HotelRenee McKeown

Work Begins on ‘Giant Esky’ Winter Sport Centre

Australia’s biggest indoor ski slope and resort dubbed the “giant esky”, looks to be one step closer to becoming a reality with construction starting this year.

Australia’s biggest indoor ski slope and resort, dubbed the “Giant Esky”, is a step closer to becoming a reality with work to begin this year.

Developer Peter Magnisalis has revealed the project’s construction timeline and that it is planned to open in 2028.

Dubbed Winter Sports World, it has a $386-million capital investment value and has won support from state and local politicians including NSW premier Chris Minns.

The project, comprising a 170-key hotel, 300m advanced open run for skiers and snowboarders, learn-to-ski runs and a snow play area, has been designed by Collins and Turner was approved in January of last year.

It is slated for a 2.35ha horse paddock at 2 Tench Avenue, Jamisontown. The project is expected to generate $220 million a year once operational.

Also planned are an ice climbing and crevasse outdoor rock climbing facility, winter sport competition venue, and restaurant and cafes with snow views.

At night the northern facade to Jamison Road would glow using kinetic lighting to give the appearance of a blizzard, while the public area and curved lower-level facade would look like melting ice.

render of the future winter sports world with its white batton exterior to represent a blizzard at night

▲ The future of Western Sydney tourism has a chance of snow with the opening of Winter Sports World expected in 2028.

While it may be one of the biggest indoor ski slopes it was not the first in the country and follows the icy footsteps of Mount Thebarton near Adelaide, which closed its ski slope in 2005 due to running costs.

The Penrith ski slope and resort village was expected to be carbon zero from its opening day, thanks to insulation, heat transfer technology and a “massive solar farm”.

There will also be rainwater harvesting, electric car charging, rooftop garden, lawns and green spaces to mitigate urban heat.

The project is also expected to be in prime position to attract visitors thanks to its location, 25km north of Western Sydney International Airport opening this year.