Merthyr Tydfil to be home to UK’s longest indoor snow centre

Major plans for the new indoor ski slope and leisure resort in Merthyr Tydfil have been approved by councillors after Welsh Government decided not to call them in. It means the Rhydycar West development can go ahead.

The development on land to the south west of the A470/A4102 roundabout includes an indoor ski slope, water park, indoor activity centre, outdoor activity centre, up to 418 bedrooms of hotel accommodation, up to 30 units of woodland lodge accommodation and up to 830 car parking spaces.

It is set to be the official training headquarters for the GB and Welsh national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams.

And it is now set to become a reality after Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee approved it on Wednesday, January 7.

Councillor Andrew Barry said their first priority is to look after the people of the area.

He said that to pull Merthyr out of deprivation “we need positive economic solutions.”

He said they are going to have growth through applications of the magnitude that they were taking about here.

Cllr Barry said it gives them the opportunity to create small businesses and give people aspiration and he mentioned the supply chain for the development as well as growth in the local economy and the wider region.

He said: “We have the opportunity to change the whole socio economic dynamic of Merthyr here.”

Councillor Brent Carter said this project is “ground breaking” and a “complete game changer for Merthyr Tydfil.”

He said the amount of support for it is overwhelming and that he is “thrilled” about the project.

He said it would “massively support and boost our economy in Merthyr Tydfil” and said it was an ideal opportunity to confirm Merthyr Tydfil as a “world class destination of choice.

He said: “Merthyr Tydfil needs Rhydycar West.”

Welsh Government had previously directed the council not to grant planning permission for the application in order to allow for further consideration as to whether or not the application should be referred to the Welsh ministers for their determination.

In March 2025, the planning committee voted not to support officer recommendations to refuse the application.

And in November 2025, the council received confirmation from Welsh Government that the application would not be called in by Welsh ministers as conflicts with national policy are of a scale and complexity which the local planning authority can consider.

Since the original report was presented to committee in March 2025, one email of support had been received endorsing the skiing opportunities it would give to the next generation.

The development also includes associated earthworks, access, drainage, servicing and utilities connections and infrastructure.