Winter Sports World - Collins and TurnerCollins and Turner

Winter Sports World

A new landmark for tourism and sustainability in the western city

Winter Sports World

Project Story

Details

Winter Sports World is poised to assume a pre-eminent position among Australia’s leading international attractions, establishing itself as an essential experience for both domestic and global visitors. Alongside the Sydney Opera House and BridgeClimb, it will become a defining part of the nation’s tourism landscape.

This landmark project will be strategically located in Penrith, just 12 kilometres from the forthcoming Western Sydney International Airport. Designed to deliver a truly authentic snow experience year-round, Winter Sports World will feature Olympic-standard training facilities and a world-class resort precinct, all housed within an architecturally distinctive structure shaped by a bold, singular vision.

As the largest privately funded tourism project in Australia and the most significant development in the history of Western Sydney, Winter Sports World represents a pivotal moment for the region. It is set to redefine perceptions, attract international attention, and establish a new benchmark for destination-led developments across the country.

Indoor snow resorts have demonstrated their economic and tourism value globally, with over 150 successful centres operating across more than 35 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As Australia’s first indoor snow resort, Winter Sports World is expected to deliver comparable benefits, becoming a major international drawcard and economic driver for Western Sydney.

Its location offers direct access to the new Western Sydney International Airport and lies just 60 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, placing it in a strong position to tap into growing demand from international markets such as Singapore, Southeast Asia, and other key tourism regions seeking premium snow experiences.

Winter Sports World will be a global leader in sustainable tourism infrastructure, operating as a fully electric, carbon-neutral facility.

Winter Sports World has been designed to integrate the excitement of winter sports with high-end hospitality, catering to Western Sydney’s rapidly expanding population, visitors from across Australia, and international tourists in search of consistent and reliable snow conditions.

At the heart of the experience is a 300-metre ski and snowboard run offering optimal snow quality every day of the year. Olympic-standard training zones will support the preparation of elite athletes, while expansive snow play areas will provide recreational opportunities for families and visitors of all ages. Complementing the snow experience is a 4.5-star hotel comprising approximately 200 rooms, complete with conference facilities, diverse dining options, mountain views, and a rooftop onsen spa. The spa will be powered using heat recovered from the snowmaking process, reflecting the project’s integration of sustainability and innovation.

Winter Sports World will be a global leader in sustainable tourism infrastructure, operating as a fully electric, carbon-neutral facility. This ambitious target will be achieved through a cutting-edge building-integrated photovoltaic system, which will span the north-facing façade and roof areas. The solar panels will be embedded within a sculptural façade inspired by the kinetic energy of a snowstorm, creating a visually striking and functionally efficient exterior.

Additional sustainability measures include high-performance façade systems with external sun-shading, mass timber construction for the hotel’s superstructure, and the extensive use of drought-tolerant and native planting throughout the landscaped gardens. Every aspect of the development is guided by a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term environmental stewardship.

Collins and Turner were appointed as design architects following a design excellence competition coordinated by the NSW Government Architect.

After an extensive eight-year planning process, development consent was granted by the NSW Department of Planning in January 2024. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, marking the beginning of a landmark project that will reshape Western Sydney’s tourism and cultural identity for generations to come.

Details

Client

Winter Sports World

Country

Dharug

Collaborating Architect | SSDA

Environa

Structure

BG+E

ESD

Atelier 10

Facade

Eckersley O'Callaghan

Architectural Lighting

Electrolight

Snow Engineering

WSP

Mechanical

WSP

Electrical

WSP

Landscape

John Lock + Associates

Traffic

PTC

Flood

J Wyndham Prince

Visualisation

Cylind