Winter Is Coming: Time to Get Ready for Competition Season
Summer and fall training are winding down, which means it's almost time to shift our focus to winter and getting back on snow!
For freeski families, part of that transition is getting ready for competition season. Whether your athlete is thinking about competing for the first time or has been doing it for years, now is a great time to start planning.
So, where do you start?
For most athletes, the best place to begin is with USASA (United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association) regional competitions. These events give freeskiers of different ages and experience levels the opportunity to compete, gain experience, and become part of the competitive freeski community.
Step 1: Find Your USASA Region
USASA organizes competitions through regional series across the country. Your region is generally based on where you live and plan to compete.
Start by finding your local series:
Once you've identified your region, you can explore its competition schedule and see which events you might want to attend this winter.
Step 2: Get Your USASA Membership
Before you can register for competitions, you'll need an active USASA membership.
Membership registration for the 2026–27 season is now open, so there's no need to wait until the snow starts falling to get this taken care of.
Visit USASA to get started with membership registration.
Step 3: Mark Your Calendar for November 1
Registration for regional competitions begins November 1, 2026. You'll need an active USASA membership before you can register for events, so getting that done ahead of time will make the process easier. Keep in mind that some regional competitions fill up almost immediately, while others may still have openings the week before the event. It really depends on the region and competition.
The earlier you register, the sooner you can start planning your ski travel. Knowing which events you're attending makes it easier to organize accommodations, transportation, and the rest of your winter schedule. Take some time to look at your region's competition calendar, decide which events work best for your family, and get ready for another season on snow!
New to Competition? Don't Be Intimidated.
One of the great things about USASA is that regional events aren't just for experienced competitors. They're also an opportunity for newer athletes to learn how competitions work, meet other freeskiers, and gain confidence. You don't need to have everything figured out before your first event. Every athlete starts somewhere.
Let the Winter Planning Begin!
Between training schedules, travel plans, equipment, and competitions, there's plenty to organize before winter gets underway. Getting your USASA membership and regional competition schedule sorted out now is one less thing to worry about once the lifts start spinning.
Are you heading into your first competition season or coming back for another year? We'd love to hear which region you'll be competing in and what you're looking forward to this winter.
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