“I can’t think of a better place for Australia’s first indoor snow resort than in Penrith. 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.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns, December 20, 2024
Over recent months, I’ve written about the many individual ideas behind Winter Sports World, from permanent jobs and visitor-economy growth to year-round snow access, Western Sydney’s transformation and the emergence of a new destination asset class.
Now is a good time to bring those threads together.
After years of planning, research, consultation and detailed design – and with State Significant Development approval secured – Australia’s first indoor snow resort has progressed from an ambitious idea to an approved, investment-ready project with the potential to reshape tourism and recreation in Western Sydney.
At its core will be a 300m indoor snow slope, year-round skiing and snowboarding, a learn-to-ski area and a dedicated snow-play zone.
Yet those features tell only part of the story.
Winter Sports World brings together several priorities that will shape Western Sydney’s next chapter: permanent jobs, visitor-economy growth, major private investment, new recreational infrastructure and a globally distinctive experience in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
We’re not simply developing an indoor snow resort. We’re establishing a new destination asset class for Australia.
Right project, right place
(l-r) Deputy Premier & Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car, Premier Chris Minns, Peter Magnisalis, Penrith MP Karen McKeown and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney onsite at Winter Sports World in December 2024. Photo: David Hill, Deep Hill Media
Penrith sits at the meeting point of metropolitan Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the rapidly expanding communities of Western Sydney.
It’s already an established destination for adventure, sport, nature and major events, with strong road and rail connections and a growing accommodation and hospitality sector.
The arrival of Western Sydney International Airport brings millions of domestic and international travellers within easy reach of Penrith and creates new opportunities for visitors to explore Western Sydney rather than simply travel through it.
Winter Sports World gives those visitors another compelling reason to come, to stay longer and come back.
It also places an internationally distinctive attraction close to a large and growing local population.
For Western Sydney families, experiencing snow will no longer have to begin with a long drive, expensive accommodation or a holiday planned around uncertain alpine conditions.
Complementing outdoor snowfields
Winter Sports World will have the largest indoor snow play area in the southern hemisphere. CGI render
Australia’s outdoor snowfields offer an experience that can’t and shouldn’t be replicated indoors. The mountains, landscapes and traditions of an alpine holiday will always be special.
Winter Sports World offers something different and complementary.
Its controlled environment will provide reliable snow conditions throughout the year, regardless of weather, season or natural snowfall.
Beginners will be able to learn in a predictable setting before visiting the mountains, while experienced skiers and snowboarders can maintain their skills between alpine trips.
This creates a pathway into snow sports for people who may have considered them too difficult, distant or expensive to try.
It can help broaden participation, build confidence and grow the future market for the wider Australian snow industry.
Rather than competing with the outdoor snowfields, Winter Sports World can introduce more Australians to snow and inspire more of them to take their next step in the mountains.
Year-round jobs
Winter Sports World will generate thousands of jobs for Western Sydney. CGI render
Tourism and recreation jobs are often associated with seasonal peaks and uncertain hours.
A year-round destination operating for extended hours creates ongoing roles across snow operations, instruction, hospitality, retail, guest services, maintenance, technology, administration and management.
These aren’t limited to specialist snow-industry positions.
Winter Sports World will need a broad workforce and provide entry points for young people, experienced professionals and those seeking new career pathways close to home.
It will also support jobs beyond the resort.
Visitors generate demand for hotel rooms, restaurants, transport, retail, entertainment and other local experiences.
The economic contribution spreads through the surrounding destination, strengthening existing businesses and encouraging further development.
Independent Stollznow Research forecasts approximately 1.5 million visits annually and an economic contribution of around $2.5 billion over the project’s first decade of operation.
Western Sydney ambition
Winter Sports World represents confidence in Western Sydney, its people and its future. CGI render
For too long, major attractions and cultural investment in Sydney have been concentrated east of Parramatta.
That no longer reflects the scale, diversity or ambition of Western Sydney.
The region deserves destination infrastructure that matches its population and economic importance.
It also deserves projects distinctive enough to attract attention on the global stage, projects like Winter Sports World.
Most importantly, it demonstrates what is possible when we stop viewing Western Sydney only in terms of future potential and begin building the assets that allow that potential to be realised.
Winter Sports World may be built around snow, but its real foundation is something larger: confidence in Western Sydney, its people and its future.