$700 million ski resort to be built in Penrith

Construction is set to begin on a $700 million ski resort on the fringe of Australia's most populous city. Builders have been approved begin the construction of Winter Sports World in Penrith, Sydney , later this year, after nearly a decade of delays.

The snow sport centre's design features a 300m indoor ski run, a competition venue and a 200-room hotel on what is currently a horse paddock in western Sydney. The exterior of the building features an 'ice shard' design and textured surfaces, as envisioned by architecture firm Collins & Turner.

'The undulating landscape will include features such as water streams, pathway networks, landscaped plantings and large 8m high message sticks to mimic melting ice and mountains telling the stories of the First Nations people and how they lived on (the Nepean River),' the project site states.

'As we get through the milestones, it's not easy, it's quite complex,' developer Peter Magnisalis told Seven News. Construction was meant to start in the beginning of 2025, creating 1,350 ongoing jobs. 'We're on target to [commence] late this year, our early work's on site,' Mr Magnisalis said.

He hopes the project could inject as much as $222 million into the Western Sydney economy each year. Elite snow athletes and Olympians could use the facility to hone their alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding skills.

It would be Australia's first indoor snow resort, following the lead of 150 other such developments around the world. In 2024, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he welcomed the project.

'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,' he said. 'I can't wait to see it enjoyed by people not just from our state, but from all around Australia and beyond.'

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car was similarly enthusiastic. 'It just blows my mind that in a few short years we're going to have this opportunity for our kids to enjoy something we could have never dreamt about in Penrith,' she said, per TimeOut. The first stage of the build will see a basement dug out to contain a water tank and snow machine.

Builders will then tackle the task of constructing the slopes themselves. The project is now expected to open around 2028 to 2029. It will follow the expected opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026.