Thredbo Resort, in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, has debuted the Merritts Gondola, the only one of its kind in Australia, this winter and it is proving to be a massive hit.

In addition, Thredbo, operated by Event Hospitality and Entertainment, has also invested in a new car park, improvements to Dream Run including snowmaking, an expanded grooming fleet, and has continued to introduce new sustainability measures all of which, the company says, contribute to delivering an enhanced experience for visitors to Thredbo.

Thredbo has been voted Australia’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards for three consecutive years and Thredbo Resort General Manager, Stuart Diver, said the
Gondola investment further enhances this position, replacing the Merritts double chairlift and quadrupling capacity.

He said the cabin-style lift is similar to those found in Europe and North America and represents the culmination of two years of planning and development, delivering a new crucial inter-mountain link.

“The investment being made in Thredbo is really exciting to see, and I have no doubt Thredbo customers will agree,” he said. “The launch of the Gondola is a huge event for Thredbo and the entire community who have worked so hard to make this happen.

“It is a remarkable engineering achievement thanks to the tenacity and depth of knowledge and expertise at Doppelmayr, the world’s leading manufacturer of ski lifts.

“The completion of this phase of our development plan will enhance the customer experience and continue to ensure we remain Australia’s premier resort.

“Snow lovers will be thrilled with easier access to the Cruiser area and the Friday Flat beginners’ area, and with the improvements we have made to the popular Dream Run, including a new automated snowmaking system.

“We care deeply about our responsibility of operating in a unique natural environment, which is why being Australia’s first ski resort to be powered exclusively by clean, renewable energy was also an important milestone,” Diver said.

He said investment in the Merritts Gondola provides easier access for Village guests of all abilities to the Friday Flat and Cruiser area; fast turnaround access from the Gondola Mid-Station to the Top-Station for intermediate and advanced ski and snowboarders accessing the popular Dream Run and its surrounding tree runs; easier access for foot and scenic passengers to the Merritts Mountain House; and reduced pressure on the Kosciuszko Express and Gunbarrel Express chairlifts.

Jane Hastings, Chief Executive Officer of Event Hospitality and Entertainment said: “As a Group, a key strategic priority is to maximise our assets to enable growth and deliver the best possible customer experiences.

“Our Thredbo plan is centred on enhancing the skier, hiker and mountain biker experience with targeted investment on mountain that respects the environment we are operating in.

“Our recent investments in the Merritts Gondola, snowmaking on Dream Run, an expanded snow grooming fleet and increased carparks will enable more customers to enjoy an even better Thredbo experience.

“I am incredibly proud of our team at Thredbo for their absolute commitment in overcoming the impact of the bushfires, adjusting our operating model for COVID-19 restrictions, and delivering this phase of our strategic plan,” she said.