Snowies Alpine Walk with Arc'teryx

The alpine regions of Kosciuszko National Park boast some of the most enchanting hikes. Rugged mountain views stretch endlessly and forests of gum trees ripple towards the horizon. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to have a full-blown Sound of Music moment, prancing through the grass, arms wide, singing at the top of your lungs... until your hiking group asks you to stop.

The Capital Brewing x Arc’teryx team was lucky enough to be the first to experience all four stages of the Snowies Alpine Walk. Teaming up with a bunch of incredible locals including: Stacks Pizza, Common Kosci, Holly Go Lightly, ESSpresso Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains Shuttles, not only did we get to soak up the epic landscapes of Kosciuszko NP, but we were also welcomed into the town of Jindabyne with warmth and hospitality.

Arriving in Jindabyne

Rolling into town, we were greeted with stunning views over Lake Jindabyne. We made our first stop at Common Kosci, where the crew assembled. This would serve as our home base for the trip. As daylight faded, we headed to Stacks Pizza Jindabyne to indulge in gourmet New York-style pizzas - an absolute carb-loading dream. We discussed our game plan for our fastpack: 56km over 4 stages, Guthega to Bullocks Flat, summiting Mt. Kosciuszko. We were brimming with enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.

The Hike Begins - Guthega to Charlotte Pass

Before the sun had fully stretched over the mountains, Snowy Mountains Shuttles collected our group from the doorstep of Common Kozi and transported us through the mist and fog to the trail head. We hopped out the shuttle, single file and marched towards the start. Fortunately, we had Hugh with us, a Jindy regular. He pointed out all the highlights of the trail on the information board building excitement and setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

The trail meandered through the mountains alongside the Snowy River, immersing us in a landscape of vibrant wildflowers and rugged terrain. The silence of the crisp morning air was only broken by our cheerful chatter and awed exclamations at the beauty surrounding us. No matter how many times you visit Kosciuszko, its views never lose their magic. We navigated the rocky, undulating pathways until we reached Charlotte Pass.

Stage 2 - Charlotte Pass Main Range Loop

From Charlotte Pass, we continued along the Main Range Trail, facing a steady climb ahead. We hiked side by side, pushing through the incline, until the full panorama of Australia’s highest peaks came into view. Some were still capped with snow, a surprising sight this late in the season. Wind whipped around us as we reached the spectacular Blue Lake Lookout.

On the next stretch of the trail, we couldn't resist a bit of fun—a spontaneous snowball fight broke out. I lost every round to Hugh, while Ji wisely kept her distance, and Jonny was such an easy target that no one even tried. After a quick break, lounging on Little Austria and taking in the sweeping views over Mt. Sentinel, we continued along the Main Range Trail.

The path winds beneath Mt. Northcote and Mt. Lee, leading through the stunning Northcote Pass. This stretch is my personal favourite, hiking along a dramatic cliff edge with breathtaking views across to Mt. Townsend, Alice Rawson, and the pristine alpine waters of Lake Albina. Reaching Northcote Pass is a sign that the summit is near. You will soon be standing at the highest point of Australia - Mt. Kosciuszko. The descent back to Charlotte Pass followed a friendly fire trail past Australia’s highest toilet and Seaman’s Hut.

Stage 3 - Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley

Charlotte Pass along the Porcupine Walk was pure magic. Snow gum forests twisted gracefully, their pastel bark peeling in ribbons, while alpine mint bush and hardy snow grass blanketed the ground like a thick, woven tapestry. The path was nestled deep within the trees and towering rock formations punctured the landscape, standing proud on the ridgelines. We paused at Porcupine Rocks, taking in the expansive view across the Thredbo River Valley, down to Bullocks Flat, a moment of quiet delight before the final push.

Stage 4 - Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat

Then came the grand finale: Stage 4. This was the first official trek along the newest section of the Snowies Alpine Walk. A NSW Parks ranger joined us, arriving with the real MVP: a stash of golden, perfectly crisp toasties from ESSpresso Jindabyne (easily a 10/10). As we descended, the landscape shifted to denser bushland with taller trees, and a welcome canopy of shade that signaled the gradual drop into the valley. The air warmed, and we stopped at a lookout to savor our toasties, gazing out toward Bullocks Flat.

Along the way, we refilled our bottles in fresh mountain streams and even spotted an echidna shuffling through the undergrowth. Arriving at Bullocks Flat our adventure had come to an end. We took a dip in the river and enjoyed a Capital froth.

Reflection

Back in Jindabyne, the trip wrapped up in the best way possible: a celebratory feast at Holly Go Lightly, plates stacked with incredible food, cold Capital Brewing beers in hand, and the kind of conversation that only comes after sharing an adventure in the mountains. After heading back to our home base at Common Kozi we gathered around the fire pit, reflecting on the epic journey we had just completed.

Although we completed the trip fastpacking, we all agreed it would be an epic multi-day hike. WIth so many vistas to pause at and so much more terrain to explore there is no need to rush. We each had favourite elements - summiting mountains, spending time with new people, capturing the unique views the alpine environment offers or snowball fights but I’m sure you’ll find your own slice of magic in the mountains.