The collegiate ski racing conversation in the United States often centers on the NCAA. A recent episode of the Fresh Corduroy podcast shifts that focus to another major pathway that puts nearly 5,000 athletes on snow each winter: the U.S. Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA).
Host Craig Zolan sits down with USCSA Executive Director Meegan Moszynski and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jay Moyer to discuss the organization’s history, competitive structure, and growing role in collegiate ski racing and snow sports.
Founded in 1974, USCSA organizes alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboard, and freeski competitions across six regions nationwide. Unlike NCAA ski programs, which limit roster spots and operate as varsity-funded teams, USCSA primarily supports club-based programs that emphasize accessibility, team scoring, and broad participation.
“Our mission has always been inclusion,” Moszynski says. “We want to create a home for athletes who want to continue competing in college.”
Moyer, who raced for USCSA at Penn State, highlights the team-first format as a defining strength. “You’re not just racing for yourself,” he says. “You’re racing for your team.”
The episode also spotlights the USCSA National Championships, a week-long event each March that brings approximately 700 collegiate athletes together for multi-discipline competition. Many programs are student-driven, giving athletes hands-on experience in budgeting, fundraising, travel logistics, and leadership — skills that extend beyond ski racing.
A central theme of the conversation is awareness. While many high school ski racers and families understand NCAA skiing, fewer recognize the scale and opportunity within USCSA collegiate programs. For athletes who want to continue competing in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboard, or freeski in college, USCSA offers one of the most accessible pathways in the country.
Listen to the full Fresh Corduroy episode on major podcast platforms, and share it with anyone exploring collegiate ski racing and snow sports opportunities.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
