UK Sport has officially withdrawn all funding from GB Snowsport for the upcoming Olympic cycle following an independent review into the organization’s governance. This decision comes just six months after Team GB celebrated its most successful Winter Olympics at Milano-Cortina, coinciding with record funding levels for British winter sports and parasport athletes leading up to the Alpes 2030 Games.

Despite the withdrawal, UK Sport has pledged £12.5 million to support coaches and athletes in ski and snowboard events, as well as their Paralympic counterparts, over the next four years. This funding represents the largest share of a total pool of £33 million allocated for winter sports, surpassing the £10.1 million earmarked for bobsleigh and skeleton.

• UK Sport emphasized their commitment to athletes, stating:

Our full commitment to them ahead of Alpes 2030.

• Direct grants will continue for athletes as a new funding mechanism is developed.

The governance of GB Snowsport has faced challenges, including two chair changes in three years. Current interim chair Michael Osterlin expressed disappointment over the funding decision but affirmed their commitment to work with UK Sport on governance improvements. GB Snowsport has also completed a previous independent governance review, which they claim confirmed their standards are strong.

In a strategic move, UK Sport announced the establishment of a new entity, Sport Org, to manage elite programs across various sports. This organization is already overseeing curling and wheelchair curling, with plans to integrate the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association before the Utah 2034 Games.

Dr. Kate Baker, UK Sport's Director of Performance and People, highlighted the need for investment in areas with the greatest impact, stating that the competitive landscape for Olympic and Paralympic winter sports is intensifying.

Additionally, Ice Hockey UK is set to receive £445,000 to facilitate the sport's transition to a more commercially viable model, marking a significant funding milestone in the country.