Queenstown’s Remarkables skifield owner seeks fast-track approval for $150m Doolans Basin expansion
The owners of Queenstown ski resort The Remarkables have lodged an application under the fast-track approval process to expand into the Doolans Basin.
The project, highly anticipated by the industry, would increase the resort’s size from 449ha to 711ha, with a 262ha expansion of skiable terrain into a valley adjacent to Rastus Burn.
The capacity of the ski area will nearly double from 290,000 to 500,000 visitors within five years, with daily capacity increasing from 3500 to 6000 skiers.
With a proposed price tag of more than $150 million, NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the application was a significant milestone 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. It means more terrain, fewer lift queues and a better experience for everyone,” Anderson said.
“This project caters both for our growing local community as well as the increasing number of ski tourists; it’s about meeting the demand in a responsible way while protecting the future of skiing on our maunga.”
Part of the expansion will involve building New Zealand’s longest 10-seat gondola, which will stretch 2.7km, connect the Doolans Basin with the Rastus Burn, and dock into the current base building.
Doolans Basin will include a full mix of terrain and a dedicated learner space designed to spread people across the mountain, with a new hospitality building and facilities also to be constructed in the area.
Anderson said the Doolans Basin was higher and southeast facing, offering more reliable snow.
“Expanding into this terrain is intended to strengthen the resilience of winter operations as climate and weather patterns change.”
The expansion, according to an independent economic report, will also boost the Queenstown Lakes economy by up to $168m annually.
The assessment indicated the total spend from visitors to The Remarkables will increase from $235m per year to between $347m and $402m within 10 years of completion.
Total gross domestic product (GDP) contribution would increase from $115m to between $170m and $197m annually.
The expansion project has been designed to minimise its 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.
Anderson said construction was expected to take place over four summer seasons, with the start date dependent on the approval process.
“We know The Remarkables is an important part of life here in Queenstown. As we take this next step, we’ll continue working closely with our community to create a better Remarkables experience to enjoy for generations to come.”
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.
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