Snowsport England partners with Snowcentres Limited in major boost for UK snowsports
Under the agreement, Snowcentres Limited will become the headline sponsor of the Snowsport England Talent Pathway
Snowsport England has announced a landmark strategic partnership with Snowcentres Limited, marking a major step forward in the growth and development of snowsports across the UK. This collaboration brings together the national governing body for snowsport and the operators of the UK’s leading indoor real snow slopes—The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead and Chill Factore in Manchester.
A New Era for Talent Development
Under the agreement, Snowcentres Limited will become the headline sponsor of the Snowsport England Talent Pathway, which supports both development and elite athlete squads. This sponsorship includes access to high-quality, real-snow training facilities—critical support for young athletes as they work toward national and international competition levels.
Pete Gillespie, Group Head of Snowsports at Snowcentres Limited, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re excited to embark on this innovative partnership, which represents a huge step forward in strengthening snowsports in the UK. Together, we are creating a unique opportunity for both instructors and athletes, making it easier to achieve internationally-recognised qualifications and access top-tier training.”
Affordable, Local Coaching Courses
In a move that makes snowsports more accessible, Snowsport England will now offer ski and snowboard instructor training at both partner venues. These courses form part of a clearly defined coaching and instructor pathway leading to internationally-recognised IVSI qualifications.
The training programme has been designed specifically for UK-based instructors, offering a flexible and affordable route into the industry. Levels 1 and 2 can be completed entirely within the UK—without the need for expensive overseas travel. Only at Level 3 and above does the pathway move into alpine environments abroad.
Courses will be delivered by expert-appointed Snowsport England tutors, with candidates supported by experienced instructors already embedded in the local community. The goal is to equip aspiring professionals with the skills and credentials they need to succeed—whether in part-time instruction or full-time coaching careers.
James Arnold, CEO of Snowsport England, highlighted the significance of this alignment: “This partnership is a first of its kind for Snowsport England, and it’s a major milestone in establishing a genuine talent pathway for alpine athletes. We are drawing the coaching and talent pathways closer together. It is vital that even a junior instructor operates with the same fundamentals as an elite coach, so athletes have that consistency.”
Shared Vision for the Future
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and aspirational future for snowsports in the UK. By combining accessible, high-quality education with funded athlete support, Snowsport England and Snowcentres Limited are removing barriers to entry and helping to elevate the sport from the grassroots up.
As the collaboration takes shape, it promises to be a turning point for British snowsports—developing talent, empowering coaches, and offering a clearer path from the indoor slope to the world stage.
