Big Decision on UK’s New Biggest Indoor Snow Slope Expected Next Week

Plans for the major indoor ski slope and leisure resort at Rhydycar West in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, are returning to councillors in January after the Welsh Government confirmed it would not call in the application.

The scheme covers land south‑west of the A470/A4102 roundabout and proposes a large indoor ski centre, a tropical‑style water park, indoor and outdoor activity zones, up to 418 hotel rooms, 30 woodland lodges, and around 830 parking spaces.

Central to the project is what would become the UK’s longest indoor real‑snow slope, measuring between 400m and 424m in length. The snow centre would also include year‑round training facilities for skiing and snowboarding, designed to support GB and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

The development has been in discussion for more than a decade, with early proposals emerging in the early 2010s and a formal public announcement around 2016. Since then, the project has experienced repeated pauses, redesigns, and scrutiny over environmental impact and planning policy. Despite these setbacks, it has remained a flagship ambition for the region, promoted for its economic potential and its promise to create one of Europe’s longest indoor snow runs.

The application returns to Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee on January 7, following earlier direction from Welsh Government to delay any decision. Councillors previously voted against officer advice to refuse the scheme, and ministers have since confirmed they will not intervene.

Local media reports that the council has received one message of support highlighting opportunities for young skiers, and one objection focused on biodiversity concerns on Gelligaer and Merthyr Common. The latest report notes that national policy conflicts remain, but as councillors have already rejected the officer recommendation, the application is now presented for approval subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.