GB Snowsport Unveils Powerful Squads for 2026/27 World Cup Season, Building on Olympic Success
Great Britain’s elite freestyle skiing and snowboarding disciplines are poised for a formidable 2026/27 season, with GB Snowsport announcing its World Cup squads for Moguls, Ski Cross, and Snowboard Cross. The selections feature a strong contingent of athletes fresh from their successes at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, including reigning gold medallists Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale. These three dynamic disciplines will not only compete across the prestigious World Cup circuit but will also form a significant part of the programme at the 2027 Freestyle World Championships, scheduled to be held in Montafon, Switzerland.
The announcement signifies a strategic focus on consolidating and advancing the gains made during the recent Olympic cycle. The inclusion of multiple Olympic medallists underscores GB Snowsport’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent and maintaining a competitive edge on the international stage. The 2026/27 season promises to be a pivotal period, offering athletes the opportunity to test their mettle against the best in the world in the lead-up to future major championships.
Snowboard Cross: A Legacy of Dominance and Future Ambitions
The Snowboard Cross (SBX) squad, a discipline that has seen remarkable British success in recent years, is headlined by Olympic champions Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale. They will be joined by Max Vardy, forming a formidable three-athlete World Cup team. This unit aims to build upon an already historic legacy, which includes Bankes’ 2023 World Championship title, multiple Crystal Globe victories, and the team’s triumphant gold medal in the Mixed Team event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Charlotte Bankes, a perennial force in Snowboard Cross, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. Her World Championship title in 2023 cemented her status as one of the sport’s greats, and her Olympic gold in the mixed team event with Huw Nightingale marked a career highlight. Nightingale’s emergence as a top-tier competitor has provided crucial support, creating a potent partnership that has proven unbeatable on the biggest stages. Max Vardy’s continued inclusion signals the team’s intent to maintain depth and provide strong competition throughout the season.
The recent successes in Snowboard Cross are a testament to years of dedicated training, strategic investment, and the development of a robust performance pathway. The mixed team event, a relatively new addition to the Olympic programme, has proven to be a particular area of strength for Great Britain, showcasing the team’s ability to strategize and execute under pressure. The consistent performances of these athletes have not only brought home medals but have also significantly raised the profile of the sport within the UK, inspiring a new generation of potential snowboarders.
Ski Cross: Building on Momentum with a Strong Mix of Experience and Emerging Talent
The Ski Cross (SX) discipline sees a potent combination of established World Cup campaigners and promising talent for the 2026/27 season. Ollie Davies and Scott Johns have once again been named to the senior World Cup squad, bringing their experience and competitive drive to the international circuit. Their continued presence indicates a stable and experienced core within the team, capable of challenging for podiums throughout the season.
To further bolster the development pipeline and provide crucial competitive experience, a strong five-athlete Europa Cup squad has been assembled. This group comprises Greg Baillie, David Christie, Tommy Dade, Emile Keen, and Andrew Wilson. The Europa Cup circuit serves as a vital stepping stone for athletes aspiring to reach World Cup level, offering a demanding schedule of races in diverse European locations. The inclusion of these five athletes highlights GB Snowsport’s commitment to fostering depth and ensuring a continuous flow of talent into the senior ranks. The success of this developmental pathway will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of Great Britain’s competitiveness in Ski Cross.
The strategic layering of World Cup and Europa Cup squads allows for a balanced approach to athlete development and performance. Athletes on the World Cup circuit will focus on maximizing their results and gaining valuable experience against the world’s elite, while those on the Europa Cup circuit will be tasked with honing their skills, adapting to competitive pressures, and earning their place on the senior team. This dual-pronged strategy is designed to ensure that Great Britain remains a consistent contender in Ski Cross for years to come.
Moguls: Welcoming Back a Familiar Face and Introducing New Aspirations
The Moguls discipline welcomes back 2026 Olympians Makayla Gerken Schofield and Mateo Jeannesson to the World Cup squad. They will be joined by Cali Carr, who returns to the World Cup selection after a period of stepping away. Carr’s decision to re-engage with the World Cup squad ahead of the new season, which features a demanding calendar of World Cup events and the prestigious 2027 Freestyle World Championships, signals a renewed commitment to elite competition.
