London, UK – May 26, 2026 – In a significant move aimed at bolstering the future of British Alpine skiing, GB Snowsport has announced the appointment of Mark Tilston as its new Alpine Director. This strategic decision signals a renewed commitment to expanding support within the Alpine system and cultivating enhanced progression pathways for British athletes. Tilston’s return to the British snowsport fold comes after a successful tenure as Men’s Alpine Head Coach for the US Ski and Snowboard team from 2023 to 2026. His extensive experience, including a decade as Alpine Head Coach and Performance Director for the British team leading up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, positions him to make a substantial impact.
This appointment is made possible through the crucial support of the GB Alpine Foundation and Tenzing, the Principal Partner of GB Snowsport’s Alpine programme. The move underscores a collective ambition to build upon the recent successes in British Alpine skiing and to provide even greater opportunities for athletes to advance through the ranks and reach the pinnacle of the sport.
A Vision for Enhanced Alpine Performance
In his new capacity as Alpine Director, Tilston will be instrumental in broadening the scope of GB Snowsport’s involvement with the Alpine discipline. His remit will encompass a comprehensive oversight of the entire British Alpine ecosystem, from grassroots clubs and academies to the elite development pathways designed to nurture emerging talent. A key objective will be to strengthen performance management, ensuring greater cohesion and effectiveness across all facets of the Alpine programme. This includes fostering alignment and optimizing the delivery of training and support for athletes at every stage of their development.
The role will also focus on solidifying the performance direction and ensuring a seamless transition for athletes as they progress through the dedicated Alpine pathway. This holistic approach is designed to create a more robust and supportive environment, enabling British skiers to compete at the highest international levels.
Tilston’s Return and Extensive Experience
Mark Tilston’s appointment marks a significant homecoming for the experienced coach. His previous decade-long involvement with the British Alpine system, culminating in his role leading into the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, provided him with an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities within British skiing. This period saw the development of several high-calibre athletes, laying groundwork for future successes. His subsequent role with the highly competitive US Ski and Snowboard team, where he served as Men’s Alpine Head Coach for three seasons, has further honed his expertise in a demanding international environment. This experience is expected to bring fresh perspectives and proven strategies to the British programme.
Tilston will be undertaking this significant role in addition to his existing responsibilities as Academy Director at Apex2100. This dual commitment highlights the confidence placed in his leadership and his ability to manage multiple strategic areas within snowsport development.
Building on a Legacy of Success
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for British Alpine skiing, a discipline that has witnessed a remarkable surge in success in recent years. The emergence of athletes like Dave Ryding, who has achieved multiple World Cup victories and consistently ranked among the world’s best in slalom, exemplifies the potential that exists within the British system. Ryding’s farewell from Olympic competition at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, as captured in accompanying imagery, signifies the end of an era but also the opportunity for new talent to rise.
GB Snowsport’s ambition is to leverage this momentum and further enhance the infrastructure and support mechanisms that enable athletes to achieve their full potential. The focus on creating "enhanced progression opportunities" suggests a strategic effort to identify and develop talent from an early age, providing them with the necessary resources, coaching, and competition experience to succeed on the global stage.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Support
The realization of this ambitious plan is significantly bolstered by the financial and strategic backing from key partners. The GB Alpine Foundation and Tenzing, as the Principal Partner for GB Snowsport’s Alpine programme, are crucial enablers of this appointment. Their commitment demonstrates a shared vision for the future of British skiing and a belief in the impact that dedicated leadership can have.
The GB Alpine Foundation, often composed of former athletes, coaches, and benefactors, plays a vital role in channeling private investment and philanthropic support towards specific projects and initiatives within the sport. Tenzing, a prominent adventure travel company, has established itself as a significant supporter of GB Snowsport, aligning with the organization’s mission to promote winter sports and support British athletes. This collaborative funding model is increasingly essential for sports to thrive in a competitive international landscape.
Official Reactions and Expectations
Vicky Gosling OBE, Chief Executive of GB Snowsport, expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Mark to GB Snowsport, and are hugely grateful to Mark, Tenzing, and the GB Alpine Foundation for making this appointment possible," Gosling stated. She further emphasized Tilston’s significant standing in the sport: "Mark’s standing in Alpine skiing is unparalleled, and I am confident we will benefit enormously from his expertise as we prepare for what promises to be another exciting season for British athletes at every level of Alpine skiing." Gosling also acknowledged Apex2100 for their cooperation: "We also appreciate Apex2100’s understanding in supporting Mark to undertake this role alongside his responsibilities to their Academy."
Mark Tilston himself conveyed his excitement and commitment to the new role. "More than a decade on from my last stint with the British team, I am delighted to be returning as Alpine Director," Tilston commented. He acknowledged the impressive trajectory of British Alpine skiing: "We’ve all seen the extraordinary journey that British Alpine skiing has been on over recent years, and the levels of talent and potential that exist within the team make this one of the most exciting jobs in international snowsport." Tilston concluded with a forward-looking statement: "I’m honoured to have been afforded this opportunity and can’t wait to get started."
Implications and Future Outlook
Tilston’s appointment as Alpine Director signifies a strategic investment in the long-term development of British Alpine skiing. By centralizing leadership and focusing on a cohesive pathway, GB Snowsport aims to create a more sustainable and successful future for its athletes. The emphasis on expanding support and enhancing progression opportunities suggests a move towards a more structured and data-driven approach to athlete development, likely incorporating advanced analytics, sports science, and a comprehensive talent identification system.
The dual role with Apex2100 may present opportunities for synergy, allowing for a direct link between academy-level training and the broader national program. This could facilitate smoother transitions for promising young skiers and ensure that coaching methodologies are aligned across different levels of the sport.
The success of this initiative will be measured not only by individual athlete achievements in major competitions like the World Cup circuit and the Olympic Games but also by the growth and sustainability of the British Alpine talent pool. The coming seasons will likely see the implementation of new strategies and programmes designed to identify, nurture, and support the next generation of British Alpine stars, aiming to solidify Britain’s position as a competitive force in international skiing. The overarching goal is to ensure that the current era of success is not a fleeting moment but the foundation for sustained excellence in British Alpine skiing.
About GB Snowsport
GB Snowsport is the national governing body for snowsports in Great Britain, responsible for the development and performance of athletes across disciplines including Alpine, Freestyle, Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, and Para-Snowsport. The organisation is dedicated to inspiring and enabling British athletes to achieve their full potential on the international stage.
About the GB Alpine Foundation
The GB Alpine Foundation is an independent charitable trust dedicated to supporting and advancing the sport of Alpine skiing in Great Britain. It aims to provide crucial funding and resources for athlete development, coaching, and infrastructure to ensure the continued growth and success of British Alpine skiers.
About Tenzing
Tenzing is a leading adventure travel company that partners with various sporting organizations to promote active lifestyles and support athletic endeavors. Their commitment to GB Snowsport underscores a shared passion for winter sports and a desire to contribute to the success of British athletes.
