Australia is about to get something completely new… and honestly, families are going to lose their minds over this one. Opening in 2028, Winter Sports World in Penrith will be the first indoor snow resort in Australia. Bringing real, chemical-free snow, a ski slope, dedicated snow-play zones and Olympic-level training facilities to Western Sydney. there will be no long drives to the mountains, no worrying about snowfall and no seasonal closures. Just perfect snow, 365 days a year.
And in a huge step forward, Winter Sports World has officially partnered with BONSKI, the global leader in indoor snow operations, meaning the experience will be run with world-class snow quality, safety systems and resort-level expertise from day one.
If you’ve got kids who’ve been begging to try skiing, teens who want to snowboard, or you just want a fun snow day without packing the chains… here’s everything families need to know.
What exactly is Winter Sports World?
Winter Sports World (WSW) is a $700 million tourism, sport and entertainment precinct designed to bring the full snow-resort experience to Western Sydney, complete with:
- A 300-metre advanced ski run
- Australia’s largest indoor snow-play zone
- A dedicated beginner hill perfect for first-timers
- Year-round, chemical-free snow (just water + air)
- Olympic-grade training facilities
- A 200-room hotel on site
- Immersive family attractions, dining and retail
- Partnerships with Snow Australia, NSWIS and OWIA
In short, it’s part alpine resort, part training centre and part family theme park… all under one roof.
With 1.3 million annual visitors expected, it’s set to become one of the biggest new tourism icons in Australia.
Why families should be excited
- Snow holidays without the travel
- Perfect conditions for beginners
- Weatherproof fun (always a perfect -4°C with soft, freshly made snow)
- School holiday fun and a potential new family tradition
Why it’s a big deal for Sydney
Western Sydney is absolutely booming and with the new Western Sydney International Airport opening soon, Winter Sports World adds a major tourist drawcard right on the doorstep. At just 15km from the new airport, 60 minutes from Sydney Airport and a 60-minute train ride from Sydney CBD, it’s positioned to become a full-day (or even multi-day) destination for families travelling from interstate or overseas.
What to expect inside
While the full guest experience will be revealed closer to opening, here’s what’s confirmed:
The ski run
A 300m slope designed with controlled gradient zones, making it suitable for both recreational skiers and advanced training.
Beginner & snow-play areas
Gentle slopes perfect for first-time skiers, plus Australia’s largest indoor snow-play zone. It’s ideal for toddlers, young kids, and families wanting a low-pressure snow experience.
Elite snow sport training zone
Purpose-built for athletes working on slalom, GS and technical drills.
On-site hotel
A 200-room property allowing interstate families to stay right at the action.
Year-round, chemical-free snow
Made entirely from water and air, it’s cleaner, softer, and environmentally friendlier.
What the experts are saying
BONSKI Group President Lu Peng calls the opportunity “incredibly exciting,” while Winter Sports World Managing Director Peter Magnisalis says the project represents a “new era for Aussie snow sport.”
And honestly… we can see why.
Who will love Winter Sports World?
- Families wanting to introduce kids to snow
- Teens ready to try skiing or snowboarding
- Parents looking for an all-weather activity
- School holiday planners
- Athletic families with big goals
- Overseas visitors wanting a taste of an Australian-style winter
This is shaping up to be a standout experience for every family, from first-timers to snow lovers.
When does it open?
Construction is shovel-ready and the resort is scheduled to open in 2028.
We’ll keep this page updated as new details, pricing, family activities and opening dates are announced.
Let me know what you think!