Snowy Mountains FAQ

The Snowy Mountains is part of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, Australia. This mostly alpine area is home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, with NSW's largest national park, Kosciuszko National Park, making up a large part of the region. 

You can drive from major cities like Sydney (5 hours) or Canberra (2.5 hours). Public transportation options include coach services and flights to Canberra Airport. Further information is available on our directions and transport page.

The Snowy Mountains is a year-round destination, with four distinct seasons:

• Winter season (typically from early June to early October): Ideal for snow sports and snowplay.
• Summer: Great for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
• Spring: Experience wildflower blooms and mild hiking conditions.
• Autumn: Perfect for cool weather adventures, escaping the crowds and enjoying cosy evenings by a fireplace.

• Wear multiple layers to adjust easily to changing temperatures. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.

Snow Gear:

• For snow sports, you’ll need a waterproof ski jacket, snow pants, and insulated gloves. Goggles and a helmet are essential for skiing or snowboarding.

Warm Accessories:

• Pack a beanie, neck warmer, and warm socks. Hand and foot warmers can also be useful for added comfort on extremely cold days.

Footwear:

• Wear insulated, waterproof boots with good traction for walking in the snow. Make sure they are comfortable and fit well to prevent frostbite.

The weather in the Snowy Mountains can vary considerably! For example, it's not uncommon for it to snow in summer. For this reason, we suggest packing a warm layer, whatever time of year you choose to visit.

Our other suggestions are:

• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing:
  Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics to stay cool during outdoor activities. Quick-dry materials are ideal for hiking and water sports.
• Sun Protection:
  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly to protect yourself from the sun’s rays at higher altitudes.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots:
  Choose comfortable, supportive hiking boots with good grip for rocky and uneven terrain. Waterproof boots can be helpful if you encounter streams or wet conditions.
• Waterproof Gear:
  Pack a rain jacket or poncho, as spring and autumn can bring unpredictable weather, including rain and wind.
• Hiking Gear:
  If hiking, wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, and sturdy, supportive footwear. It’s also wise to bring a pair of gaiters to keep mud and debris out of your boots.
• Wind Protection:
  In addition to a hat and sunglasses, consider a windproof jacket to protect against chilly winds.

General Tips:

• Check the Weather Forecast:
  Always check the local weather forecast before heading out and adjust your clothing accordingly.
• Function over Fashion:
  Prioritise comfort and functionality in your clothing choices. You never know when you'll hear adventure calling!

Yes, a park entry fee applies for vehicles entering Kosciuszko National Park. The fee varies by season. Visit the NSW National Parks website for the most up-to-date pricing.

Annual Passes: Frequent visitors can purchase an annual pass for unlimited park entry.

Discounts: Reduced fees are available for some pensioners and seniors.

Where to pay: Fees can be paid at the entry stations on Kosciuszko Rd and Alpine way, online or at the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne .

Yes, the Snowy Mountains offer a variety of health and wellness activities. You can enjoy yoga and meditation retreats, spa treatments, and thermal pools at local resorts. Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and paddleboarding also provide a great way to stay active while connecting with nature. Many accommodations also offer wellness-focused experiences to help you relax and rejuvenate.

You will find several world class snow resorts to choose from:

• Perisher: The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Thredbo: Known for Australia’s longest ski runs and a vibrant village.
• Charlotte Pass: Australia's highest resort, offering a completely snow-bound experience.
• Selwyn Snow Resort: Family and budget friendly. Perfect for beginners to intermediates

Find out more about the resorts on our snowsports page.

The snow season typically runs from the King's Birthday weekend in June to the NSW Labour Day weekend in October, depending on snow conditions.

• Snowmaking: Resorts have snowmaking capabilities to extend the season and ensure good conditions.
• Peak times: July and August are the busiest months due to school holidays.
• Early and late-season skiing: Cheaper accommodation and deals on lift passes are sometimes available towards the end of the season.

Snowmaking is the process of artificially producing snow using machines that combine water and compressed air. It is used in snow resorts to ensure reliable snow coverage during the ski season, especially in areas that experience high traffic and where natural snowfall is insufficient.

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains between the June long weekend and the October long weekend on the following roads:

• Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River.
• Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin.
• Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length.

Snow chains are also recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway.

The road from Khancoban to Cabramurra and many of Kosciuszko National Park's minor roads are closed in winter.

Snow chains are not compulsory for 4WD and AWD vehicles but we recommended you carry them during winter. Especially if you're not used to driving on alpine roads affected by snow and ice.

