Go Ahead For UK’s New Largest Indoor Snow Centre

A decade-old plan to build the UK’s new longest indoor ski slope have been approved, apparently meaning construction can now finally go ahead.

The Rhydycar West project in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, got a unanimous vote in favour from councillors, subject to 53 conditions, prompting applause from members of the public who attended the meeting.

First announced in 2017, it took six-years for the Rhydycar West plans to enter the planning system in 2023. Councillors initially rejected a recommendation from council staff to refuse the application in March 2025, despite concerns over the site’s former use as a coal and ironstone mining area, as well as questions around sustainability, landscape impact and ecology. However, after consideration by the planning inspectorate, the Welsh government confirmed in late 2025 that it would not intervene, clearing the way for the final council vote.

The projects backers, a company called Marvel Ltd, (but unconnected to the comic strip empire), say the indoor slope will stretch roughly 400m, more than double the length of any of the five existing UK centres in England,

They say the centre will serve as the official base for the UK and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams. The wider complex would also include a conference centre, waterpark and accommodation.

Robin Kellen, CEO at Snowsport Cymru Wales (the National Governing Body for Snowsport in Wales) commented,

"We are very excited to see this project move another significant step forward to becoming the reality of not only the first indoor snow facility in Wales but also the best by far in the UK. This facility will be game changing for our sport in Wales and the UK as a whole. It will open up new opportunities for people in Wales to participate in snowsports as well as creating a marvelous opportunity for athletes of all ages to develop their skills to the highest levels."

Marvel estimates the project will create around 1,500 construction jobs, most of them local, followed by 800 permanent roles once the centre opens.

"Snowsport Cymru Wales have worked with our partners over the past 10 years to see this project to this stage, we will now move forward to the next level of detail to ensure Wales and the Rhydycar West facility sits at the front seat and at the front of the lift line in becoming the best facility to serve our sport," added Mr Kellen.

No date for the start of construction, nor the expected opening year, has been officially confirmed as yet.