According to a report from SnowBrains, the Australian startup Snowtunnel has officially selected Melbourne as the site for its first global demonstration facility. Slated for a late 2026 opening, this project represents the first full-scale implementation of the company's proprietary “Endless Mountain” technology.
Located in Melbourne’s western suburbs, approximately 11 kilometers from the city center, the facility is designed to serve as both a public-facing ski experience and the company’s global headquarters. CEO Scott Kessler noted that the project is the result of years of engineering work aimed at bridging the gap between urban living and alpine environments.
The centerpiece of the development is a rotating indoor tunnel. Unlike traditional indoor ski slopes that rely on static inclines, the Snowtunnel™ utilizes a rotating mechanism to provide a continuous descent. The structure measures 12.5 meters in height and 16 meters in length, offering 600 square meters of groomed, real snow surface. This design is intended to provide a consistent experience unaffected by seasonal changes or external climate conditions.
Beyond the core skiing experience, the complex is planned to include amenities that cater to a wide range of users, including beginners. The company intends to integrate snow play areas, professional ski instruction, and on-site equipment rentals to lower the barrier to entry for prospective participants. COO Daniel Portelli described the Melbourne site as a critical “bridge” for the company as it moves toward international expansion. Snowtunnel has already secured an exclusive territory agreement for the United Kingdom, signaling that the company is actively preparing for global deployment.
This development aligns with a broader trend in the sports industry of bringing outdoor activities into indoor, controlled urban environments—a trajectory already seen in the growth of artificial surf parks and indoor climbing gyms. By offering a year-round, climate-resilient solution, Snowtunnel aims to solve the problem of limited seasonal access that currently restricts participation for much of the global population.
While construction timelines and specific site details are expected to be unveiled closer to the 2026 launch date, the project is poised to beat other planned indoor ski developments in Australia to the finish line. If successful, it would mark the first indoor ski facility to operate in Australia in the last 20 years.
