Alpine Pathway Consultation: Findings and Next Steps
Photo: Racer Ready
Earlier this year, we launched a consultation on the proposed Alpine Pathway. The response from members and stakeholders was extremely encouraging with a significant number of people taking the time to review the proposal and share their views. We are grateful for the level of engagement and the constructive contributions received throughout the consultation process.
This has been a vital piece of work for Snowsport England, and our biggest consultation to date. It has been over a decade since a formal alpine pathway has existed in England, and we believe now is the right time to address that gap and begin building a sustainable structure for the future. While this pathway represents only the first stage of a much longer journey, every successful programme needs a starting point. Feedback from across the consultation reinforced the importance of taking that first step while continuing to develop and strengthen the pathway over time.
The consultation ran for several weeks and generated a wealth of valuable insight. We are pleased to share the detailed findings within this document, which outlines the key themes and perspectives that emerged. To ensure the analysis remained objective and balanced, responses were reviewed using AI-supported analysis, helping to identify common themes and trends across the feedback received.
The findings have played an important role in shaping the final pathway. As part of the process, we carefully considered the views expressed by members and stakeholders, and where appropriate, have incorporated changes and refinements to strengthen the proposal. The consultation has helped ensure that the final pathway reflects both the ambitions of the sport and the practical insights of those involved within it.
We are delighted that the Board approved the pathway at its most recent meeting, subject to the agreed enhancements and amendments identified through the consultation process being incorporated into the final version.
For those wishing to review the journey so far, the original proposal can be found here:
Initial Alpine Pathway Proposal
You can also access the full consultation findings here:
With the pathway now approved, our focus turns to implementation. We are keen to build momentum and begin putting the plans into action. The first stage of this process is the recruitment of National Squad Coaches across the four national squad age groups. This will be followed by appointments within the Combined Counties programme and then the recruitment of assistant coaches, with the newly appointed Head Coaches playing an important role in shaping those selections.
Further information on the National Squad Coach opportunities can be found here:
National Squad Coach Recruitment
This is an exciting milestone for alpine skiing in England and marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to creating opportunities, supporting athlete development and strengthening the future of the sport.