UK Sport will cease channeling its investment in skiing and snowboarding through the governing body GB Snowsport, opting instead for a new method to deliver £12.5 million in funding to athletes and coaches ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. This decision comes six months after Team GB achieved its most successful Winter Olympics to date, securing five medals, including three golds, at the Milan-Cortina Games. One of these historic golds was in the snowboard cross mixed team event.
UK Sport has informed all funded snowsport athletes of the change, confirming that their grants will continue to be paid directly. An independent review into the governance of GB Snowsport will be established. This funding is part of a larger, record investment exceeding £33 million allocated for the four-year cycle of winter sports, an increase from the approximately £32.5 million provided for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics cycle.
Kate Baker, director of performance and people at UK Sport, stated that the organization is committed to investing where it can have the greatest impact due to increasing competition in winter sports. She emphasized UK Sport's willingness to drive necessary changes to ensure athletes have the best opportunities for success.
GB Snowsport expressed disappointment with the decision but indicated a continued willingness to collaborate with UK Sport. However, the organization stated it reserves the right to explore all avenues to safeguard its recent achievements. GB Snowsport has experienced recent leadership instability, having changed its chair twice in the past three years and is currently in the process of recruiting a new chair. Michael Oesterlin is serving as the interim chair.
GB Snowsport also noted that a recent independent governance review, funded by UK Sport, affirmed the strength and appropriateness of its governance standards. The organization stated its confidence that any new review will reach similar conclusions. The upcoming Winter Games are scheduled to take place in the French Alps in 2030.
Baker highlighted the success of British winter sport, pointing to incredible performances across a wider range of sports than in previous years. She expressed excitement about the potential for the next four years, especially with another Winter Games on European soil and a talented group of athletes.
Within the overall investment, approximately £10 million is designated for bobsleigh and skeleton programs. Curling will receive £6.54 million, wheelchair curling £1.93 million, and ice skating £2 million. Ice hockey is allocated £445,000 in transition funding to support its move toward becoming a self-sustainable governing body. From 2030, UK Sport's funding for bobsleigh and skeleton will be managed by a new multi-sport delivery organization, Sport Org, which already oversees curling programs and will take over from the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association in the lead-up to the 2034 Games.