The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has announced a planned investment of £1.3 million to refurbish Pen y Pass, one of its most popular hostels.  

The work will almost double the existing accommodation at Pen y Pass, bringing much-needed improvement to a hostel that has looked in need of a facelift for many years, and has arguably remained busy thanks only to its key location at the top of the Llanberis Pass.

New self-catering facilities, toilet and showers for use by day walkers, en suite accommodation, private family rooms, a licensed restaurant and education facilities are all promised. As well as the complete refurbishment of the existing bedrooms many will be reconfigured to offer a wider range of room sizes to better cater for individuals, couples, families and groups. A disabled access bedroom and 14 additional new bedrooms will also be created.

The expanded Pen y Pass will have bed space for 111 people.

Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales) said:

'YHA Pen-y-Pass welcomes thousands of young people every year giving everyone, whatever their backgrounds, the chance to enjoy educational and outdoor activities in this superb location. Our investment will help the Youth Hostel become even more financially sustainable, securing its future for many more generations of guests.'

'We’re continuing to invest in our hostels to make sure they continue to offer the great welcome and friendly stay of which we are rightly proud. “We want to make sure that we continue to have world class hostels in fantastic locations.'

The hostel will close on 30th August 2013 and re-open in March 2014 in time for the Easter holiday break.

Of course, judging by the recent queues on Snowdon the YHA shouldn't have any problem filling additional beds at Pen y Pass. Here's a couple of photos from Monday, from site user Duncan Bourne: