The USSA's "Athlete Development Pipelines" have been a cornerstone in its program design for over a decade. During that time, pipelines were developed to illustrate how an athlete moves through the USSA competition system, and who is primarily responsible for the development of athletes at those different stages (clubs, divisions, U.S. Ski Team).

This spring, USSA undertook a revision of its pipelines to also illustrate the other factors that influence athlete development at each stage, including training, technical and tactical markers. This further development of the pipelines places an appropriate emphasis on fun, fitness and fundamentals at each of the various levels, as these are all core factors of recruitment, retention, participation and athlete development.

The pipelines are intended to define the pace of development, to lead program design both at the club and national level, and to educate stakeholders such as parents and athletes about program design at the local level, through the national team.

Alpine Athlete Development Pipeline

To start up the Athlete Development Pipeline, you should begin competing in USSA scored events. These events are scored to a USSA National Ranking List which will be used for advancement. And you can monitor your ranking on www.ussa.org.

 

One of the highlights for young athletes is participation in the USSA Junior Olympics. Athletes qualify through their USSA division to compete in regional or national Junior Olympic competitions.

 

As you advance up the pipeline with your USSA points, you may be eligible to participate in international events (including events in the USA) and be scored on the International Ski Federation (FIS) ranking list (alpine, cross country, freestyle, snowboard). Check with your USSA Club coach or divisional contact for more information. FIS registration is available through USSA. You can monitor your FIS ranking at www.ussa.org.

Team Selection
As you continue to advance, your USSA or FIS ranking may qualify you for divisional or regional teams, or the ability to compete in the U.S. Championships.

U.S. Ski Team
The U.S. Ski Team is nominated each year based on objective criteria, generally through FIS ranking and results in international competitions.

2011-12 U.S. Alpine Ski Team Nomination Criteria

World Championships and Olympic Teams
The ultimate in sport is to represent the USA in the World Championships or Olympic Winter Games. Athletes are named to those teams based on objective criteria, generally through FIS ranking and results in international competitions.
2011 FIS Alpine World Championships Criteria

2010 Olympic Winter Games Alpine Criteria

FIS Alpine World Cup Competitions
The FIS Alpine World Cup is an international series of alpine competitions that host the best alpine racers from around the World. It is recognized as the highest level of alpine racing with the exception of the World Ski Championships and Olympic Winter Games.
FIS Alpine World Cup Access

FIS Alpine World Junior Championships
The annual FIS World Junior Alpine Championships provide a unique opportunity for the best 15-19 year-olds of the skiing world to compete together. The World Junior Championships are important competitions in the development of future World Cup contenders, and World Cup skiers are usually found on the official entry lists.
2011 FIS Alpine World Junior Championships Criteria