You can hire snow chains at service stations and ski hire shops within the Snowy Mountains region. You need to fit snow chains to your vehicle when prompted by park signs or park rangers, Police, or Roads and Maritime Services officers. There are designated areas along the roads to fit your chains safely

Yes. Always check road conditions before departure via the Live Traffic NSW website.

You can also listen to road safety information on the local radio stations SnowFM and XLFM.

Yes. The weather conditions can change quickly in the Snowy Mountains. It’s always a good idea to check the weather, dress appropriately and be prepared. You can have a look at our weather page.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, tobogganing, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing. You can also check out Thredbo's Alpine Coaster, open all-year round.

Summer brings opportunities for:

• Hiking: Explore trails like the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk or Main Range Track.
• Mountain Biking: Try out the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park or any of the local trails around Jindabyne and Cooma
• Fishing: Trout fishing is hugely popular in local rivers and lakes.
• Water sports: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding on Lake Jindabyne and surrounding lakes and waterways
• Horse riding. Pretend like you’re the Man from Snowy River and take a guided horse trek.

Yes, swimming is allowed in most lakes and rivers. The water warms up enough for swimming in summer. There are many waterholes, but the top options are:

• Lake Jindabyne: One of the most popular spots for swimming and water activities.
• Thredbo River: A great place for cooling off after a hike or bike ride.

During summer, the Snowy Mountains is home to a variety of wildlife. You can spot kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and wombats along hiking trails and open grasslands. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing species like the flame robin, wedge-tailed eagle, and yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

If you are very lucky, you'll spot an elusive platypus. These shy creatures can be found in many waterholes, however are most abundant in Bombala and Lake Crackenback.

Yes, camping is allowed in the Snowy Mountains during summer. There are numerous campgrounds within Kosciuszko National Park, offering options from basic bush camps to sites with facilities like toilets, BBQs, and water. Popular spots include Thredbo Diggings and Island Bend. Always check for fire restrictions during summer, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.

The Snowy Mountains offer excellent fishing opportunities during summer, with spots like Lake Eucumbene, Lake Jindabyne, and the Thredbo River being particularly popular. You can fish for trout, including brown and rainbow trout, which are plentiful in the region's lakes and streams. Make sure to have a valid NSW fishing licence and be aware of fishing regulations in specific areas.

Thredbo Resort offers well-maintained gravity trails for riders of all levels, with chairlift access available. Jindabyne also has several trails, including the Mill Creek and Tyrolean Village trails, offering scenic rides around Lake Jindabyne. Cooma is home to the Mount Gladstone trail network which again offers something for everyone.

If you want to explore some fire trails, try the Cascades Trail and other trails within the Kosciuszko National Park. 

The region offers a range of accommodation options, including:

• Hotels and Resorts.
• Cabins and Chalets.
• Campgrounds and Caravan Parks: Both powered and unpowered sites available in scenic locations.
• Self-contained apartments: Ideal for extended stays.
• Farmstays: Stay on working farms to experience local country life.

Yes, several accommodations in the Snowy Mountains allow pets, particularly in Jindabyne and surrounding areas. Click the ‘Pet Friendly’ option in our directory. Please remember that pets are not allowed in Kosciuszko National Park.

Each of the towns and villages that make up the Snowy Mountains offer a unique range of dining options:

• Diverse Choices: Enjoy a variety of dining experiences from upscale restaurants and cozy cafes in Thredbo and Jindabyne to charming local pubs in Cooma and Adaminaby.

• Local Delicacies: Savour regional specialties like fresh trout, game meats, and artisanal cheeses. Don’t miss local farmers’ markets and eateries showcasing Snowy Mountains produce.

• Small Town Flavours: Discover hearty meals and homemade dishes in Berridale and other small towns, offering a taste of authentic mountain cuisine.

Yes! It is possible to summit Australia's highest peak anytime of year, however it is most popular in summer. You can start from either Thredbo or Charlotte Pass. From Thredbo, take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, which shortens the hike to about 13 km round-trip, with a well-maintained path leading to the summit. From Charlotte Pass, the Summit Walk is a longer but more gradual 18.6 km round-trip. Both routes offer stunning views of the alpine landscape, and the hike is relatively easy, with gradual inclines suitable for most fitness levels. Be sure to carry water, sun protection, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

You can visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Website or visit the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne.

You can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the warmer months. During winter, skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities, however you can also snowshoe and cross-country ski. You can also explore scenic drives, visit historic huts, and spot wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and bird species. Other activities include camping, horse riding, and taking in the stunning alpine views from lookout points