Snowies Alpine Magic....... A blog by Kat — written with frozen fingers and a very full heart

We came to the Snowy Mountains knowing we’d walk, explore and challenge ourselves — but the week ended up being far more remarkable than any itinerary could capture. Snow in summer, sunrise summit attempts, helicopter detours, silent walks, creek dips and some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Australia. Most of all, it was a week shaped by the women who shared it. Here’s our journey from day one to day six.

Day 1 – Sunday 30 November

Meet in Canberra → Welcome drinks → Instant chemistry

There’s nothing quite like that first moment a new WEA group comes together — the excited smiles, the nervous energy, and the feeling that something special is about to unfold.

We met in Canberra for welcome drinks and dinner, and within minutes the room was buzzing. Stories were shared, laughter was easy, and it already felt like this team was going to work well together. A perfect beginning to a big week.

With a full itinerary ahead, everyone headed off for an early night. Boots ready. Packs sorted. Spirits high.

Day 2 – Monday 1 December

First day of summer… and it was snowing. Classic Snowies.

We left Canberra at 7.30 am and headed straight to Cooma a coffee and a look around the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. The team wandered through the displays, learning how the Snowy Scheme transformed Australia’s energy future.

Halfway through coffees, Kat’s phone rang.

“It’s snowing in Charlotte Pass.”

On the first day of summer....

We grabbed snow chains just in case and continued on to Jindabyne, where the weather had truly settled in. Snow up the mountain, strong winds and thunderstorms meant our planned high-alpine walk was off the cards.

Plan B took us to the beautiful Pallaibo Walk, a peaceful 5.7 km track finishing at the Thredbo River. Not what we planned, but a wonderful warm-up for the week.

After lunch and a wander around the National Parks Information Centre, we made our way up to Charlotte Pass.

Would we need the chains?

Would we not?

We were ready either way.

Thankfully the snow ploughs had been through and cleared the roads, so the chains stayed in the bag. The snow did not. We drove straight into a winter wonderland, which felt more like July than the first day of summer.

At Snowbird Lodge, it was all hands on deck hauling luggage and food up snowy stairs. The teamwork was immediate and effortless. Inside, we settled into our cosy home and kicked things off with peach schnapps Bellinis, the Prosecco chilled outside in the snow.

Plenty of changes, plenty of laughs, and a crew who embraced every twist the mountains sent our way.

Day 3 – Tuesday 2 December

Snowed in again. Chains on. New plan unlocked.

We woke to Charlotte Pass covered in fresh snow. Another change of plans was needed, so we flipped our itinerary and took on the walk originally planned for the final day: Perisher to Bullocks Flat.

But first, the chains..... Kat, Jo and Karli headed out for their first chain-fitting experience. Three women, one snowy vehicle, a little trial and error, and a lot of determination. They got the chains on perfectly.

We began our walk through fresh snow, winding past snow gums coated in soft white from the night before. As we dropped in elevation, the snow thinned and the landscape opened up into gentle greens, bridges and grassy flats.

The trail was calm and beautiful, a true mix of alpine and valley terrain. Twelve kilometres of peaceful, scenic walking in conditions you would never expect on the second day of summer.

Surprise Stop: The Thredbo Alpine Coaster....Since we were close to Thredbo, we added a surprise stop. A ride on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster — Australia’s only gravity-fed alpine coaster. Fast, twisty and full of laughter. The reactions at the bottom told the whole story.

From there we continued back to Charlotte Pass,

Once home, the rituals began:

Cold dips.

Saunas and spas.

Afternoon drinks and nibbles.

A delicious dinner.

A briefing for the next day.

Talent Frog — today’s winner was Karli with her card tricks.

A perfect finish to a snowy, memorable day.

Day 4 – Wednesday 3 December

Perisher to Charlotte Pass, Porcupine Rocks and a helicopter traffic jam

Today’s 12.7 km walk from Perisher to Charlotte Pass, with a side trip to Porcupine Rocks, delivered everything we hoped for. Snow patches, sunshine, rolling terrain and a group that had found its rhythm.

Note for the record: the rocks should be called Echidna Rocks. Porcupines don’t live here.

Not long before reaching Charlotte Pass, we came across something none of us expected. A helicopter was ferrying buckets of concrete up the mountain, which meant we suddenly had stop-and-go traffic control on the hiking track.

Lollipop men for hikers. On a mountain. It was brilliant.

We waited for our turn, were given the go-ahead, and split into two groups to jog the safe section while the helicopter held off. There was laughing, squealing, and a general sense of “Is this really happening right now?”

A top-tier Snowies memory.

Back at the lodge we returned to our now-loved routine:

Cold creek dips.

Saunas and spas.

Early dinner.

Talent frog - today was Nellies turn and she sang us a fabulous rendition of Show Me The Way To Go Home.

Very early bedtime. Because the alarms were set for 2.00 am.

Sunrise on Kosciuszko was calling.

Day 5 – Thursday 4 December

Sunrise summit attempt, snow drift detour and a summit success

The day began at 2.00 am with quiet packing, warm layers and the soft glow of head torches. We were on the track by 2.30 am, walking under a full moon so bright we barely needed our lights.Our goal was to reach the summit of Kosciuszko for a 5.37am sunrise.

We made excellent time until a solid, icy snow drift blocked the final climb. It was simply too dangerous to cross in the dark. So we stopped just below the summit and watched the sunrise from there. Soft, calm, and spectacular.

Once the light strengthened, we continued to Lake Cootapatamba. Kat and Karli then went ahead to reassess the snow drift. The sun had softened the ice enough to cross safely.

Round two began.

The group returned, crossed cautiously, and made their way up the final stretch to the summit. It wasn’t sunrise, but it was still a huge moment for everyone.

The summit was filled with hugs, pride, photos and a deep sense of achievement.

We arrived back at Charlotte Pass at 12.30 pm with 22 km on the legs.

The afternoon was for recovery: cold swims, naps, chats, sauna time and a relaxed evening at Snowbird.

A big day on the mountain, and one we will all remember.

Day 6 – Friday 5 December

Charlotte Pass to Guthega, celebration lunch and farewell

Our final morning felt almost leisurely after the day before. After breakfast and a final pack, we said goodbye to Snowbird, our snowy home for the week.

Today’s walk was a beautiful 9 km track from Charlotte Pass to Guthega, following the Snowy River as it curved through the valley. The scenery grew more stunning with each bend — wide views, soft light, and that crisp alpine air we all loved.

Partway through, we took a 15-minute silent walk. No talking, no cameras, just the sound of boots and the river. It was a rare moment to reflect on the week: the challenges, the laughter, the friendships and the personal wins.

At the end of the walk, we made our way to Wildbrumby Scnapps Distillery for our final meal together. A celebration lunch where we shared what the week had meant to us. There was laughter, there were happy tears, and so much gratitude for the women who made this trip what it was.

After lunch, we travelled back to Canberra. Carpool trivia and our Snowies Alpine music playlist made the 3 hour hour journey into the best kind of road trip. Our final farewells, the hugs said it all.

We arrived as individuals, but we left as an adventure family — shaped by early mornings, shared challenges, quiet conversations, unexpected moments and the kind of connection that only forms when women walk side by side for days on end. Somewhere between the snowstorms, the sunrise summit attempts, the cold swims, the silent walks and the long stretches of track, something shifted. We trusted each other, supported each other, and celebrated every win together. These are the kinds of weeks that stay with you — not just for the places you walk through, but for the people you walk with.

We are headed back in March 2026 and you should join us! See all the details HERE