Plans for the UK’s longest indoor ski slope have been approved after a unanimous vote by Merthyr Tydfil council’s planning committee.
Councillors backed the Rhydycar West development subject to 53 planning conditions, which must be met by the developers. The scheme includes a 400 metre ski slope alongside a tropical waterpark, hotel, lodge style accommodation and conference facilities.
Council leader Brent Carter described the project as a “game changer” for the town, while Reform councillor Andrew Barry said it represented “the opportunity the area has been waiting for”. Members of the public applauded and cheered as the decision was announced.
As part of the approval, a legal agreement will be put in place to ensure developer contributions are used to offset any negative impacts caused by the scheme. Throughout the planning process, concerns were raised over the site’s location, environmental sustainability, scale and its effect on local views and ecology.
The proposal was first revealed in 2017, with a formal planning application submitted in 2023. In March 2025 councillors voted against officers’ advice to refuse permission for the former mining land near the Rhydycar West roundabout.
The application was later reviewed by the planning inspectorate. In November 2025, the Welsh government confirmed it would not intervene, allowing the plans to return to the council for a final decision.
If built, the development would surpass the UK’s current largest indoor ski slope at The Snow Centre in Manchester, which measures 180 metres. Developers Marvel Limited say the Merthyr Tydfil slope would be around 400 metres long, making it one of the largest indoor ski facilities in the world.
The company also claims the centre would become the official training base for British and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams.
Developers estimate the project would create around 1,500 construction jobs, including 1,200 for local workers, as well as a further 800 permanent roles once the attraction is operational.
