The Australian Snowy Mountains are well known for boasting some of Australia’s best ski fields and are a haven for avid skiers and boarders. But what you may not know is that the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts! The Snowies are home to a wide range of activities for adventure lovers to enjoy during the warmer months too.

Here’s some of our favourite things to do:

Hiking

Of course, this is number one on our list! The Snowy Mountains has some of the best hikes that Australia has to offer. Here’s three to get you started:

The Thredbo Valley track

A stunning trail that spans 35km from Thredbo to the Gaden Trout Hatchery, via Lake Crackenback and The diggings and Ngario campgrounds. Choose a section of it for a long days walk or why not pack some gear and make it an overnighter? We recommend pitching your tent at the Diggings Campground or if you’re in need of a hot shower, book a chalet for the night at Lake Crackenback resort and spa.

The Dead Horse Gap walking track

A popular 5km day walk boasting unparalleled views over the Thredbo valley. Starting from The Dead Horse Gap (a short drive past Thredbo on the Alpine Way) hike through majestic snowy gum trees and views of the Ramshead range to reach the top of the Kosciusko chairlift, before making a scenic descent back to Thredbo. Alternatively, you can follow the turbulent waters of the Alpine river back along the scenic Thredbo golf course.

The Mount Kosciusko Summit Trail

A trip to the snowy mountains isn’t complete without a hike up to Mount Kosciusko Summit, the highest point in Australia. For a day outing, you can access the summit from Thredbo via the Kosciusko chairlift, or for a true adventure – join us on our Kosciusko Summit Tour or Ten Summit Challenge and we will take you there on a multi-day tour.

Mountain Biking

With its majestic mountains and great weather, the snowy mountains are fast becoming the go-to spot for keen mountain bikers.

Mountain biking season typically opens from November and we recommend hitting up Thredbo Mountain Bike park. The Kosciusko chairlift runs from November to May, so you can catch a ride up and save your energy for the adrenaline bursting Cannonball Downhill Trail, the longest chairlift-accessible downhill run in Australia.

Beginners can join group or individual lessons from qualified instructors and guides, giving you the confidence and skills to hit the trail.

For Cross Country riding Lake Crackenback offers over 25km of well-maintained tracks, with a clearly marked selection for each difficulty level. You can bring your own bikes or hire them from the activity center. These fun-filled tracks take you around the lake and through the surrounding bushlands, often following stretches of picturesque Alpine river where you may even spot some of the local wildlife – Wallabies, Platypus, Wombats and Brumbies!

Boat, Paddle or SUP Lake Jindabyne

Pristine blue waters and a stunning mountain backdrop set the scene for a whole range of watersport activities you can enjoy on the shores of Lake Jindabyne. Easily accessible from the claypits in central Jindabyne, you can drive down onto the shores of the lake to drop off your gear or, if you don’t have your own you can hire Canoes, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards from Sacred Ride along with any extra equipment or safety gear that you might need.

A day on the clear blue lake can be just as fun as one spent shredding on the mountains. There are a number of small sand islands accessible only by water that you can explore and if the waters are low you may even be able to spot a relic from the Old Jindabyne town, such as the post office or church steeple.

Trout Fishing

Fishing may not be what you expected from a Mountains holiday right? But this inland paradise is home to pristine water bodies teeming with Fresh Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout as well as Atlantic Salmon and Native fish like the Murray Cod and Golden Perch.

Whether you are a dab hand with a rod or you’ve never picked one up before, the Snowy Mountains is the perfect place to throw out a line.

We recommend the beautiful Lake Eucumbene near Adaminaby or try fly fishing in the majestic Thredbo river. Bring your own gear or you can hire a rod and life jacket from one of many bait and tackle shops across the region.

For first timers, a visit to the Gaden Trout Hatchery or the Eucumbene Trout farm will teach you everything you need to know about recreational fishing and the types of fish you might catch locally, afterwards you can start off with a two-hour lure casting lesson from Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa.

Horse Riding

There’s hardly anything more iconic than horse back riding through The Man From Snowy River high country. Thredbo Valley Horse Riding are the place to go, with hourly, half day and full day rides available for group or private bookings. The rides cater to all ability levels and their trails take you through the stunning alpine wilderness and rugged high country. It’s no secret that we are huge fans of overnight expeditions! If you’re anything like us than you may want to check out Reynella Horse rides or Cochran Horse Treks, run out of Adaminaby. Both offer multi-day guided Horse Treks where you can camp out under the stars and swap stories by the campfire, just as the old drovers used to do.

With all of the above on offer, it’s no wonder the Snowy Mountains are a mecca for adventure lovers all year round.