Opening of new Charlotte Pass chair life delayed until winter 2026

A long-awaited $3 million infrastructure upgrade at Australia’s highest-situated ski resort will not now open until 2026 as a result of regulatory delays.

Charlotte Pass Snow Resort’s new Guthries Double Chair, initially scheduled to open for the 2025 winter season, will not be operational until winter 2026.

The lift, constructed by Austrian manufacturer Doppelmayr, is designed to enhance access to advanced terrain and boost lift efficiency at the remote alpine resort.

However, despite steady on-site progress, the project has been held up by what the resort describes as “late-stage” demands from NSW Government authorities for additional documentation unrelated to the chairlift’s physical construction.

In a statement, Charlotte Pass Snow Resor General Manager, Lucy Blyton-Gray commented “we have done everything in our power to get Guthries open for Winter 2025.

“Our team worked tirelessly alongside Doppelmayr to stay on track, but unfortunately, the extended approvals process - beyond our control - created unavoidable delays.”

Siting at 1,765 metres and accessible by oversnow transport in winter, the resort, named after Charlotte Adams - the first European woman to climb Mount Kosciuszko - is one of Australia’s oldest ski areas.

Construction on the new chair began with optimism, but a development application (DA) condition imposed by the NSW Department of Planning has forced all work to stop as of 30th April - one month earlier than similar restrictions placed on other alpine developments in the region. This halt in activity, which extends through October, effectively pushed the completion timeline beyond the 2025 ski season.

According to the resort’s press release, construction efforts will now focus on environmental rehabilitation at the bottom station and tower locations 1 through 4. Blyton-Gray emphasised the resort’s commitment to sustainability and guest experience, saying the lift will be delivered “to the highest standards.”

She added “we know how excited our guests and community are about this 3-million-dollar upgrade, and we share that excitement,” Blyton-Gray said. “We thank everyone for their patience and support as we work through the final stages and look forward to unveiling the new chair for Winter 2026.”

Alpine region reports snow falls
Alpine resorts Thredbo and Mt Buller have each reported winter storms overnight, the first snowfall for the 2025 season.

Mt Buller advised this morning (Tuesday) that "the alpine village was transformed under a white snowy cover as the temperature dipped to -2 and fresh flakes floated across the resort."

With the winter season to commence on the June long weekend – just 11 days away - resort spokesperson Rhylla Morgan commented "Mt Buller is guaranteeing skiing, snowboarding, snowplay and beginner lessons from the 7 June when the season opens thanks to a huge pre-season snowmaking effort. The resort has made 10,000 cubic metres of snow since 31st April and now it appears Mother Nature is doing her part."

Morgan added "this snowfall is right on time and it’s wonderful to have the mountain feel snowy this morning as we countdown to the opening on the King’s Birthday long weekend.

“The snowmaking team have produced that important ‘season-starting’ snow to get us sliding from day 1 and it’s great to see the weather patterns starting to line up on cue.”

Thredbo advised that "conditions (are) already looking promising … with snow on the ground and more on the way."

Image: Ski lesson at Charlotte Pass.