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U.S. Ski & Snowboard released its 2026–27 alpine team nomination criteria in October, later issuing an amendment to clarify parts of the selection system. Months after publication, many athletes, coaches, and families are still working to understand what those standards actually require in practice.
The document is detailed, but the objective behind it is straightforward: identify athletes who can compete for podiums at the World Cup level and deliver results at the Olympic Winter Games and World Championships.
Just as important, the criteria are not entirely automatic. While objective standards form the foundation of selection, U.S. Ski & Snowboard retains the ability to make discretionary nominations in specific cases as outlined in the criteria.
Here is a clear breakdown of how the system works.
What is the team selecting for?
At every level, the criteria prioritize performance that translates to the highest level of the sport.
Selections are based on results achieved during the official selection period:
July 1, 2025 through April 1, 2026
World Cup performance carries the greatest weight, supported by results from Europa Cup, NorAm, FIS World Ranking, and NCAA competition.
A Team: Proven at the highest level
A Team selection is reserved for athletes already competing among the best in the world.
To qualify, athletes must meet one of the following:
- One top-three individual result at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games
OR - Ranked in the top 25 on the FIS World Cup Start List (WCSL) in a discipline
There is no projection at this level. The standard is based on demonstrated performance.
B Team: Progression through results and ranking
B Team criteria combine race results and WCSL ranking, with thresholds adjusted by year of birth.
Result-based criteria
- YOB 1996–1997:
Three results from any combination of Europa Cup top 3 and/or World Cup top 20 - YOB 1998–1999:
Three results from any combination of Europa Cup top 5 and/or World Cup top 25 - YOB 2000 or younger:
Three results from any combination of Europa Cup top 10 and/or World Cup top 30
WCSL ranking criteria
- YOB 1996–1997: WCSL ≤30
- YOB 1998–1999: WCSL ≤35
- YOB 2000 or younger: WCSL ≤40
These benchmarks reflect progression toward consistent, high-level performance.
C Team: Multiple pathways into the system
C Team selection provides several entry points, reflecting the range of development pathways in alpine skiing.
Athletes may qualify through:
- Continental Cup performance (Europa Cup / NorAm)
- FIS World Ranking
- NCAA performance
FIS World Ranking is evaluated using 2027 FIS points achieved during the selection period.
NCAA pathway: Defined in the amended criteria
A subsequent amendment to the October criteria clarifies the NCAA pathway for athletes born in 2003 or later.
To qualify, athletes must meet one of the following:
- Top-three result at the NCAA Championships and three (3) NorAm wins
OR - Top-two finish in the final NorAm Cup standings in a single discipline, including one (1) NorAm win
OR - Two (2) NorAm top-three results
The pathway requires both NCAA performance and high-level NorAm results.
Continental Cup performance pathway
Athletes can also qualify for the C Team through Europa Cup and NorAm results, with thresholds based on age group.
YOB 2002–2003 and younger
- Three results from:
- Europa Cup top 15
- NorAm wins
OR
- Top two in final NorAm Cup standings in a discipline with one win
YOB 2004 and younger
- Three results from:
- Europa Cup top 20
- NorAm top-two results
OR
- Top two in final NorAm Cup standings in a discipline with one win
YOB 2005 and younger
- One top-10 result at the 2026 World Junior Championships
AND - Two results from:
- Europa Cup top 30
- NorAm top-three results
FIS World Ranking pathway
C Team selection may also be achieved through FIS World Ranking thresholds, which vary by age and gender.
YOB 2002–2003 and younger
- Men: ≤75 in one discipline or ≤120 in two disciplines (one must be tech)
- Women: ≤50 in one discipline or ≤100 in two disciplines (one must be tech)
YOB 2004 and younger
- Men: ≤100 in one discipline or ≤150 in two disciplines
- Women: ≤70 in one discipline or ≤125 in two disciplines
YOB 2005 and younger
- Men: ≤120 in one discipline or ≤200 in two disciplines
- Women: ≤80 in one discipline or ≤150 in two disciplines
How discretion fits into the process
While objective criteria guide selection, U.S. Ski & Snowboard may make discretionary nominations as outlined in the criteria.
These may include cases such as:
- Injury during the selection period
- Situations where performance is not fully reflected in results
Discretionary nominations are evaluated alongside objective benchmarks and are used selectively.
Key requirements beyond results
In addition to performance, several conditions apply to all nominated athletes:
- Team nomination does not guarantee funding
- No minimum team size is specified
- Athletes must complete required physical fitness testing
- Athletes must commit to the full team program and competition schedule
- Athletes must meet U.S. Ski & Snowboard values and code of conduct
Injury clause and team status
Athletes who sustain a season-ending injury prior to February 1 may retain team status under specific conditions. In some cases, re-nomination may extend across two seasons.
No in-season promotions
The criteria confirm that athletes will not be promoted during the season. However, funding may be reduced if performance or commitment does not meet expectations.
Bottom line
The 2026–27 criteria outline a structured, performance-based system with multiple entry points at the development level and strict standards at the top.
A Team selection requires proven World Cup-level success.
B Team reflects progression toward that level.
C Team provides pathways through Continental Cup racing, FIS ranking, and NCAA competition.
Across all levels, the standard remains consistent: performance at speed, under pressure, and against the best in the world.
Where to find the full criteria
U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 2026–27 alpine team nomination criteria, first released in October and later amended, are available below:
- 2026–27 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Nomination Criteria (Amended)
- Original October 2025 Criteria Document
Reviewing both documents provides additional context on how the NCAA pathway was clarified.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
