cooma or Jindy, take a scenic chairlift ride, visit the museum, hitch a horse ride, enjoy a day of fishing or go mountain biking before basking in front of a crackling fire of a comfortable lodge just to name a few!

Snowy River Horseback Adventure
Choose from two to five-day homestead-based treks. Small groups, quality horses, superb three-course meals, hot showers and comfortable beds combine to make this experience unforgettable.
Old Ingbirah Homestead, 3154 Barry Way, via Jindabyne

Segway Eco Tours
Explore Lake Crackenback Resort’s 150-acre bushlands on a fun Segway tour, which run daily and are suitable for all ages taking guests through a stunning mountain territory along safe but challenging routes.
1650 Alpine Way, Crackenback

Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Museum
A multi-dimensional insight into the construction of the Snowy Hydro-electric Scheme and the role the project played in the development of modern Australia, this museum is a welcomed break from the action on the slopes.
5199 Snowy Mountains Highway, Adaminaby

Steve Williamsons Trout Fishing Adventures
Specialising in shore-based and boat-based fishing tours on majestic Lake Jindabyne or one of the surrounding rivers and streams, Steve William teaches beginners through to the advanced fly fishing, boat trolling, lure spinning and live bait fishing.
Shop 1, Snowline Service Centre, Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne