“I can’t think of a better place for Australia’s first indoor snow 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.’’
So said NSW Premier Chris Minns when he visited the Winter Sports World site for the first time recently [December 20, 2024].
He was accompanied by Deputy Premier Prue Car, Penrith State MP Karen McKeown OAM and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.
They met with Winter Sports World managing director Peter Magnisalis on the Tench Ave/Jamison Rd site.
Also Minister for Western Sydney and Education and Early Learning, and Londonderry MP, Ms Car said: “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.”
Western Sydney children and young people “deserve the very best, and they’re going to get it.”
As well as recreation opportunities to the scale never seen in the region, Winter Sports World would provide the chance for Western Sydney people to see and play in snow, an experience currently financially and geographically out of reach for most people.
Long-time project supporter, Ms McKeown praised Mr Magnisalis’ enthusiasm and drive and said she was excited about the flow-on benefits to local business.
“Western Sydney people absolutely deserve world-class facilities like this. This will put us on the map – Penrith will be the centre of the universe.”
Expected to generate more than 2,700 new jobs, Mr Carney said “the giant Esky” would be one of the top employers in Penrith with almost as many jobs as Penrith Council.
It worked in with the council’s vision to become a destination hub, building on existing attraction and activity offerings like Cables Wake Park, iFLY indoor skydiving and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
It was also a major part of the council’s Riverlink Tourism
Precinct masterplan to activate the precinct and provide connectivity between the river and Penrith CBD, he said.
“It’s been a long time on the cards but it’s really great to see it finally nearly about to kick off.”
Construction on the $700M+ Winter Sports World will begin in the first half of 2025, and it will open in 2028.
Granted State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment on January 11, 2024, it is the largest new attraction project currently in Australia and the biggest ever in Western Sydney.
It will inject $222 million annually into the local economy, contributing $2.5 billion over the next decade, and double visitation for Penrith with 1.35 million additional visitors.
Mr Magnisalis said: “Winter Sports World is a catalyst for positive change for Penrith and Western Sydney, and I’m delighted that the Premier, Deputy Premier, Ms McKeown and Mr Carney can now visualise the tourism future.’’
Using real snow, Winter Sports World will include:
• A 300m advanced open run for experienced skiers and snow boarders, learn to ski runs and a dedicated winter wonderland snow play area
• Competition venue for snow sports such as alpine skiing
• Ice climbing and crevasse outdoor rock climbing
• 4-star 170-room hotel, conference and function rooms
• Restaurant and cafes with snow views
*Photo: David Hill, Deep Hill Media