Makayla Gerken Schofield and Mateo Jeannesson have established themselves as key figures in the British Moguls team, consistently demonstrating their ability to perform on the world stage. Their Olympic experience provides a valuable foundation for the upcoming season. Cali Carr’s return is a significant boost, adding further depth and experience to a discipline that requires immense technical skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. Her previous participation in the World Cup circuit means she will be well-prepared to reintegrate and contribute to the team’s objectives.
The Moguls discipline is characterized by its demanding nature, requiring athletes to navigate challenging courses with precision, speed, and flair. The judging criteria, which assess turns, air, and speed, mean that perfection is paramount. The return of experienced athletes like Carr, alongside the continued presence of Olympians, suggests a strong intent from the British Moguls team to make a significant impact in the 2026/27 season. The upcoming World Championships in Montafon will undoubtedly be a key target for this squad, offering a prime opportunity to showcase their talent on a global platform.
Broader Context: The Road to Montafon and Beyond
The 2026/27 season is framed by the significant event of the 2027 Freestyle World Championships in Montafon, Switzerland. This prestigious competition will serve as a major benchmark for all three disciplines, offering athletes a chance to compete for world titles on a neutral and challenging course. Montafon, known for its demanding terrain and excellent snow conditions, is expected to provide a fitting stage for the world’s best freestyle athletes.
The announcement of the squads comes at a time when the profile of snowsports within Great Britain is continuing to grow, partly fueled by the success of athletes at the Olympic Games. The investment in these disciplines, from grassroots development to elite performance, is crucial for maintaining this momentum. The World Cup circuit itself provides a vital platform for athletes to gain experience, refine their techniques, and build their global rankings. Each event on the circuit presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring athletes to adapt to different snow conditions, course designs, and competitive environments.
Analysis of Implications: Sustaining Excellence and Future Growth
The composition of these squads suggests a strategic approach to athlete management and development within GB Snowsport. The emphasis on retaining Olympic medallists while simultaneously investing in emerging talent through programs like the Europa Cup circuit indicates a clear vision for sustained success.
For the Snowboard Cross team, the focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining their world-leading status. The continued partnership between Bankes and Nightingale, backed by Vardy, presents a formidable front. The challenge will be to adapt to any evolving competitive landscapes and to ensure that the team’s performance remains at its peak throughout the demanding World Cup season.
In Ski Cross, the dual-squad strategy aims to create a competitive environment that fosters growth. Davies and Johns will lead the charge on the World Cup circuit, while the Europa Cup athletes will be under pressure to impress and make a case for future senior team selection. The success of this strategy will be measured by the progression of the Europa Cup athletes and their ability to contribute to the team’s overall performance in the coming seasons.
The Moguls team’s strength lies in the experience of Gerken Schofield and Jeannesson, complemented by the return of Carr. Their ability to perform consistently at the highest level will be crucial, especially with the World Championships on the horizon. The depth within the Moguls squad will be tested throughout the season, and the development of younger athletes will be key to long-term success.
The 2026/27 season represents a critical juncture for British snowsports. The athletes selected have demonstrated their capability on the world stage, and the upcoming World Cup circuit, culminating in the World Championships, will provide ample opportunities to further solidify Great Britain’s position as a major force in Moguls, Ski Cross, and Snowboard Cross. The ongoing commitment to talent development and performance excellence, as evidenced by these squad selections, bodes well for the future of these exciting disciplines.
Full Squad Selections:
MOGULS
- Makayla Gerken Schofield
- Mateo Jeannesson
- Cali Carr
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
- Huw Nightingale
- Max Vardy
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(Image: Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale, 2026 Olympic Champions in Mixed Team SBX. Image © Sam Mellish/Team GB)
(Image: Olympic Champion Huw Nightingale with PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel. Image c/o Craig Robinson)
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