In search of an alpine escape? Strap on some snowshoes and put your best foot forward.

Snowshoes have come a long way from the cumbersome tennis racket-shaped versions the North American Indians used to plod around in. Today’s snowshoes are lightweight and easy to use, and they’re a fun way for skiers and non-skiers alike to explore winter landscapes, regardless of age or fitness levels.

Mount Jagungal , just north of Mt Kosciuszko in southern New South Wales, offers great alpine walks all year round, but snowshoeing here allows you to experience the magic of spectacular peaks and clean mountain air. When you’ve reached your mountain peak of choice, build yourself an ice chair and savour the solitude – and perhaps a glass of white wine while you’re at it.

For an extra adrenaline rush, ski and snow boarding enthusiasts have their pick in the Snowy Mountains region, which includes the resorts of Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields . With more than 230 kilometres of groomed trails, seasoned skiers or snowboarders as well as novices will find plenty of ski run action. The resorts also offer bars, restaurants and après-ski entertainment.

While the Snowy Mountains are a great winter playground, there’s a lot more to do here than just snow sports. The spectacular beauty of the rugged gorges, alpine lakes and the invigorating crispness of the high country air mean that it’s also worth visiting outside peak season.

During spring and summer, Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene are stocked with trout and Atlantic salmon. Try your luck or join a trout-fishing tour where expert guides will take you to top fishing spots and share their angling secrets. Trout fishing competitions are also held every year in October, November and Easter (April).

If you’re looking for a thrill, the melting snow in the warmer months generates a surge of white-water rafting. Ride the rapids on the Upper Murray River, reputed to be among the best in Australia. You can also go kayaking through the Leather Barrel and Khancoban Creeks or canoe through the deep gorge country of the lower Snowy River.

For another off-road experience, you can see the Snowy Mountains by four-wheel driving or even motorcycle through the terrain. It’s a great drive along the loop of towns like Cooma, Tumut and Adaminaby and from each town, you can visit nearby attractions and learn about the history of the place.

Along the way, make time to explore the Yarrangobilly Caves. Just 40 minutes from the Selwyn Snowfield, the caves date back around 420 million years and are full of beautiful stalagmites, stalactites and limestone formations.

Cycling or mountain biking is another way to go and the quiet country roads make it easy. You can hire a bike and head off to explore the Cascade Fire Trail, take a trip down to Tom Groggin or challenge yourself with the legendary Cannonball Run at Thredbo.

You can also take a guided alpine tour through Kosciuszko National Park. Walk along wildflower-lined tracks, see rare animals such as the hairy-nosed wombat as well as a variety of alpine plants.

Of course, any trip to the Snowy Mountains isn’t complete without experiencing it on horseback. The region was immortalised in the hugely popular Australian film The Man from Snowy River, so saddle-up for a horseback adventure tour or brumby trek.

Brumby running has been a tradition in the Snowy Mountains since the settlers started releasing horses in the area. The majority of treks start and finish at the Yaouk or Khancoban Homestead near Adaminaby. The rides range from a minimum of four hours for beginners, to up to seven-day treks for the more adventurous.

Each day riders are involved in camp routine. You can feed the horses, gather wood and water. On the rides, you’ll see limestone gorges, brumbies in the wild, aboriginal sites, mountain stockmen's huts and historical heritage sites.

For the traditional bush swagman experience, all meals are cooked over the campfire so bring a bottle of red and a big voice to help with the night’s entertainment, which includes bush poetry and singing.

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• Nearest City:Canberra
• Distance to Canberra:175kms
• Nearest Airport:Cooma
• Distance to Cooma Airport:90kms

Local Attractions in the Area

• Cycling and Mountain Biking
• Snowy River Horseback Adventure
• Kosciuszko Alpine Guided Walks
• Trout Fishing
• Wild Brumby Watching
• Four-Wheel Driving

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Helpful Links for the Area

• Snowy Mountains Tourism
• Thredbo
• Tourism NSW
• Snowy Mountains SkiFields
• Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains

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Seasonal Events

• Thredbo Blues Festival: January
• Snowy River Festival: November
• Snowy Ride Thredbo: October
• Thredbo Turns 50: 1st January 2007