“The world’s a stage and I’m on it. Better make a good impression out there!”
Shannon Mayhew, artist
Australia’s first indoor snow resort will put the Southern Hemisphere firmly on par with the world’s most famous such destinations north of the equator when Winter Sports World opens in 2028.
The largest private tourism attraction project in Australia right now, will transform Sydney’s tourism landscape with perfect snow, perfect snow conditions and perfect -4° C weather 365 days a year.
It will fill an obvious gap in this global region.
While more than 150 indoor snow centres operate worldwide in more than 35 countries, none in the Southern Hemisphere exist at the scale and sophistication of Winter Sports World.
This project is also a testament to the power of big ideas, the kind that build a snow box in one of the hottest places on Earth.
The kind that destinations like Dubai, Mumbai and China understand well.
So, how does Winter Sports World compare to global benchmarks? What does it mean for Australian tourism?
Rare and remarkable
Snowland, Brazil
Indoor snow parks are a proven tourism attraction concept globally.
But here in the Southern Hemisphere they remain rare, with only four in three countries here: New Zealand, Brazil and Indonesia.
New Zealand’s Snowplanet near Auckland was the first and is the largest, with 10,000m² of indoor slopes including a 200m slope with a 25 per cent incline at its steepest point.
Snowland in Gramado, Brazil, opened in 2013, the first for South America.
Trans Snow World Juanda Bekasi near Jakarta, Indonesia, opened in 2019, bringing real snow to a region better known for its heat.
However, these are all relatively modest in scale compared with what Winter Sports World is bringing to Australia.
Scale and experience on par
Ski Dubai
The global benchmark for indoor snow attractions was set by famous giants like Ski Dubai and Snow World Mumbai of course, although there are now equally impressive offerings in China.
Winter Sports World will match or exceed these benchmarks:
- Scale
Ski Dubai opened in 2005 with an impressive 22,500m² of indoor snowy terrain including five ski runs up to 400m long.
Snow World’s Mumbai location is a smaller 2,300m² theme-park style snow space focused on snow play and tubing.
By comparison, the 8,000m² Winter Sports World will feature a 300m advanced ski run, one of the longest indoor slopes in the world.
It will also have dedicated beginner slopes, toboggan and tubing areas and a whimsical 3,200m² snow-play zone for kids and families.
- Features & attractions
Much like Ski Dubai, which famously has live penguin encounters, toboggan hills and an Alpine-themed café, Winter Sports World will deliver a full alpine resort atmosphere.
The kinetic “ice shard” 54m high glass-fronted façade will be an architectural showstopper.
Off-slope amenities will include a 200-room hotel, alpine restaurants and après-ski bars (including an ice bar), retail shops for winter gear and even a rooftop day spa, offerings on par or exceeding those at Ski Dubai.
Winter Sports World will also have conference facilities and event spaces, extensive outdoor landscaping and First Nations connections woven throughout.
- Tourism Impact
Snow World, Mumbai
Ski Dubai has been a gamechanger for Dubai tourism, drawing 750,000 – 1 million visitors annually (almost half the population of Greater Sydney), contributing significantly to the local economy and proving that a city with no natural snow can become a winter sports destination in its own right.
Snow World in Mumbai caters mostly to domestic visitors seeking a novel escape from the tropical heat.
Winter Sports World is poised to combine both levels of impact.
It will be a must-see icon for international tourists.
However, its forecast annual visitation has been conservatively projected at 1.3 million visits based only on the domestic population.
That would still make it one of the most visited attractions in NSW.
NSW, Australia tourism catalyst
Winter Sports World, Australia
Winter Sports World isn’t just about Western Sydney: it carries broader implications for tourism and development across the state of New South Wales (NSW) and Australia.
Strategically located in Penrith, just 15km from the new Western Sydney International Airport, it will be the closest major attraction to an initial 10 million inbound passengers a year.
Tourists who land in Western Sydney will have a compelling reason to “come, stay and play” – and spend money – in the region rather than immediately dispersing to other traditional destinations like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Sydney CBD.
This dynamic aligns with broader plans to transform Western Sydney into a vibrant hub of tourism, business and culture.
NSW Premier Chris Minns recently lauded the project as “Western Sydney’s jewel in the crown of tourism attractions”, predicting it will be enjoyed by people “not just from our state, but from all around Australia and beyond”.
In other words, NSW gains a unique drawcard that can entice domestic visitors from interstate and add an extra must-see for international tourists planning an Australian itinerary.
Skiers and families from Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth will soon be flying into Sydney for a one-of-a-kind indoor alpine holiday, since no other Australian state offers anything comparable.
This point of difference strengthens NSW’ tourism competitiveness by giving the state a signature attraction to capture travellers’ imagination (and travel budgets).
It’s akin to how Queensland markets its theme parks or how Victoria boasts cultural festivals.
There’s also a long-term vision at play.
Penrith City Council has long billed its area as the “adventure capital of NSW”.
Yes, Winter Sports World will anchor that goal.
But our success will have far greater, broader impact.
Winter Sports World will be the icon anchor of the world’s newest international destination; it will create a new year-round winter tourism season for Australia; and it will fill a market gap in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Winter Sports World has progressed through major milestones: land has been secured, all state significant development approvals granted, a well credentialled project team established and several world leading operators earmarked to run parts of the operation.
Early onsite works will begin on Winter Sports World in 2025, ahead of its opening in 2028.
An investment and financial advisory firm has been engaged to facilitate a seed capital raising with sophisticated investors, high wealth individuals and institutions in advance of Winter Sports World finalising debt and equity financing for the project later this year.
Contact executive@wintersportsworld.com.au to express interest.