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The world’s first rotating Snowtunnel is coming to Australia

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
An all-new Aussie invention is bringing year-round snow Down Under.

Despite boasting plenty of world-class ski resorts, Australia’s snow season typically only lasts three to four months each year. And while a winter road trip certainly has its charms, many Aussies still prefer the more enticing slopes of New Zealand and Japan.

But now, an elite team of action sport entrepreneurs is hoping to change that. After more than 20 years of work, the Australian start-up has unveiled plans to open the world’s first Snowtunnel Park in Melbourne – with a never-before-seen attraction at its heart.

Introducing Snowtunnel Park

Snowtunnel Park in Melbourne, Victoria
A pilot site for the Suntunnel will open in Melbourne later this year.

Catering to all ages and ability levels, Snowtunnel Park is set to become the ultimate winter destination – and you won’t have to wait for the seasons to change to visit. The world-class facility will operate year-round, pumping out more than 900 cubic metres of fresh white snow every day just beyond the city limits of Melbourne’s CBD.

There’s nothing artificial about it, either. Using a cutting-edge system created in partnership with leading tech firms, including TechnoAlpin and WSP, this winter wonderland is made from only water and air.

“Growing up in Australia, we all know how inconsistent each snow season can be. Our mission is to unlock the magic of snow and ignite a passion for alpine experiences for everyone all year round," says Scott Kessler, CEO and co-founder of Snowtunnel Parks.

Snowtunnel Park in Melbourne, Victoria
The first official Snowtunnel Park is scheduled to launch in 2027.

The park will feature a range of graded downhill slopes, an alpine play zone for family-friendly activities and modern lounge area complete with fireplace, plus a variety of food and beverage offerings. There will also be a dedicated progression program for everyone from beginners to experts, all guided by professional ski and snowboard instructors.

But its biggest drawcard? The all-new patented Snowtunnel – a colossal rotating tunnel spanning over 600 square metres – roughly the length of an average outdoor ski run. Designed to provide a constantly rideable surface, the 12.5-metre-tall structure features variable speed controls to suit all abilities.

The Snowtunnel
The Snowtunnel has been described as an “endless mountain" by its creators.

The brainchild of Scott Kessler (CEO), Daniel Portelli (COO) and inventor Darren Visser, the Snowtunnel was founded and designed right here in Australia. Aiming to bring the “magic of the mountains" into everyday life, Visser engineered their first prototype during the 2000s.

The team later secured patents to safeguard the design, giving them time to refine and perfect their creation. By 2022, Snowtunnel Parks was officially established and its first commercial concepts were underway. Now in 2026, this once-radical concept is coming to life.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Is this the future of snow sports?

The Snowtunnel
The rotating Snowtunnel mirrors the length of an average outdoor ski run.

Since its inception, the Snowtunnel has attracted global interest, with a range of international brands expressing both excitement and support. Early investment rounds proved successful, resulting in further proof-of-concept prototypes.

In another major milestone, the team has now secured a location for its global headquarters and pilot showcase site, just 10 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Future locations in Sydney and Brisbane are also under discussion, alongside possible expansions into the UK, Europe and beyond.

Snowtunnel Parks map
Plans for international expansion are already gathering momentum.

“The interest we’ve seen from around the world since our reveal has been overwhelming," says COO and co-founder, Daniel Portelli. “By establishing our Global HQ and first showcase here, we are providing a permanent stage to bring this Australian innovation to the world."

Scheduled to open later this year, the pilot site will finally bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. In the coming months, it will serve as a showcase hub to demonstrate the technology’s commercial and operational power to potential partners, investors and even the public. By 2027, it will officially open as the world’s first complete Snowtunnel Park attraction.

But that’s not all. Tapping into the growing demand for passion-driven travel experiences, the company is also recruiting an exclusive Test Rider Crew. This lucky group of skiers and snowboarders will be among the first in the world to experience the Snowtunnel – before it becomes a global sensation.

The timeline at a glance

  • 2000s: First Snowtunnel prototype built and patents secured
  • 2022: Snowtunnel Parks launches as a business
  • 2023: Second Snowtunnel prototype designed and built
  • 2025: Construction of the first official Snowtunnel commences
  • 2026: Melbourne chosen as Snowtunnel headquarters, pilot site and launch location
  • 2027: First Snowtunnel Park attraction scheduled to open in Melbourne
  • 2028 and beyond: Sydney and Brisbane parks underway, potential international expansion begins

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road. These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver, which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum. Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)