New Zealand — The Remarkables Ski Resort in New Zealand has filed an application for a proposed $150+ million expansion plan into the Doolans Basin. If approved the project will grow the resort from 1,110 acres to 1,757 acres, making it New Zealand’s largest ski area.
The proposed expansion would open up 648 acres of new skiable terrain accessed by new gondola. The proposed 10-seat gondola would be New Zealand’s longest stretching 1.7-miles connecting Doolans Basin with their current base building.
“Think more terrain. Fewer queues. A bigger mountain playground for learners, cruisers, freeriders, families and full-send frothers alike.” -The Remarkables
The Doolans Basin’s location, higher and south-east-facing, will offer more reliable snow and help strengthen the future of winter at the resort as weather patterns change.
“This is a huge milestone after years of planning, refinement and community consideration and while approvals are still underway, we’re stoked to share the vision with you.” -The Remarkables
If the expansion is approved, construction would be expected to take place over the next several Souther Hemisphere summers (between November and May) with winter operations continuing as normal. Check out the promotional video and find the complete plan as described by The Remarkables below:
The Doolans Expansion Plan:
An exciting new chapter is underway at The Remarkables.
NZSki is planning to expand into Doolans Basin, a neighbouring valley that could open up a whole new side of The Remarkables. If approved, the expansion will turn The Remarkables into a multi-valley ski area with more terrain and more ways to move around the mountain.
If approved, the proposed Doolans Basin expansion would bring:
– 262 hectares of new skiable terrain
– 711 hectares of total skiable terrain, the most
of any ski area in New Zealand
– A 2.7-kilometre gondola linking Rastus Burn to Doolans Basin, New Zealand’s longest
– A new learner area, plus additional beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain
– Daily capacity increasing to 6,000 guests across the expanded ski area.
More room to ski and ride, and more snow to enjoy.
Doolans Basin will add a whole new valley to The Remarkables ski area, bringing more terrain to discover, more space between runs and more options for how you spend your day.
The proposed terrain at Doolans Basin sits higher and faces south, so we expect it to hold snow well and offer reliable conditions. Expanding into this area helps ensure more reliable snow and more resilient seasons as weather patterns change.
It is also a smarter way to grow. Rather than asking the existing trails and lifts to do more, Doolans opens up a new part of the mountain, lifting the experience across the whole ski area.
A new gondola to unlock the mountain.
One of the most exciting elements of the proposal is a new 2.7-kilometre gondola linking Rastus Burn with Doolans Basin. If approved, it would be New Zealand’s longest gondola.
It will connect the existing base building to the new terrain, making it easy to travel between valleys and explore more of the mountain in a single day.
Beginners, cruisers and chargers.
The Doolans is planned as a full-mountain experience, with terrain for skiers and snowboarders at every level.
A dedicated learner area for those starting out
More progression space for beginners building confidence
Flowing terrain for intermediate cruisers
More to explore for advanced riders pushing their limits
This is not just about making The Remarkables bigger. It is about making it better to ride.
Designed with the mountain in mind.
The Remarkables is a special place, and any future development must respect that.
The proposal has been designed to minimise impact where possible, with construction kept consolidated, sensitive ecological habitats protected, and water management planned with expert input.
This is a long-term proposal, years in the making, with one clear goal: to grow carefully and build a more resilient future for skiing and snowboarding at The Remarkables.
What happens next
The application was lodged via the fast-track consenting process in May 2026.
If approved, construction is expected to run over several summer seasons from November 2026, with work between November and May. Winter operations at The Remarkables will continue as normal.
You will not be dropping into Doolans just yet, but this is a major step forward and an exciting glimpse of what could be coming.
Once Doolans is open, The Remarkables will become New Zealand’s biggest ski area. That is something worth getting excited about.
