XC National Training Group (NTG)

This training group is a portion of the development pipeline that feeds athletes onto the D, B and A National Teams. The NTG objective is to bring the nation's best developing athletes together with higher frequency to challenging, educational and motivational U.S. Ski Team training camps and international racing trips. From the perspective of the U.S. Ski Team this is a talent identification tool, an intense training opportunity, and the pathway to the Team.

NTG Selection: Qualification for the NTG is based off of international performance and U.S. Championship results from the following year that display a trajectory toward international excellence. Additionally, USST coaches may select athletes via discretion based on outstanding results. The NTG is a self-funded project.

Under-24 Qualification Criteria:

• World Cup Top 30
• Top 15 Women's / Top 20 Men's European (Scandinavian or Europa Cup) Continental Cup result
• Top 15 Women's / Top 30 Men's World U23 Championship result
• 2 Top 10's or 1 Top 5 at U.S. National Championships
• 2 Top 10's or 1 Top 5 at U.S. Super Tour Finals
• Top 3 NCAA Championships

U20 Qualification Criteria:

• World Junior Championship qualification and attendance
• Youth Olympic Games qualification and attendance
• Top 10 Women's / Top 15 Men's result at the U18 Nation's Cup (aka J1 Scando Cup Trip) or Top 10 U20 OPA Cup
• Win in the Older Junior (1993-1994 YOB) division at U.S. Junior National Championships
• Top 3 in the Junior 1 (1995-1996 YOB) division at U.S. Junior National Championships

Benefits:

1) Invitation to select U.S. Ski Team camps. Live, eat, and train with the National Team

2) Invitation to select European Continental Cup races

3) Access to the Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah during camp

4) Access to U.S. Ski Team coaching and training consultation

5) Bjorn Daehlie summer training gear