NASTAR Nationals return to Steamboat in 2016

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – NASTAR announced today that Steamboat has been selected as the site of the 2016 Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships. The popular season-ending championships will return to Steamboat from March 24-27, 2016, first of a planned two-year program. Steamboat played host to championships from 2006-2009. While at Steamboat, NASTAR experienced the highest participation it has ever seen at championships to date.

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. President & Chief Operating Officer Rob Perlman is looking forward to the return of the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships.

“We are excited to host the 2016 and 2017 NASTAR National Championships and showcase Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.^®, where the spirit of fast-paced ski and snowboard racing along with team camaraderie is an integral part of the community,” said Perlman. “NASTAR racers will no doubt be delighted with the on-mountain improvements since their last visit, including the Four Point Lodge, night skiing, snowmaking and grooming as well as expanded nonstop air access from 11 U.S. cities and numerous dining enhancements throughout town.”

Bill Madsen, director of NASTAR, attributed the increase in participation while at Steamboat to the allure of the destination as a spring getaway, and their commitment to creating an affordable, accessible event.

“People were excited to go someplace new,” recalled Madsen. “Steamboat provides a lot of affordable accommodation and they do an incredible job of offering great value for the event with discounted lift tickets and lodging. So, it becomes a really accessible, fun family vacation at the same time.”

Beyond offering participants a great getaway destination and great value, Steamboat offers great spring conditions.

“We want to provide the best race experience possible and the best snow conditions,” said Madsen. “It’s not easy to find a resort partner that can offer this and manage an event for a thousand people and accommodate them, and Steamboat can.”

NASTAR participants qualify for the championships by earning a top-10 national ranking or a top-5 state ranking within their age, gender and ability group by Feb. 15. Racers can also qualify by earning a top ranking at their favorite resort or at the Regional Championships.

The 2015-16 season will officially kick off in November with the Putnam Investments NASTAR Pacesetting Trials, which will coincide with the U.S. Ski Team’s annual Nature Valley First Tracks celebration. The integration with NASTAR is designed to capitalize on the global success of U.S. Ski Team athletes, bringing greater awareness to the sport and value to the industry, while motivating participants of all ages to get involved in ski racing.

Release courtesy of USSA, photo courtesy of Steamboat