Oh how we’ve waited for this moment. There’s been talk of Doolans expansion for decades and today a press release makes it official. The application approval process is under way.
Once approved, The Remarkables in Queenstown will become New Zealand’s largest ski area, with a proposed $150 million-plus expansion into the Doolans Basin to offer more terrain, increasing in size to 711 hectares (1756 acres) from its current 449 hectares (1109 acres), and will feature NZ’s longest gondola (2.7km long).
The Remarkables owner NZSki has lodged an application for the expansion, under the Fast-track approval process.
With more terrain comes more people and the capacity of the ski area will nearly double from 290,000 to 500,000 visitors within the first five years. And, according to an independent economic report, the Queenstown Lakes economy is expected to receive an annual boost of up to $168 million and 1851 jobs will be created.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the application is a significant milestone for Queenstown and The Remarkables after decades of planning, refinement and community consideration.
“Expanding into the Doolans Basin allows us to create more room to ski, ride and explore in a world-class, multi-valley ski resort that supports the long-term resilience of skiing in Queenstown,” he says.
“It means more terrain, fewer lift queues and a better experience for everyone.”
The Remarkables expansion project includes an additional 262ha of skiable terrain, into a valley adjacent to Rastus Burn. Visitor capacity will increase from 3500 to 6000 skiers per day.
A new 10-seat, 2.7-kilometre gondola – the longest in New Zealand – will connect the Doolans Basin with the Rastus Burn, docking into the current base building. The Doolans Basin will include a full mix of terrain and a dedicated learner space designed to spread people across the mountain. A new hospitality building and facilities will also be constructed in the Doolans Basin.
“The Doolans Basin is higher and south-east-facing, offering more reliable snow,” Anderson adds. “Expanding into this terrain is intended to strengthen the resilience of winter operations as climate and weather patterns change.”
An independent economic assessment of the project indicates that total spend from visitors to The Remarkables will increase from $235 million per year currently, to between $347-$402 million per year within 10 years from completion. Total GDP contribution would increase from $115 million to between $170-$197 million annually.
“Construction is expected to take place over four summer seasons, with the start date dependent on the approval process,” Anderson says. “The project will be managed carefully so we can continue with normal winter operations at The Remarkables.”
The Remarkables Expansion Project has been designed to minimise environmental impact, with construction areas consolidated, sensitive ecological habitats protected and water management plans developed with expert advisers. The proposal also includes infrastructure upgrades to support increased use, such as improvements at the State Highway 6 intersection and enhanced bus and shuttle facilities.
