The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association is taking a deeper look at college ski racing as a viable component of the U.S. Ski Team pipeline with the introduction of a national university team for alpine ski racing. The National University Team will aim to provide support for athletes as well as a stronger post-university transition to the U.S. Ski Team.

There have been numerous athletes who have transitioned out of the university system to the U.S. Ski Team, but the USSA has identified a significant gap in physical development between these athletes and that of national team athletes. With the introduction of the national university team, the U.S. Ski Team hopes to provide continuity of elite-level programs while athletes attend university.

The new team will be led by former team America coach Peter Lange. Athletes will also receive coaching support from Lange during NCAA and NorAm competition and other tours, and will be eligible for scholarships through the U.S. Ski Team’s Borgen-Swartz Education Endowment.

In a triangle agreement between the USSA, the athletes and their individual NCAA coaches, the nominated athletes will still compete for their respective university teams while having expanded year-round access to and support at training camps and additional races.