"The Roof of Australia" Top 5 Page for this destination Snowy Mountains by iandsmith

Snowy Mountains Travel Guide: 87 reviews and 195 photos

A different kind of snow field

The Snowy Mountains are not, by world standards, very high and they do not conform to most people's ideas of what a snow covered slope should look like.
This however, should not detract from the type of beauty they have to offer. It is a harsh and time worn plateau that the winds lash. Rocks ground down by the relentless wearing of the weather and trees unique in the world reflecting such circumstances.
The slopes are not steep in the European, Himalayan or American manner but do have a lot of trees and, sometimes, a lot of snow but you wouldn't book a ticket here to get the best in powder. For fun and partying the Australian ski season is hard to beat though.
That's probably why my eldest son chose the Snowys for his bucks' weekend! Sadly, while they were out enjoying themselves, his father was in bed suffering from concussion.

The other side

The flush of spring near Guthega

The vast majority of people who come here do so in winter to enjoy Australia's best ski resorts and look at the great mountains beyond where there are sadly, in my opinion, no lifts.
A steadily increasing number however are coming down in summer holidays to enjoy the cooler climate and experience the Australian bush. I haven't managed it yet but I have been in spring and that's when you're apt to get scenes like this when the rivers are splashing with snow melt.

Come the summer

Rainbow Lake in summer

These days the summer is becoming more popular and I finally managed it. I got to do 5 walks and plan to return next year.
I did return and did another 5 walks so I've seen a reasonable amount of the national park though nowhere near as much as the regulars.
Not unexpectedly there is some special scenery down here that is only visible in summer, particularly the wildflowers and tarns.
Rainbow Lake was one such place.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Easy slopes, lovely trees, nice people, great party atmosphere, some excellent walks
Cons:Not great depth of snows
In a nutshell:Picturesque, cold, Snowy Mountains Scheme, great walks and mountain biking.

Last visit to Snowy Mountains: Jan 2013
Intro Updated Mar 18, 2013
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Reviews (49)

Note the old style chimney - Snowy Mountains

Coolamine Homestead Off The Beaten Path (8)

We departed after a brief photographic session and stopped en route to Yarrangobilly Caves at Coolamine Homestead, a... more travel advice

Blue Waterholes Off The Beaten Path (8)

At the Snowy Mountains Highway intersection we headed west and then turned off onto Long Plain Road for 15kms and then... more travel advice

Bridge over the Snowy River - Snowy Mountains

All along the Illawong Track - continued Off The Beaten Path (8)

Other trekkers came and went as we grafted our way along the narrow trail past snow gums until, at times, the trail... more travel advice

Lorraine at the first crossing - Snowy Mountains

All along the Illawong Off The Beaten Path (8)

After a time we pushed on down the mountains, past Spencer’s Creek and on to Guthega, stopping while someone chose to... more travel advice

Favorites (14)
See All Dead Horse Gap continued
Things to Do (19)
See All A day in the snow

Hotels (3)
See All A budget type of experience
Warnings and Dangers (5)
See All Skiing isn't always white

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 1, 2003

1 photo

Skiing in Oz

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Comments (14)

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doreeny Mar 2, 2006 at 9:37 PM

Thanks for sharing the tips on snowy mountain! Hopefully I can revisit this place in the coming winter!
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lou31 Jan 24, 2006 at 4:39 PM

Great page...lots of info and good pics too. Never been there..or seen snow so I enjoyed my little visit.........
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Paul2001 Apr 16, 2005 at 2:42 PM

Wow it looks like Canada downunder!. A very informative page.
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Kate-Me Mar 13, 2005 at 9:09 PM

Great page! Brings back great memories of my first trip to Kosciuszko a few weeks ago - after their bizarre big snowstorm....in Febuary! Love the fantastic snowgum pic
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sim1 Jan 11, 2005 at 6:12 AM

I am not so much into skiing, but wow, those trees are wonderful!!! Amazing shapes and colours! I wish we had those type of trees here too! :-))
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Myndo Jan 5, 2005 at 12:51 PM

When I was in the area I almost got into an argument with someone who lives there saying they got more snow in winter than we did- I couldn't believe it. Well, obviously neither do you :-) Good tips. Love the snow gums. Hope your ear is well again!
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deecat Oct 10, 2004 at 7:06 PM

Excellent. Such massive details and interesting tales. I enjoyed reading about your adventures..you are a daredevil. Tip about "Snow Accommodations was super. Sorry about the ski accident.
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Goner Sep 13, 2004 at 9:13 PM

Those Snow Gum trees are very colorful. I never think of Oz with snow, but that must be why they call it the Snowy Mtns. LOL
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globetrott Sep 11, 2004 at 2:20 PM

Snowy mountains in Australia ? ...in Europe we first think of deserts, outback and Kangurus... ;-))
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mtncorg Aug 20, 2004 at 2:10 PM

Tree wells can suck indeed!! Good thing you weren't going fast. Fine tips on the alpine situation downunder!