The Ski Club of Great Britain has announced the appointment of Katy Ellis as its new General Manager, a pivotal transition occurring as the organization navigates a dynamic and evolving snowsports industry. Ellis, who has been an integral part of the Ski Club for two decades, steps into the leadership role following the departure of James Gambrill, who helmed the organization since 2021. Gambrill is returning to a full-time capacity with the Mountain Trade Network (MTN) and the upcoming Snow Show London, scheduled for October 17-18, 2026. His tenure is widely acknowledged for having steered the Ski Club back towards stability and growth after a period of challenges.
A New Chapter for a Historic Organization
The appointment of Katy Ellis marks a significant moment for the Ski Club of Great Britain, an esteemed institution with a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1903 at London’s Café Royal. As a not-for-profit organization, it has played a substantial role in shaping both British and international snowsports for over 120 years. Ellis, formerly Head of Holidays, brings a wealth of experience, having managed the Ski Club’s successful Freshtracks holiday program since 2022. Her extensive tenure within the organization, spanning 20 years, has provided her with deep insights into its operations and the needs of its diverse membership.
"It’s an honour to lead the Ski Club at such an exciting time for the organisation," stated Katy Ellis. "We continue to see strong growth in our Freshtracks holidays programme in over 60 ski resorts and across 6 different categories including on piste, all mountain, off piste, ski touring, weekend and bucket list experiences." Ellis highlighted the continued expansion of the Freshtracks program, a key offering that caters to a wide spectrum of skiers and resorts, underscoring the club’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging snowsports experiences. She also emphasized the growth of the club’s team, noting the "passionate mix of full and part-time staff, alongside an increasing number of resort reps who complete our comprehensive 10-day training course each December." This suggests a strategic focus on building a robust and dedicated operational team to support the club’s initiatives. Ellis concluded her statement with an optimistic outlook, saying, "We have lots of exciting plans for the future and I’m looking forward to building on the strong position the club is in today."
Navigating the Evolving Snowsports Landscape
Ellis assumes leadership at a time when the snowsports sector is undergoing significant transformations. These include shifting environmental conditions impacting snow reliability, evolving consumer preferences, and the ongoing need to attract new and younger demographics to the sport. The Ski Club, with its current membership exceeding 17,000 individuals, faces the imperative of remaining relevant and appealing to a broad audience, particularly among younger generations who may have different engagement models with winter sports.
The club’s financial health is also a critical consideration. Ensuring a sustainable financial model is paramount to the continued delivery of its services and the achievement of its strategic objectives. Ellis’s role will involve reporting directly to the Club Chair and the council members elected at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November, indicating a structured governance framework.
A Legacy of Support and Community
James Gambrill’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Ski Club. His leadership since 2021 is credited with revitalizing the organization. Prior to his tenure, the Ski Club reportedly experienced a period of "drifting and decline," a narrative that underscores the importance of Gambrill’s efforts in re-establishing its footing. His return to MTN and the Snow Show London highlights his continued influence and engagement within the broader snowsports industry.
Angus Maciver, Chairman of The Ski Club of Great Britain, commented on the leadership transition, stating, "The success of the Ski Club is driven by its staff, reps and members, all of whom share a passion for skiing and the social side of the sport. As James Gambrill steps down after five years leading the organisation, we are delighted to see the club in such a strong position. Katy’s appointment is both a natural progression and an exciting step forward for the club." Maciver’s remarks emphasize the continuity and strategic foresight guiding the club’s leadership decisions.
He further elaborated on the club’s value proposition: "The Ski Club is a great place for skiers, including solo skiers, to ski with others who share their passion for the sport whether in resort with Reps or other members or as part of our holiday programme. Our members also benefit from the UK’s largest snowsports partner scheme, with discounts that can often cover the cost of membership through a single holiday booking." This highlights the multifaceted benefits of membership, extending beyond organized trips to encompass a supportive community and tangible financial advantages.
