“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein, physicist 

 

When Winter Sports World opens in 2028, Penrith and Western Sydney will never again be the same. 

Our giant snow box will transform the landscape forever with its 54m high ski slope decorated with glowing kinetic “ice shards”, “boulders” strewn on the ground around a broken, teetering landscape of “icefalls”. 

But it won’t just bring physical change. 

Australia’s first indoor snow resort will elevate Penrith and Western Sydney onto the international stage. 

Our unique, world-class attraction is an anchor for the region’s transformation into the world’s newest vibrant, sophisticated internationally recognised destination. 

Come 2028, Western Sydney International Airport will have been open about two years as a gateway into Australia for up to 10 million passengers a year. 

They will step off their planes and into a dynamic world-class hub of tourism, business and culture that offers visitors and residents access to a tiered community that blends education, sports, entertainment and recreation. 

Winter Sports World will attract visitors to come, stay and play in Western Sydney – a conservatively estimated 1.38 million a year. 

World Class Experience

Three downhill skiers in the snow

 

The glass façade of Winter Sports World will glint under the global spotlight, its architectural design becoming an international icon. 

As well as modern design elements and the latest sustainability and green technology methods, it will be an example of what can be achieved with genuine, thorough Indigenous engagement. 

Cultural elements will be designed by well-known Aboriginal artist and educator Jamie Eastwood (Mugudun) in collaboration with John Lock & Associates Landscape Architects that share Dreamtime stories about Dyarrubin (Hawkesbury Nepean River). 

Now imagine stepping into a year-round winter wonderland, where snow is always on the ground, and adventure just around the corner. 

No matter the outside temperature where the mercury regularly spikes 40 degrees C, there will be respite within Winter Sports World at a constant -4 degrees C. 

In fact, there’ll be perfect weather, perfect snow and perfect snow conditions 365 days a year. 

Inside, there will be multiple themed areas, each offering a distinct experience for guests: 

  • Snow slopes: The centrepiece of the resort, these massive indoor ski and snowboarding runs will mimic real mountain environments, with gently sloping hills for beginners and more challenging terrain for advanced riders. 
  • Toboggan and snow tubing zones: Designed with families and thrill-seekers in mind, these areas will feature wide, fast tracks for tobogganing and snow tubing. This area will have a lively, joyful atmosphere, appealing to both younger guests and families. 
  • Snow play area: A whimsical, family-friendly zone will feature soft, powdery snow perfect for building snowmen, making snow angels or simply playing in the snow. Kids of all ages can enjoy fun activities like snowball fights, sledding on gentle slopes or snowshoeing. Interactive, kid-friendly snow sculptures and igloos will provide opportunities for imaginative play and photo ops, while parents can relax in cosy nearby cafes. 

 

Beyond the Slopes 

two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows

 

Beyond the thrilling winter sports experiences, the resort will offer visitors a first-class selection of amenities to relax, shop and dine. 

  • Quality hotel and dining: Visitors will enjoy luxury accommodation and gourmet dining after a day of exciting winter activities. Venues will be operated by internationally recognised hotel and restaurant brands. Cafes serving hot drinks and light meals, and an upscale child-free ice bar will complete the dining offerings, bringing the après-ski culture to the heart of Western Sydney. 
  • Retail and spa services: High-end shops will offer the latest winter sports gear and fashion, while wellness centres will offer rejuvenating spa treatments, massages and fitness sessions to help guests unwind. 
  • Year-round themed events: Whether it’s Christmas or Christmas in July, a snow festival or themed sporting event, Winter Sports World will be the year-round place to be for locals and international guests. 

 

Complementing Western Sydney International Airport 

The wing tip of a commercial airliner over a city region

 

As the region’s newest international gateway, Western Sydney International Airport is poised to drive global connectivity, welcoming an initial 10 million visitors annually and eventually more 80 million. 

Located just 15km from Winter Sports World, the airport will play a key role in attracting leisure and business travellers to the region. 

Winter Sports World will be the closest major attraction to the new airport, giving visitors a reason to come, stay and play in Penrith and Western Sydney – a destination synonymous with innovation, sophistication and adventure. 

 

Building a tiered community 

A young woman in a furry hooded jumper with snow falling around her

 

The impact of Winter Sports World will extend beyond tourism. 

Our snow resort will play a significant role in building a multi-dimensional community that includes educational opportunities, sports development and community engagement – infused with the international influence of visitors from around the world. 

 

  • Education and innovation
     

Winter Sports World will be an educational resource, which local schools can use for winter sports, as well as engineering, environmental sustainability and hospitality management learning and experience. 

Specialised training programs will be developed in collaboration with universities to foster a new generation of skilled workers in fields such as sports science, resort management and environmental studies. 

  • Sports and community groups
     

Winter Sports World will transform the region’s sports culture. 

It will serve as a year-round training facility for winter sports teams, giving athletes the opportunity to hone their skills regardless of the season. 

Local sporting groups, from youth teams to elite athletes, will benefit from access to top-tier training facilities. 

Winter Sports World will also be a focal point for community engagement, offering programs for schools, local clubs and community organisations ranging from recreational activities to team-building events. 

  • Sophisticated, tiered community
     

Winter Sports World will help create a dynamic, interconnected Penrith and Western Sydney community that will attract international tourists and businesses as well as enhance the quality of life for locals through access to world-class facilities, educational opportunities and recreational experiences. 

 

Winter Sports World is more than a state-of-the-art indoor snow resort – it’s a transformative catalyst that will elevate Western Sydney to international status through its stunning design, sports experiences and luxe offerings. 

In synergy with Western Sydney International Airport, it will be a beacon of innovation, entertainment and global connectivity, while enriching the local community through sports, education and recreation. 

Winter Sports World will positioning Western Sydney as a leader in modern, sophisticated suburban living. 

Best of all, Winter Sports World will go a long way to contributing to Destination NSW’s goal of increasing the visitor economy to over $90 billion by 2036. 

 

What else would add to the sophistication of Western Sydney, do you think?