Imagine taking the kids skiing on a Saturday morning, being home for lunch, and not spending a fortune on a ski trip. That’s exactly what Snowtunnel is promising — and it’s landing 11km from the CBD.
If you’ve ever done the great Australian snow pilgrimage — the 5am start, the kids in rented boots that don’t quite fit, the $180 lift tickets, the two-hour drive home in wet gear — you’ll understand why something like Snowtunnel feels almost too good to be true.
But it’s real. The Melbourne-born startup has just confirmed a pilot showcase site in the city’s west, set to open in late 2026. And what they’re building inside is unlike anything you’ve seen in this country.
What is Snowtunnel?
Snowtunnel is a patented rotating snow drum — 12.5 metres tall (think a four-storey building) and 16 metres wide — lined with real, perfectly groomed powder snow. As the drum rotates, it creates a continuous downhill slope that never ends. You ski or snowboard on it, and the mountain keeps moving underneath you. Endlessly.
Developed in Australia over several years, Snowtunnel holds the exclusive global patent on the technology. There are over 600 square metres of rideable snow surface inside, with variable speed settings so complete beginners and experienced riders can both use it safely.
Where is Snowtunnel Melbourne?
The first Snowtunnel is being built in Melbourne’s west, just 11 kilometres from the CBD. An exact street address hasn’t been released yet, but the western suburbs location puts it within easy reach of a huge population of Melbourne families — without a freeway trip or a mountain in sight.
When does Snowtunnel Melbourne open?
Snowtunnel Melbourne is targeting a late 2026 opening. The full-scale tunnel is already built, manufactured and ready to install — so the timeline feels credible, not just hopeful. Snowtunnel is currently taking registrations for its Test Rider Crew, the first people through the doors before the public opening.
What can families expect at Snowtunnel Melbourne?
Snow trips are wonderful, but they’re a serious undertaking with kids. Between gear hire, accommodation, lessons, lift passes and unpredictable weather, a family snow weekend can easily run into the thousands. Snowtunnel is designed to flip that equation.
Here’s what the Melbourne site will include:
- The Snowtunnel™ — the main event: a rotating, real-snow endless slope for skiers and boarders of all levels, with variable speed controls for safety.
- Snow Play Zone — a dedicated area for families and first-timers to enjoy fresh powder snow produced daily. No skiing required — just come and play.
- Professional instruction — certified instructors running structured programs for complete beginners right through to advanced athletes.
- Full gear hire on-site — everything you need, so there’s no expensive kit to buy before you even know if the kids will love it.
Is Snowtunnel the real deal? Who’s behind it?
Co-founder Scott Kessler has 45 years on skis and the alpine engineering obsession to match. His co-founder Daniel Portelli raced Boardercross at an elite level before co-founding Real Time Agent, a proptech platform that processed over $200 billion in transactions before being acquired by Domain (ASX: DHG).
The project has serious partners behind it too. TechnoAlpin — the official snowmaker of the Milan Winter Olympics — is involved in the build, alongside global engineering firm WSP. The UK territory has already been sold to the founding investors behind Urbnsurf, Melbourne’s beloved wave pool. That comparison is worth sitting with: Urbnsurf brought world-class surfing to a landlocked city. Snowtunnel is attempting exactly the same trick with snow.
Worth knowing: around 95% of people worldwide have never tried snow sports, and more than 50% of countries have no ski fields at all. With seasons shortening and costs rising, Snowtunnel is designed to bring the mountain to the city — permanently.
Snowtunnel Melbourne FAQ
How much does Snowtunnel Melbourne cost?
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet. We’ll update this page as soon as tickets go on sale. In the meantime, you can register your interest at snowtunnel.com to be first to know.
Is Snowtunnel suitable for young children?
Yes. The Snow Play Zone is specifically designed for families and first-timers who want to experience real snow without skiing or snowboarding. Age and height requirements haven’t been confirmed yet.
Do I need to bring my own ski gear?
No. Full gear hire is available on-site, including everything you’d need for the snow. This is one of Snowtunnel’s key selling points — turn up and go.
Is Snowtunnel open all year in Melbourne?
Yes — that’s the whole point. Unlike Victoria’s alpine resorts, which typically operate for three to five months a year, Snowtunnel is designed to be open 365 days a year regardless of the weather outside.
Where exactly is Snowtunnel in Melbourne’s west?
An exact address hasn’t been released yet. We’ll update this as soon as it’s confirmed. It’s located 11km from Melbourne’s CBD.
