GB SNOWSPORT CEO VICKY GOSLING ON OUR EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP

GB Snowsport and Snow+Rock have confirmed a partnership to mark the two-year countdown to the start of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in 2022. To celebrate this exciting new partnership, we found out all about the exciting snowsports journey and future aspirations of GB Snowsports CEO Vicky Gosling OBE, from the woman herself.

"The one thing that has always been a constant in my working life is sport. I’ve always said, “put your paycheque where your passion is”, and I feel extremely lucky to be doing exactly that.

I’ve been fortunate to have gained such varied experience in my career to date, from 21 years of service in the Royal Air Force to Chief Executive Officer for Invictus Games 2016 and now, Chief Executive Officer of GB Snowsport.

I joined GB Snowsport in 2018 to make a difference in the governance of snowsport in Britain, and to help the organisation reach its potential globally. I also knew that the current talent pool we have and the future stars coming through are special. I’ve been here almost two years now and I have never been more excited by the direction of the business and the results of our athletes.

Partnerships like the one with Snow+Rock just show how far we have come and really make everyone in the organisation excited for the road ahead."

"My journey in snowsports started within the military where I became the RAF ski squad manager. The journey continued outside the military by ensuring that my three young children are avid snowsport lovers which enables us to have wintersports holidays as a family. And now I am extremely proud to be the CEO of GB Snowsport.

My proudest moment has to be defeating the Army when I was Ski Squad lead for the RAF. We hadn’t won in 25 years or something, so it was a great moment. My most embarrassing moment was in Chile. I had been working there in the military and before I left, the authorities had organised a ski excursion. On the first run of the day, I went flying into deep powder and ended up losing both skis! That is the day I learnt how to swim in powder – the conditions were insane!"

"I am a skier and always have been. I think getting the right ski boots is crucial to a successful and enjoyable trip. I enjoy piste skiing, mainly red runs but love the challenge of a black. Competitively I enjoy the slalom or downhill races…not that I can testify at being any good myself!"

"Arc’teryx is one of my favourite winter brands, which specialises in high-tech winter gear that can withstand the most punishing conditions you’re likely to encounter on your skis or board. I love the windproof jackets range and would highly recommend them for your next trip to the mountains."

"It's a difficult question to answer because they all offer different experiences. One of my favourite family locations is Verbier. We have made some amazing memories there as it offers skiing for all and it's in the most spectacular 4-valley setting, all in a pretty chocolate-box Swiss village. It gives every skier a very complete holiday experience."

"Last year (2019) was my first GB Alpine Championships as CEO of GB Snowsport so it was really special but, away from the racing, one of my favourite moments was the torchlight ski from the restaurant down to the bottom of the slope in Tignes. Totally unique."

"Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the thrill of being on snow is unrivalled. I love spending time with friends and family on the slopes and it’s an active holiday with lots going on, but you feel it helps clear the head also.

The other great thing about a ski holiday is that you get to experience the mountains and the views at any ability. Just sit on a chairlift and take it all in as you are whisked to the top and enjoy the vista."

"Announcing this partnership exactly two years from the start of Beijing 2022 is hugely exciting for us. It shows the road ahead and what we want to achieve together on the way to 2022 and beyond.

To be associated with a household name such as Snow+Rock will only enhance the image of GB Snowsport and our athletes. We are extremely excited to grow with Snow+ Rock as a force to inspire others to get active and try snowsports through our campaigns. I speak on behalf of our whole organisation when I say that we can’t wait to work with Snow+Rock and the wider Outdoor and Cycle Concepts family to celebrate snowsports."

"Next season is crucial for GB Snowsport and our athletes. It’s the start of our Olympic qualification process and all our athletes will be making the first push towards a place in Beijing.

We have had some exceptional results this season across all our disciplines, from Katie Ormerod and Millie Knight returning to snow and podiums, to Kirsty Muir taking Silver at Lausanne 2020. That’s not to mention the arrival of Gus Kenworthy, the brilliant results of Zoe and Izzy Atkin, as well as Menna Fitzpatrick who has stormed World Cup podiums this year. It really is an exciting time to be involved with GB Snowsport and I’m excited to see what we can achieve at Beijing 2022."

"We are passionate about protecting our mountains. Low snow years don’t just affect the economy of resorts and travel; they also affect our athletes’ ability to perform and participate in events. The knock-on effect in the industry can be really damaging.

Outside the industry, low snow years affect participation and holidaymakers’ experiences, as well as the amount of money resorts make to reinvest in more sustainable facilities. This is a key priority for GB Snowsport and an area in which I believe our partnership with Snow+Rock and their affiliated brands can really make an impact. We want to be thought of as leaders in this space and are working hard to get there.

When I speak to our athletes, it’s good to hear that ski resorts around the world are improving their sustainability practices and their own emissions while also finding innovative ways to address low-snowfall and adapt their business models."