After months of uncertainty British Ski and Snowboard have secured funding for the next two years thanks to a new sponsorship deal.
Prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics SportsportsGB went into administration with debts of £300,000 leaving the future of British winter sports in a cloud of uncertainty. Now the newly formed British Ski and Snowboard (BSS) have acquired funding, from a yet un-named sponsor, the 11 strong senior team is able to continue.
Two of Britain's top skiers Chemmy Alcott and Noel Baxter had warned that without funding they would have to consider their future in the sport, therefore this week's news comes as a welcome relief.
The money from the funding is due to help toward the cost of coaching the athletes and to organise race programs. Chief executive Dave Edwards told BBC Sport: "We have made some really good progress and are in much better shape than we were three to four months ago... The funding is secure for the next two years and the athletes are keen to get stuck into their summer programmes... This is an exciting group of athletes and we will do everything we can to ensure they deliver great results in international competition."
It is estimated that £1.5 million is required per year to fund the British Ski and Snowboard teams, which include alpine, freestyle and cross country disciplines.
The BSS are still looking for additional funding to sustain the stability of the teams, with a link between the competition and leisure skiing industries expected to be used.