Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is Australia's highest resort village, perched at 1,760 metres in the Snowy Mountains of Kosciuszko National Park. This alpine haven offers a true mountain escape, with pristine snowfields, crisp air, and a relaxed, car-free village atmosphere. In winter, it's a ski-in/ski-out paradise with direct access to vast slopes; in summer, it transforms into a base for high-country hiking and wildflower spotting. Accessible only via oversnow transport from Perisher Valley, the journey itself feels like an adventure into a serene white world.

Highlights & What to See

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Charlotte Pass is renowned for its uncrowded, family-friendly slopes, with wide beginner runs and challenging terrain for intermediates. The resort receives some of the highest natural snowfall in Australia, ensuring deep powder days.
• Kosciuszko National Park: In summer, walk the Main Range track to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak. The alpine wildflowers in January and February are spectacular, with snow daisies and buttercups carpeting the meadows.
• Snow Tubing & Tobogganing: Dedicated snow play areas near the village offer tubing and toboggan runs, perfect for families with young children.
• Village Atmosphere: The car-free village encourages strolling between lodges, with cosy fireplaces, après-ski drinks at the Snowy Gums Bar, and stunning views across the Snowy River valley.
• Cross-Country Skiing: The resort connects to the Kosciuszko Backcountry and the Snowy Mountains Trail, offering groomed trails for classic and skate skiing through ancient snow gums.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a winter ski trip, plan at least 3–5 days to fully enjoy the slopes and village. Arrive via oversnow transport from Perisher Valley (30-minute journey); the resort operates from mid-June to early October. In summer, a day trip or overnight stay suffices for hiking the Main Range – aim for a full day to summit Mount Kosciuszko and return. The resort is quiet outside snow season, so book accommodation in advance for winter.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Perisher Valley: Just 8 km away via oversnow, Perisher is Australia's largest ski resort, with extensive terrain, night skiing, and more dining options.
• Thredbo: A 45-minute drive from Perisher, Thredbo offers a vibrant village, the longest runs in Australia, and summer mountain biking.
• Jindabyne: The main gateway town on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, with accommodation, restaurants, and water sports. It's a 45-minute drive from Perisher.
• Kosciuszko National Park: Explore beyond the resorts – Yarrangobilly Caves, the Snowy River, and the historic Kiandra goldfields are all within a 1–2 hour drive.
• Canberra: The nation's capital, 2.5 hours north, offers cultural attractions like the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery. Combine a snow trip with a city break.

Please check official sources for current details.