TL;DR
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort's $3 million Guthries Double Chair upgrade faces a one-year delay due to regulatory issues, pushing the opening to winter 2026.
Charlotte Pass Postpones Major Lift Upgrade
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort in New South Wales has announced a delay in the opening of its new Guthries Double Chair. The $3 million project, which aimed to improve access to advanced terrain, will not be ready for the 2025 winter season as initially planned. Instead, skiers and riders will have to wait until 2026 to experience the upgraded lift system.
The postponement stems from regulatory hurdles rather than construction issues. While the Austrian manufacturer Doppelmayr has made progress on the lift's physical components, government authorities have requested additional documentation unrelated to the chairlift's construction. This unexpected demand has led to what the resort terms 'late-stage' delays in the approvals process.
Lucy Blyton-Gray, general manager of Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, expressed disappointment but remained committed to the project's completion. 'Our team worked tirelessly alongside Doppelmayr to stay on track, but unfortunately, the extended approvals process—beyond our control—created unavoidable delays,' she stated.
The delay is particularly impactful due to Charlotte Pass's unique position as Australia's highest-situated ski resort. Located at 1,765 metres above sea level, the resort is only accessible by oversnow transport in winter, making infrastructure upgrades more challenging than at other locations.
Despite the setback, the resort plans to use the additional time constructively. The focus will shift to environmental rehabilitation around the lift's bottom station and initial tower locations. Blyton-Gray assured that the lift will be delivered 'to the highest standards' when it opens in 2026.
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, named after Charlotte Adams, the first European woman to climb Mount Kosciuszko, offers uncrowded slopes and backcountry access. While smaller than neighbouring resorts like Perisher and Thredbo, it holds a special place in Australian skiing history. The new Guthries Double Chair represents a significant step in modernising the resort's facilities, aiming to enhance the skiing and riding experience for visitors in the coming years.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
