The 2026/27 season for GB Snowsport is poised for a thrilling campaign as the national governing body has unveiled its World Cup squads for Moguls, Ski Cross, and Snowboard Cross. The selections are anchored by a formidable contingent of five athletes who competed at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, including the celebrated gold medal-winning duo of Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale. These three disciplines are not only central to the upcoming World Cup circuit but will also form a significant part of the 2027 Freestyle World Championships programme, scheduled to be held in Montafon, Switzerland.
The strategic announcement sets the stage for a season of high-stakes competition, building upon the significant successes achieved by British athletes in recent years. The formation of these squads signals GB Snowsport’s commitment to fostering elite talent and maintaining its competitive edge on the international stage, with particular emphasis on the disciplines that have recently brought Olympic glory and World Championship titles.
Snowboard Cross: A Legacy of Success and Future Ambitions
The Snowboard Cross discipline features a potent three-athlete World Cup team, with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale spearheading the charge. They are joined by fellow Olympian Max Vardy, a testament to the strength and depth within the British Snowboard Cross program. This unit aims to further solidify its status as a global powerhouse, building on a series of "history-making accomplishments" from the previous season.
The recent successes of the British Snowboard Cross team have been nothing short of spectacular. The 2023 World Championships saw a remarkable victory, underscoring the team’s prowess on the world stage. Charlotte Bankes, in particular, has been a dominant force, accumulating multiple Crystal Globe titles – the prestigious awards presented to the overall winners of the FIS Snowboard World Cup. Her individual brilliance, coupled with the Olympic gold medal secured in the Mixed Team event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, highlights the exceptional form and determination of the squad. The synergy between Bankes and Nightingale, in particular, has proven to be a winning formula, and their continued partnership is a significant asset for the upcoming season.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics marked a watershed moment for British Snowboard Cross. The Mixed Team event, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, saw Bankes and Nightingale deliver a masterful performance, clinching the gold medal. This victory not only etched their names in Olympic history but also provided a significant boost to the sport’s profile within the United Kingdom. The experience gained at the pinnacle of international sport will undoubtedly fuel their drive for further success in the 2026/27 season.
Ski Cross: Building on Experience and Nurturing Emerging Talent
The Ski Cross squad sees the continued presence of two accomplished Olympians from Milan-Cortina 2026: Ollie Davies and Scott Johns. Their inclusion in the World Cup squad underscores their consistent performance and experience at the elite level. Their presence provides a vital bedrock of experience for the team as they navigate the demanding World Cup circuit.
Complementing the World Cup contingent is a robust five-athlete Europa Cup squad. This development pathway is crucial for identifying and nurturing future talent. The Europa Cup squad comprises Greg Baillie, David Christie, Tommy Dade, Emile Keen, and Andrew Wilson. The Europa Cup circuit serves as a vital stepping stone, offering emerging athletes invaluable competitive experience against a high level of international opposition. Success at this level often translates to progression to the World Cup, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent for GB Snowsport.
The strategic investment in both the World Cup and Europa Cup squads for Ski Cross demonstrates a clear long-term vision. The goal is not only to maintain current performance levels but also to cultivate the next generation of British Ski Cross athletes who can carry the torch forward. The 2027 Freestyle World Championships in Montafon will provide an excellent opportunity for these athletes to test themselves against the world’s best in a major championship setting.
Moguls: A Blend of Olympic Experience and Returning Prowess
The Moguls discipline welcomes back two key athletes who represented Great Britain at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games: Makayla Gerken Schofield and Mateo Jeannesson. Their experience at the Olympic level provides invaluable insight and competitive spirit to the Moguls squad. They are further bolstered by the return of Cali Carr to the World Cup squad.
Cali Carr’s re-entry into the World Cup selection is a significant development. She had previously stepped away from World Cup selection for the 2025/26 season, a decision that highlights the personal commitment and strategic planning involved in elite athletic careers. Her return ahead of a season packed with World Cup events and the World Championships signals a renewed focus and a desire to compete at the highest level. The Moguls discipline, known for its demanding technicality and athleticism, will benefit from the combined experience and dedication of these athletes.
