f you love snow, we’ve got some exciting news. Construction on Australia’s first indoor snow resort is about to begin very soon, with the ambitious project slated to open in Penrith by 2028. Last year, Winter Sports World and the NSW Planning Department revealed the stunning design, and now, work on the groundbreaking resort is finally about to begin.
The $700 million project will cater to winter sports enthusiasts and beginners with year-round access to snow sports and mountain activities. Located in the heart of Penrith, Winter Sports World will offer a range of exciting features, including a 300-meter indoor ski slope for skiers and snowboarders, along with dedicated spaces for ice hockey, speed skating, alpine skiing, and ice climbing. In addition, guests can enjoy a dedicated competition venue for sports like alpine skiing, charming mountainside cafés and restaurants with snow views, and a 170-room hotel.
Winter Sports World
The project is expected to boost the local tourism industry by generating around 2,700 ongoing tourism jobs and could also contribute up to $222 million to the NSW economy annually. Access to international visitors will also be made easier by the opening of nearby Western Sydney International Airport, set to debut in 2026 and welcome 10 million passengers a year.
Once Winter Sports World is up and running, it is also expected to provide a relevant training ground for nine Olympic sports including freestyle skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating.
The ambitious project has now been in development for eight years but with the latest update, Premier Chris Minns stated “Winter Sports World will be Western Sydney’s jewel in the crown of tourism attractions, and I can’t wait to see it enjoyed by people not just from our state, but from all around Australia and beyond.”
Meanwhile, the complex will aim to reflect the icy interior; the exterior architecture of the resort has been designed by boutique Sydney architecture firm Collins & Turner to evoke the appearance of a blizzard. At night, it’ll be illuminated and the “ice shard’’ detailing will reflect the melting of glacial ice and mountains, helping to tell the stories of the First Nations people who live and protected the neighbouring Dyarubbin (Nepean River). On this point, WSW is keen to stress that Dharug nation representatives have been consulted on the project, and they’ll continue to collaborate with local First Nations artists and designers in the future.
In addition, WSW has been designed to be net-zero carbon ready; the site will aim to achieve this by eliminating fossil fuel use, using onsite renewables and green power, and offsetting their remaining emissions. There is, after all, less snow in a warming world, so their green credentials are a welcome step.
Work on the $700M+ Winter Sports World is scheduled to start in the first half of 2025, with the grand opening tentatively set for 2028.