The Snowies Alpine Walk
What you need to know to create an unforgettable multi-day hike experience
How to create the perfect Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
The Snowies Alpine Walk in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains region is a breathtaking multi-day adventure that rewards hikers with stunning alpine vistas, unique flora and fauna, and a sense of accomplishment that only comes with tackling one of Australia’s premier walking trails. To help you plan your perfect Snowies Alpine Walk experience, we’ve compiled an essential guide covering accommodation, transport, weather considerations, and packing tips.
ABOUT THE WALK
NSW’s best kept secret: About the Snowies Alpine Walk
Snowies Alpine Walk is a 56km multi-day walk that weaves through the breathtaking Kosciuszko National Park. Throughout the four day self-guided walk, you’ll climb Australia’s highest mountain, explore wildflower meadows and walk through ancient glacier-carved environments and snow gum forests.
Now, don’t let 56 kilometres or hiking Mount Kosciuszko scare you away – this walk is classified as Grade 4 and can be broken down into smaller, more beginner-friendly chunks.
Grade 4 means bushwalking experience is recommended but does not include any navigation or specialist equipment. This walk is well sign posted and there are many maps and resources available to you on the NSW National Parks website.
The walk takes most adventures four days but can be tackled in your own way and own time. NSW Parks suggests the following days and routes:
Day 1: Guthega to Charlotte Pass (9km)
Day 2: Main Range and Mount Kosciuszko Summit, starting and ending in Charlotte Pass (22km)
Day 3: Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley (12.5km)
Day 4: Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat (12km)
So as you can see, Charlotte Pass is a very central location no matter which part of the Snowies Alpine Walk you’d like to explore. So if you’re looking for some nicer accommodation than the National Park cabins, Charlotte Pass is the perfect base for this walk.
WHERE TO STAY
Snowies Alpine Walk Accommodation
When embarking on the Snowies Alpine Walk, having a comfortable place to rest and recharge is crucial. NSW National Parks do offer cabins and lodges on their website but most of them are out-of-the-way and nowhere near essential starting points on this walk. Hence, we highly recommend Charlotte Pass as your Snowies Alpine Walk accommodation base.
One standout in Charlotte Pass is Knockshannoch, our cozy and welcoming accommodation offers special multi-day stay prices tailored for walkers. Nestled in the heart of the Charlotte Pass Village, Knockshannoch provides a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring you can start each day’s trek refreshed.
Knockshannoch provides lovely private rooms with ensuites, large common areas and kitchen, and even transportation coordination, making it an ideal base for your multi-day adventure. We also offer deals to keep your room reserved for you if you intend to stay elsewhere for one or two nights of your journey – see packages here.
Charlotte Pass Village and other local shuttle services, including Snow Connect, now offer transfers to and from Charlotte Pass to all trailheads on the Snowies Alpine Walk and other major walks in the national park. When enquiring for our Snowies Alpine Walk accommodation package, let us know your transport needs and we will coordinate quotes from all major providers to get you the best deal possible.
Enquire now to take advantage of their exclusive walker’s deals.
Other summer accommodation options in Charlotte Pass include Snowbird Lodge and Stillwell Lodge.
Transport to Snowies Alpine Walk Trailheads
Reaching the Snowies Alpine Walk trailheads is made easy with Snow Connect, a reliable local bus service that caters specifically to hikers. Snow Connect offers shuttle options between key locations, including Charlotte Pass, Guthega and Perisher. Their comfortable buses can also accommodate your hiking gear, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Charlotte Pass Village also offer transport services to the major trailheads of the national parks walks. Subject to availability.
For extra perks, if you stay at Knockshannoch Lodge, we will coordinate transport quotes on your behalf to get you the best deal possible. Simply enquire about our accommodation options and include your transport needs – leave the rest to us!
SnowConnect also provides mountain bike rentals, photography tours, Koscuiszko hut tours and plenty more if you’re looking to fill your days in the Snowy Mountains.
weather
When is the best time to walk?
The weather in the Snowy Mountains can be unpredictable, even in the warmer months. During the Snowies Alpine Walk, you may encounter everything from sunny skies to sudden rain or even snow. Here’s what you need to know:
- Spring (September-November): Expect mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. This is the perfect time to explore the Snowies Alpine Walk so it may be busier than usual.
- Summer (December-February): Ideal for hiking, with warmer days and cooler nights. With longer sunlight hours, you’ll be able to see more of the wildflowers and rivers while the altitude keeps you cooler than other regions.
- Autumn (March-May): Cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Nights can be chilly and weather can change quickly, so be prepared.
- Winter (June-August): CLOSED. Once snow falls, this trail is no longer suitable for hikers.
Always check the weather forecast before setting out and be prepared for rapid changes in conditions.
what to pack
Essential Gear for the Snowies Alpine Walk
Packing smart is key to a successful multi-day hike. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re well-prepared for the Snowies Alpine Walk:
Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Sturdy hiking pants or shorts
- Warm hat and gloves (even in summer, for cool mornings and evenings)
- Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support (make sure to break them in!!)
- Extra socks (nothing worse than wet socks)
Gear:
- Lightweight backpack with a hydration system
- Freeze dried lunches such as those from BackCountry which are delicious just-add-water meals
- High-protein snacks such as trail mixes or protein bars
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- GPS device – please see NSW National Parks for their recommendations around personal locator beacons (PLB). See here
- Bag to store rubbish
Extras:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (even on overcast days, the UV index can be very high)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottles or a water filtration system
- Personal toiletries
Snowies Alpine Walk Must-knows
Final Tips for the Perfect Snowys Alpine Walk Experience
Some final words of wisdom before you depart:
- Plan Your Route: Research trail maps and plan your daily segments. The Snowies Alpine Walk offers several options to suit different fitness levels and timeframes.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve the pristine beauty of the Snowy Mountains by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all rubbish and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Stay Safe: Always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. Mobile reception can be limited, so consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB).
With the right preparation, the Snowies Alpine Walk will be an unforgettable adventure that showcases the natural beauty of Australia’s alpine region. Happy hiking!
Summer
Alpine Walk Packages
We want to make your multi-day walking trip as simple and enjoyable as possible, so we offer a special four-day accommodation package.
This provides a discounted nightly rate of $155 when tackling the Snowies Alpine Walk. This package includes accommodation on Day 0 (before you start), Day 1 and Day 2 and Day 4 (after finishing). If you choose to spend Night 3 elsewhere, perhaps in Perisher, your room will be reserved and will be ready for your return. If you want to stay all five nights, you can still enjoy this discounted rate and we can help organise any transport services you may need.
T&Cs apply – click here to read more.
Knockshannoch Summer Room Rates
To view our various room options, please check here
1 - 2 Nights
from $195 per room, per night
3 - 6 Nights
from $175 per room, per night
7 Nights
from $156 per room, per night
Whole Lodge
from $1,092 per night
