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Snowies Alpine Walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Snowies Alpine Walk.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

56km one-way

Time

4 days

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Location: Kosciuszko National Park

Gateway towns: Jindabyne

Regional airport: Snowy Mountains Airport, Cooma

Driving distance: 5.5 hours from Sydney, 3 hours from Canberra

Driving directions from Canberra via Jindabyne (park entry fees apply):

  • Travel around 100km along the Monaro Highway and through Cooma.
  • Continue onto Jindabyne Road following signs for Kosciuszko Road for 60km to Jindabyne.

For Guthega Village : follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne towards Perisher. Turn off onto Guthega Road which is sealed until you reach Guthega power station then continue straight ahead along an unsealed road for around 6.5km to Guthega Village.

For Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass: follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne for 33km to Perisher. Charlotte Pass is 8km beyond Perisher.

For Bullocks Flat: follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne for 3km then turn left onto Alpine Way. Head towards Thredbo Village for about 18km before reaching Bullocks Flat.

Road quality

  • Sealed and unsealed road to Guthega
  • Sealed road to Charlotte Pass, Perisher Village and Bullocks Flat.

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Snow chains required after snow

Parking

Limited parking is available at Guthega Village, Charlotte Pass, Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat.  

There is very limited street parking near Charlotte Pass on Kosciuszko road. 

Additional parking at Perisher Valley is available in the main Perisher carpark near the NPWS visitor centre. Walk 700m along Porcupine Road and Galaxia Place to reach the start of the walk on day 4.

Most days start and end at different spots with few accommodation options along the way. You’ll need to arrange a car shuffle or book a transfer service to get to and from the track and your accommodation at the start and end of each day. 

 

By public transport

There are no public transport services available, but booking a transfer service to and from their accommodation and to the track at the start and end of each day is highly recommended.

Facilities

The walk passes alpine villages at Guthega, Charlotte Pass and Perisher Valley with some shops and cafes, but it’s a good idea to check summer operating hours before you arrive. There are no bins, so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.

Toilets

Public toilets are available along the walk at: Charlotte Pass, Seamans Hut, Rawson Pass, Charlotte Pass Village and at Bullocks Hut (short detour). Perisher Valley toilets are only open 9am to 4pm everyday.

Carpark

Limited parking is available at Guthega Village, Charlotte Pass, Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat.
There is very limited street parking near Charlotte Pass on Kosciuszko road.

Additional parking at Perisher Valley is available in the main Perisher carpark near the NPWS visitor centre. Walk 700m along Porcupine Road and Galaxia Place to reach the start of the walk on day 4.

Most days start and end at different spots with few accommodation options along the way. You'll need to arrange a car shuffle or book a transfer service to get to and from the track and your accommodation at the start and end of each day.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Alpine areas present special safety issues so read our alpine safety tips to get prepared. As this is a Grade 4 walk, hiring a personal locator beacon (PLB) and completing a trip intention form is recommended.

Weather in this area can be unpredictable and it can snow in summer. Some sections may be slippery from snow and ice.

You'll also need to rock-hop to cross the Snowy River which can be slippery. This crossing may be covered with water and can’t be crossed after rain. Be prepared for all weather by packing warm clothes and sun protection.

Alpine safety

Alpine areas present special safety issues. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It’s important to be prepared and find out how to stay safe in alpine areas.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.

Snowies Alpine Walk

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Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass

Visitor centre

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