Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Snowkiting access is from the area northwest of the Charlotte Pass village, which provides access toward the high alpine plateau and Main Range terrain. When the resort is operational, snowkiting is described as possible on groomed runs, and conditions are reported as powder on mountain terrain. Launch and riding areas can be affected by terrain features including rocks, cornices, and steep terrain in certain directions, so routes and exposure choices matter.
- Exposed high-alpine terrain suited to snowkiting
- Frontal winter wind systems with reported consistency
- Powder snow conditions when operational
- Access to the Main Range from the area northwest of the village
- Consistent exposed frontal winds in winter over high-altitude terrain.
- Powder snow conditions are reported when kiting on the range.
- Access via oversnow transport from Perisher Valley, with resort-based village facilities available during operational periods.
- Winter resort/launch access depends on resort operations (reported 2025 closure).
- Advanced alpine conditions with hazards such as rocks, cornices, crevices, and whiteouts.
- Mobile reception can be unreliable in the backcountry; rescue support is limited.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter wind is dominated by high-altitude frontal systems and pressure gradients (in general for the region). For this spot, the spot-level data also describes frontal winds.
- Reliability
- The spot is highly exposed and receives consistent frontal winds throughout the winter season.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur immediately downwind of ridges and peaks.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Launch
- Medium — Groomed ski runs when open; the area northwest of the village provides access to the high alpine plateau and rolling hills.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
- Bottom Type
- Mixed — Reported as mixed; also described as high alpine/mountain terrain for snowkiting.
- Obstacles
- Rocks, cornices, and steep terrain in certain directions; plus alpine hazards such as crevices.
Through the year
Busy in the village during school holidays; snowkiting areas on the range usually quiet.
Winter (June–October) with frequent alpine blizzards and heavy snowfall; blizzards and heavy snow storms are common from June through September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Snowkiting possible on groomed runs northwest of Charlotte Pass when the resort is operational, with access to the high alpine plateau and rolling hills of the Main Range. The spot is described as a premier high-altitude snowkiting area with powder conditions and mountain terrain; terrain hazards can include rocks, cornices, and steep sections.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) in the full forecast view.
Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 35 kts
- Direction
- WNW298°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -1–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 35 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- extreme weather changes
- whiteouts
- rocks
- cornices
- crevices
- sub-zero temperatures
- turbulence immediately downwind of ridges and peaks
- rocks, cornices, and steep terrain in certain directions
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Alpine search and rescue is provided by NPWS rangers and the State Emergency Service (SES) for the wider park area; no dedicated coastguard is noted for this inland area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Perisher Valley or Jindabyne; contact National Parks or Police for alpine search and rescue. Dial 000 for emergency services.
Rules of the spot
Located within the Kosciuszko National Park; specific backcountry safety protocols apply.
- Resort closed for skiing/boarding in 2025; lift opening times subject to conditions.
- Always check the alpine weather forecast and be prepared for rapid changes in visibility.
- Carry emergency communication as mobile reception can be unreliable in the backcountry.
- The terrain is vast; it is recommended to kite with a partner.
- Located within Kosciuszko National Park; follow park/backcountry safety protocols.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Canberra
- Nearest Town
- Jindabyne
- Nearest Airport
- Cooma Airport
- Parking
- Long-term parking is available at Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal or in designated areas in Perisher Valley for those with permits.
- Public Transport
- Limited; regional buses run from Canberra and Sydney to Jindabyne, and snow-specific shuttles operate between Jindabyne and park entry (winter access may involve oversnow transport/rail to Perisher then oversnow transport).
- Access
- Get to Charlotte Pass and access the area northwest of it. To get to the ski resort you have to use oversnow transport from Perisher Valley (and winter access is not by public vehicle).
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Ski resort accommodation is available; lodges and hotels are located within the Charlotte Pass village.
- Food & Drink
- There are several dining options within the village lodges and the main hotel; reported as limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains)?
The best overall months at Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains)?
Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) works with W, NW, SW winds.
What skill level is Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) suitable for?
Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mountains) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Advanced.