‘Pre-application consultation’ planned for huge indoor snow center for Wales

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A visual idea of ​​what the development of Rhydycar West might look like. Photo by Holder Mathias Architects

A public consultation is being launched to seek views and concerns regarding a proposed year-round sports and leisure facility near Merthyr Tydfil.

The company behind a major indoor snow center project planned for a 575-acre site has announced it will enter its pre-application consultation (PAC) period next month, the planning application to be submitted once completed.

The company says the year-round indoor station at Rhydycar West will include a 500m indoor snow track, making it one of the largest in Europe, with the potential to become the base for snow sports Team GB, Snow Sport Wales, and also a UK ‘Centre of Excellence’ for snow sports.

There are other plans for an indoor tropical water park with slides, man-made beaches and swimming areas for all ages, all maintained in a “constant tropical climate”.

Additionally, an indoor/outdoor adventure park will offer rock climbing facilities, zip lines and a “mountain coaster” which is a toboggan-style roller coaster, low to the ground and capable of adrenaline-charged speeds.

The plans also include a range of accommodation options from an upscale luxury spa hotel, a more relaxed sports hotel and a lodge and glamping area which the company says will suit a range of budgets. and comfort options.

Base camp

According to inthesnow.com, plans for the £450m facility were first announced in 2017 when the site was acquired by a company called Marvel Limited.

Since then, the company says it has “devoted significant time and resources to understanding in detail the unique ecological and heritage features of the site” and researching how it can complement other outdoor activities and adventure sports businesses around the world. the area, such as Bike Park Wales on the outskirts of Merthyr and Rock UK’s Summit Center in Treharris

Located just a mile from the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Rhydycar West team said they envisioned the resort as a base camp for visitors to explore the whole of the Valleys region, marketing it as “where the great outdoors meet large interior spaces.

Richard Arnold, Head of Operations for Rhydycar West, said: “We are delighted to have reached this point after many years of hard work, investment, careful planning and thought. We strongly believe that this development will be of national significance to Wales and will strengthen the position of Wales and the Dales region as the epicenter of adventure tourism,”

During the 28-day PAC period, the Rhydycar West team will host online and digital exhibit events to showcase the proposals to the community and consider questions and feedback.

Additionally, the plans, supporting information and means for the public to comment on the proposals will be available on the Rhydycar West website in April.


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