The long-awaited Winter Sports World development, described as “Australia’s next international tourism icon” has moved one step closer to the starting point with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with world-leading indoor snow operator, BONSKI.

The agreement was signed by developer Peter Magnisalis with BONSKI representatives in China recently in the presence of NSW Minister for Trade Anoulack Chanthivong.

The MOU represents a major advancement for Winter Sports World as it brings BONSKI’s global expertise, established operational systems and proven industry leadership into the delivery framework of the indoor snow resort project.

“BONSKI will provide design consulting, pre-opening strategy and post-opening operational management services, strengthening Winter Sports World’s commercial readiness as it progresses through its capital raise,” a media release from Winter Sports World stated.

A project that was conceptualised more than a decade ago, Winter Sports World will be built in Penrith in Western Sydney and promises a year-round snow experience with real snow on a 300-metre advanced ski and snowboard run, and a large snow play area for families. The snow resort will also offer Olympic-standard training zones for elite athletes, and a world-class hotel with conferencing, dining, spa and mountain views, all housed within an architecturally striking structure designed by Collins and Turner.

*Winter Sports World | Source: Collins and Turner*

Dubbed ‘the giant Esky’, Winter Sports World will feature a distinctive alpine exterior with ice shard details, night lights and subtle textural surfaces to evoke the appearance of a blizzard. The facade design is inspired by the shimmering kinetic energy of snow clouds above a hill. The building will operate as a fully electric, carbon neutral facility, exemplifying leadership in sustainable tourism infrastructure.

The project is being developed on a 2.4ha block of rural land acquired in 2009 by Magnisalis based on a “gut feeling” that the plot might be eventually rezoned for tourism or entertainment. The vision for the indoor snow resort took off in 2015 when the zoning changed to tourism and the land became part of Western Sydney’s special Riverlink tourism precinct.

The project was also granted State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in January 2024, following which it entered a phase of detailed design and engineering development alongside negotiations with global suppliers and contractors for every facet of the development.

Winter Sports World - Penrith - CGI render.jpg — *Winter Sports World will feature the largest snow play area in the Southern Hemisphere | Source: Winter Sports World*

Located just 15km from the Western Sydney International Airport and about an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD, Winter Sports World will be at the heart of Penrith’s ambitious tourism vision. Aside from the tourism potential, the project also aims to support Australia’s winter sports athletes across all competition levels by providing 365-day access to controlled snow conditions.

The project has also received the government’s support with NSW Premier Chris Minns saying, “I can’t think of a better place for Australia’s first indoor ski 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.”

The indoor snow resort is expected to draw over 1.3 million visitors annually, create more than 2,700 jobs throughout construction and operation, and inject about $222 million into the local economy each year.

Initially estimated as a $400-million project, Winter Sports World’s cost has escalated to $700 million with funding to come from both Australian and international investors.

Construction is set to begin in 2026 with the opening scheduled for 2028.

Main image: Winter Sports World | Source: Collins and Turner

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