Freshtracks: A Cornerstone of the Ski Club’s Offering
The Freshtracks holiday program, now under Ellis’s direct oversight as General Manager, stands as a significant pillar of the Ski Club’s appeal. Offering a comprehensive suite of holidays across more than 60 resorts, the program is segmented into distinct categories: on-piste, all-mountain, off-piste, ski touring, weekend breaks, and bucket-list experiences. This diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of skill levels and interests, from novice skiers seeking guided introductions to experienced adventurers looking for challenging off-piste expeditions.
The program’s reach extends across both short and long-haul destinations, reflecting the Ski Club’s global perspective on snowsports. The mention of "6 different categories" suggests a structured and thoughtfully curated selection of experiences designed to maximize member engagement and satisfaction. This comprehensive approach is crucial in a market where skiers are increasingly seeking personalized and specialized holiday options.
Furthermore, the Ski Club’s robust network of resort representatives plays a vital role in enhancing the member experience. These representatives, who undergo a rigorous 10-day training course each December, act as on-the-ground ambassadors, facilitating social skiing opportunities and providing local knowledge and support to members in 23 destinations across the Alps and North America. This human element is a key differentiator, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that extends beyond individual ski trips.
Supporting Data and Member Benefits
The Ski Club of Great Britain currently boasts over 12,000 members, a substantial figure that underscores its enduring presence in the snowsports community. The "UK’s largest snowsports partner scheme" offers members access to exclusive discounts and benefits from leading brands such as Snow + Rock, Ski Solutions, Sunweb, and SkiSet. These partnerships are designed to provide tangible value, with the potential for savings on equipment, travel, and accommodation that can effectively offset the annual membership fee. This strategic approach to partnerships is a key element in retaining existing members and attracting new ones by offering a clear financial incentive for joining.
The club also provides its members with access to a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This policy covers worldwide skiing trips, including specialized activities like off-piste skiing and heliskiing, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for those undertaking more adventurous endeavors. This comprehensive insurance offering addresses a critical need for snowsports enthusiasts who often venture into challenging terrain.
The Ski Club’s commitment to providing accessible and supported snowsports experiences is further evidenced by its own chalet accommodation in the French ski resorts of Flaine and Chamonix. These properties offer members comfortable and convenient bases from which to explore some of Europe’s most renowned ski areas, reinforcing the club’s role as a facilitator of memorable winter holidays.
Chronology of Leadership and Club Development
- 1903: The Ski Club of Great Britain is founded at London’s Café Royal, marking the inception of a long-standing tradition in British snowsports.
- Early 2000s: The Ski Club experiences a period of challenges and decline, necessitating a strategic reorientation.
- 2021: James Gambrill assumes the role of General Manager, tasked with guiding the organization through this critical phase.
- 2022: Katy Ellis takes over the leadership of the Freshtracks holiday program, laying the groundwork for its subsequent growth.
- October 17-18, 2026: The Snow Show London, a significant event in the snowsports calendar, is scheduled to take place, with James Gambrill returning to a full-time role related to its organization.
- May 19, 2026: The Ski Club of Great Britain announces Katy Ellis as its new General Manager.
- November (2026): The Ski Club’s AGM will see the election of new council members, who will work alongside the Club Chair and General Manager.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Katy Ellis’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the Ski Club of Great Britain. Her deep understanding of the organization, coupled with her experience in managing the highly successful Freshtracks program, positions her well to address the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Ski Club’s ability to adapt to climate change impacts, embrace new technologies, and resonate with a younger generation of skiers will be key to its continued success.
The emphasis on community, shared passion, and tangible member benefits, as highlighted by Chairman Angus Maciver, suggests a strategic focus on reinforcing the core values that have sustained the club for over a century. By leveraging its established reputation, its extensive network of resorts and partners, and its dedicated membership, the Ski Club of Great Britain, under Ellis’s leadership, is poised to continue its legacy as a leading authority and advocate for snowsports in the United Kingdom and beyond. The organization’s historical significance, combined with its forward-looking strategies, suggests a resilient and adaptive approach to navigating the complexities of the 21st-century winter sports landscape. The continued success of initiatives like Freshtracks and the robust partner scheme are indicative of a proactive strategy to ensure the club not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing environment.
