FREERIDE JOINS THE OLYMPICS PROGRAMME AS ALPES 2030 BECOMES FIRST GENDER EQUAL GAMES

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games will make history as the first Winter Olympics to achieve full gender equality. Alongside this milestone, Ski & Snowboard Freeride will make their Olympic debut, marking a significant moment for the future of snowsports.

For Snowsport Scotland, the announcement represents an exciting opportunity for athletes, coaches and the wider Scottish snowsports community.

Freeride has experienced rapid growth in recent years, combining technical skill, creativity and mountain awareness in natural, off-piste terrain. Its inclusion in the Olympic programme reflects the sport's increasing popularity and recognises its appeal to a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts.

Scotland has a proud tradition of producing adventurous skiers and snowboarders who thrive in mountain environments. While freeride has largely developed outside of traditional Olympic pathways, this announcement creates the potential for a new pathway for Scottish athletes with ambitions of competing on the world's biggest sporting stage, Snowsport Scotland will work alongside sSportscotland to develop this.

The decision is also likely to increase interest in freeride coaching, athlete development and participation across the UK. As the sport continues to evolve under the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), National Governing Bodies will play an important role in supporting talent and exploring future development opportunities.

Alongside the addition of freeride, Alpes 2030 will feature an equal number of male and female athletes for the first time in Winter Olympic history, reinforcing the IOC's commitment to greater equality across winter sport.

Over the coming years, Snowsport Scotland will continue to monitor the development of the Olympic qualification pathway and work with partners to identify opportunities for Scottish athletes, coaches and clubs as this exciting new chapter unfolds.

To find out more about Freeride, head to British Freeride.