Snowsport England Affiliation

Reporter: Ruth Bacci

Snowsport England (SE) is the UK National Governing Body for Snowsport, with a primary focus on Snowsport as a sporting activity rather than recreational skiing. For many years, Ski Club of Manchester (SCoM) was affiliated to SE, paying an annual fee (around £1,400 in 2023–24) in return for benefits including public liability insurance, safeguarding support, and visibility through SE branding and listings.

From 1 November 2025, SE changed its affiliation model. Club affiliation became free, but clubs are now required to ensure all members hold individual SE membership in order to meet SE’s insurance requirements. While the total cost across the club would have been broadly similar to previous years, this change would have transferred cost and administrative burden directly to members, and required the club to manage member data and consent. The Committee also concluded that many SCoM members would not benefit from individual SE membership, given the club’s primarily recreational and social focus.

Following a detailed review, the Committee determined that SE’s safeguarding framework and insurance model are designed mainly for clubs focused on coaching, competition, youth participation, and facility ownership — areas that do not closely reflect SCoM’s activities. While liability insurance was essential, much of the cover provided through SE was not required for how the club operates. As a result, SCoM secured third-party liability insurance from an alternative provider, at approximately one-third of the cost of previous SE affiliation. This insurance better reflects the club’s activities, noting that overseas trips have never been covered and members remain responsible for their own travel insurance. SCoM therefore decided not to renew its affiliation with Snowsport England from 1 November 2025. This decision does not reflect a lack of support for SE’s objectives or safeguarding principles. The club has its own safeguarding processes and will continue to align them with best practice.

Individual members are still free to join Snowsport England in a personal capacity if they wish, particularly if they participate in competitive snowsport, coaching, or activities outside the scope of SCoM’s insurance. SE offers several individual membership categories, with costs ranging from £5 to £120 per year, and benefits varying by level.

The full SE affiliation report is also available.