How to hit the Snowy Mountains off-piste and off-season

Visitors to Australia are often surprised to find that, yes, the country does have snow and yes again, resorts like Thredbo and Perisher get powder like the best of the Northern Hemisphere's big names.

Aussies are sometimes just as stunned when they discover that, outside the ski season, the (not so) Snowy Mountains offer activities that are adventurous enough to compete with their cold weather counterparts.

Summer in the Snowy Mountains means foregoing log fires and hot chocolate for an entirely different set of experiences.

Adventures

At 2,200m above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia's tallest point. Climbing it is no easy feat but it's achievable for those with a reasonable fitness level and passable planning skills.

The view from the top is incredible, so ensure you leave early enough to spend a while gazing towards the horizon.

Image: Facebook / Snowy Mountains

Kosciuszko is a 13km round trip from Thredbo, with an incline that demands at least fours hours to complete. Be sure to check for any alerts before you set off — bad weather can mean the track is treacherous and therefore closed by park authorities.

Closer to earth, there are plenty of ways to get the heart rate up in the Snowy Mountains. Thredbo MTB has mountain bikes for hire if you don't bring your own, and the trails around the area are top class. There are easy rides for families and novices, and the Thredbo MTB Cannonball Downhill and Kosciuszko Flow Trail for downhill demons.

And the best thing about riding downhill is that you can get a chairlift right back to the top.

Image: Facebook / Thredbo MTB

Sticking with two wheels, Lake Crackenback can be explored as part of a Segway tour (the highest in Australia!).

Eating and drinking

While wintertime focuses most visitors' appetites on alpine fodder — like fondues, schnapps and hot chocolates — warmer weather tends to open up the palate.

Crackenback Farm Restaurant, for example, offers seven entrees, mains and desserts which change daily. Produce is seasonal, so expect your dishes to reflect the current harvest. It's a 25-minute drive from Thredbo, towards Jindabyne.

Image: Facebook / Crackenback Farm Restaurant

For something a little more casual, try local institution Thredbo Burger Bar. The view over the Thredbo River is as enticing as their black bun burgers and curated craft beers, and a summer visit means shorter wait times.

Wildlife

Summertime sees wildlife-spotting opportunities increase exponentially, and the Snowy Mountains' animal inhabitants are seriously diverse.

Keep an eye out for the Corroboree Frog, but be careful. Not only are they critically endangered, they're poisonous — two very good reasons to respect their personal space.

If you're lucky enough to spot one of the tiny black and yellow fellas, take a photo and send it to the contact at www.corroboreefrog.org.au. It'll help them in their conservation efforts.

Image: Facebook / Corroboree Frog

There's also a large wild horse population — known as the Snowy Mountain brumbies — along with wallabies, wombats, and quolls. As the weather warms up pygmy possums come out of hiding, the tiny creatures taking to the bush to look for food.

Platypuses swim in the many rivers when they're thawed, offering yet another opportunity to spot an Aussie icon. There's no doubt that when the sun's out, so are the animals.

Image: Facebook / Snowy Mountains

There are more reasons to visit, not least the practical — reduced crowds, easier driving conditions and cheaper accommodation — but do you really need them? Summer in the Snowies is every bit as iconic and enticing, with the added appeal of a distinct lack of fluorescent snow suits.

*Presented by Discovery Holiday Parks