UK Sport has announced a historic £33 million investment in British winter sports, aiming to build on the success of the Milan Cortina Games and prepare athletes for Alpes 2030.
The UK is making a bold statement in the world of winter sports with a record-breaking investment of over £33 million. This substantial funding, made possible through The National Lottery and UK Government support, is part of a broader initiative to reform and enhance the country’s winter sports system.
The goal? To ensure British athletes can compete at the highest levels and achieve unprecedented success at the upcoming Alpes 2030 Winter Games.
This investment comes on the heels of the historic performances at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, where Team GB equaled its best-ever Winter Olympic medal haul with five medals, including three golds.
Meanwhile, ParalympicsGB secured a silver medal, providing valuable experience for a talented group of athletes. However, the consistent pattern of winning five medals in three of the last four Winter Olympic Games suggests there is untapped potential within the UK’s winter sports cohort.
Unlocking Athletic Potential with Strategic Investment
UK Sport is channeling the £33 million investment into key winter sports, including CurlingWheelchair CurlingSkeletonSnowsportBobsleigh and Ice Skating. This funding aims to build on the momentum from Milan Cortina and create more opportunities for athletes to shine on the global stage. The investment is not just about financial support; it’s about fostering innovation and driving bold reforms to maximize performance and protect public money.
One of the most significant changes is the creation of Sport Org a new multi-sport performance delivery organization. Sport Org will operate performance programs on behalf of National Governing Bodies, bringing together top performance experts and resources. This initiative aims to provide greater stability for athletes, drive efficiencies in spending, and enhance access to performance expertise. The Curling and Wheelchair Curling programs are already under Sport Org’s management, and the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) will transition to Sport Org for the Utah 2034 Cycle.
Reforming the System for Future Success
UK Sport is not just investing in athletes; it’s reforming the system to ensure long-term success. The £445,000 transition funding for Ice Hockey is a first-of-its-kind investment aimed at developing a more commercially sustainable performance model. This funding will support the recent merger of Ice Hockey UKEngland Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey into a single governing body, enabling the sport to become self-sustainable.
The investment in Snowsport is particularly noteworthy, with £12.5 million allocated to support athletes and coaches. However, UK Sport has decided not to route this investment through GB Snowsport once the Milan Cortina funding cycle ends. Instead, UK Sport will explore alternative delivery models to ensure the funding is used effectively. This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to protecting athletes and continuing to provide public funding.
Athlete and Coach Reactions
The investment and reforms have been met with enthusiasm from athletes and coaches. Kate Baker Director of Performance and People at UK Sport, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and supporting athletes to deliver their best performances. Gareth Moore Chair of BBSA, expressed optimism about the future and the potential for even greater achievements on the road to Alpes 2030. Dave Leith Curling Performance Director, highlighted the significance of the investment in strengthening the performance program and collaborating with other sports.
Jon Eley British Ice Skating Performance Director, noted that the investment provides an exciting opportunity to build on recent progress and develop a world-class performance program. Tim Bratton Ice Hockey UK Interim CEO, emphasized the importance of the transitional funding in turning ambition into action and creating a sustainable future for the sport.
With this record investment and bold reforms, the UK is positioning itself as a formidable force in winter sports. The focus is not just on the next Games but on building a sustainable system that will support athletes for years to come. As the countdown to Alpes 2030 begins, the stage is set for British winter sports to achieve even greater heights.