The inclusion of Olympians and experienced World Cup competitors in the Moguls squad indicates a strong ambition to achieve podium finishes. The athletes will be looking to translate their training and preparation into tangible results throughout the season. The 2027 Freestyle World Championships in Montafon will be a key benchmark for the Moguls team, offering a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The Road to Montafon: A Season of Opportunity and Challenge
The 2026/27 season is particularly significant due to its proximity to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and the inclusion of the 2027 Freestyle World Championships. For athletes like Charlotte Bankes, Huw Nightingale, Ollie Davies, Scott Johns, Makayla Gerken Schofield, and Mateo Jeannesson, this season represents an opportunity to build on their Olympic momentum and reaffirm their standing in the sport. For emerging talents within the Europa Cup squads, it is a crucial period for development and potential breakthroughs.
The Freestyle World Championships in Montafon, Switzerland, will be a major focal point of the season. Montafon, known for its challenging terrain and established winter sports infrastructure, is a fitting venue for a championship event of this magnitude. The disciplines of Moguls, Ski Cross, and Snowboard Cross will undoubtedly draw considerable attention, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and for nations to assert their dominance.
Supporting Data and Context:
- World Cup Circuit: The FIS Snowboard, Freestyle Skiing, and Ski Cross World Cup circuits typically span multiple months, with events held in various locations across Europe, North America, and Asia. Athletes compete in a series of races, accumulating points towards an overall standing. The season usually culminates in late March or early April.
- Crystal Globes: The Crystal Globe is awarded to the overall winner of each discipline within the FIS World Cup. Winning multiple Crystal Globes, as Charlotte Bankes has done, signifies sustained excellence over several seasons.
- Freestyle World Championships: Held every two years, the Freestyle World Championships are the pinnacle event for disciplines not contested at the Winter Olympics in a given year, or as a major championship in the intervening years. The 2027 edition in Montafon will be a crucial indicator of global form leading into future Olympic cycles.
- Olympic Impact: The success at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games has undoubtedly amplified interest and investment in snowsports within the UK. This renewed focus can lead to increased funding, media coverage, and participation in the sport.
Broader Implications and Analysis:
The announcement of these squads signifies a strategic approach by GB Snowsport to leverage recent successes while investing in future potential. The strong presence of Olympic athletes indicates a desire to maintain a high level of performance and capitalize on the momentum generated by the Milan-Cortina Games. The inclusion of dedicated Europa Cup squads underscores a commitment to developing a sustainable talent pipeline, ensuring that British athletes remain competitive in the long term.
The focus on the 2027 Freestyle World Championships highlights the importance of major championship events as benchmarks for progress and as opportunities for athletes to gain invaluable experience on a global stage. The success of the Snowboard Cross team, in particular, has set a high bar, and the coming season will be a test of their ability to maintain this level of dominance. For the Ski Cross and Moguls disciplines, the season offers a chance to build on existing strengths and to see emerging talents make their mark.
The consistent performance of British athletes in these disciplines is a testament to the dedication of the athletes, the expertise of their coaching staff, and the strategic direction of GB Snowsport. As the 2026/27 season approaches, the eyes of the snowsports world will be on these talented individuals as they vie for World Cup glory and a shot at World Championship titles in Montafon.
Full Squad Selections:
MOGULS
- Makayla Gerken Schofield (World Cup Squad)
- Mateo Jeannesson (World Cup Squad)
- Cali Carr (World Cup Squad)
SKI CROSS
- World Cup Squad:
- Ollie Davies
- Scott Johns
- Europa Cup Squad:
- Greg Baillie
- David Christie
- Tommy Dade
- Emile Keen
- Andrew Wilson
SNOWBOARD CROSS
- Charlotte Bankes (World Cup Squad)
- Huw Nightingale (World Cup Squad)
- Max Vardy (World Cup Squad)
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