Created: 04 December 2018
Those involved in the freeski and snowboard communities probably know that U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) have been working together closely for years. What many do not know is the significant contribution to athletes, coaches, and judges that results from the cooperation between these two organizations.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard and USASA have been working together to support snowboarding for more than 20 years. Most recently USASA has also been the number one contributor to the regional freeski event market and is entering its 30th year as an integral piece of the event and development pipeline for both sports. One hundred percent of the regional snowboard events and 82 percent of the regional freeski events are produced by USASA. USASA produces more than 500 events at 120 resorts through their 32 unique series that engage the culture and community of both sports. In addition to the hosting of events, USASA also provides an education structure for the development of coaches, officials and judges in the U.S. hosted through in-person clinics and social outreach.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard and USASA both play an important part in the development of sport at every level. The U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Teams have had quite the track record over the last decade. In the past two Olympic Winter Games the U.S. Freeski slopestyle and halfpipe athletes have earned 10 Olympic medals. Similarly, the U.S. Snowboard Team has amassed 31 Olympic medals dating back to the 1998 Olympics. It is easy to see why in 2012 Bill Marolt awarded the USASA the Russell Wilder Award stating, "without USASA, the U.S would not be able to dominate in the sport of snowboarding as we do today".
USASA not only provides opportunities for athletes to compete but also introduces a professional competition structure. As an illustration, USASA provides in excess of $50,000 each year in prize money at the USASA National Championships. Entering into its 30th year, it is the largest competition of its kind in the world. The USASA Nationals are part of a robust pipeline that carries athletes from the USASA Regional events all the way to Olympic level competition.
Created: 27 November 2018
USASA Nationals champion and 2014 Olympic freeski halfpipe gold medalist, Maddie Bowman, is changing things up in 2019. This homegrown South Tahoe Series alum, who moved to Utah in 2015 to be closer to US Ski & Snowboard training center, has moved back to her beloved Tahoe and is settling into college life at Sierra Nevada College as a junior. In between juggling twelve college credits and preparing for another season dominating the professional freeskiing circuit, Maddie took a few moments of her time to talk to us about college life and her favorite things about being back in Tahoe.
Created: 20 November 2018
WEND WAX is offering USASA Members 30% off on the USASA WEND WAX kit with code USASA30. A $90 value for just $63 and a perfect kit for any day on the hill.
A great wax pack to have for any trip to the hill!
Created: 13 November 2018
At USASA, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that cultivates excellence, respect and fun and we know that whether you’re looking to be the next Olympic gold medalist or are looking to take your riding skills to the next level. The journey begins here, at USASA.
#JourneyBeginsHere
Created: 09 November 2018
U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s new slopestyle and big air national development coach Nichole Mason is set to host the first ever all-female USASA freeski and snowboard Level 100 and 200 clinics from Dec. 3-6 at Copper Mountain, Colo. The Level 100 clinic will take place Dec. 3-4 and will target intro level coaches who will be working with Phase 1 and Phase 2 athletes. The Level 200 Clinic will take place Dec. 5-6 and will target more experienced coaches who have been working with athletes for a number of years and whose goals are to expand their knowledge and skill set to better work with Phase 3, 4 and 5 athletes.
Created: 22 October 2018
Created: 12 September 2018
The U.S. Junior World Snowboard and Freeski Teams wrapped up a very successful two weeks at the 2018 FIS Junior Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, winning a combined 10 medals, and the snowboard team winning the Marc Hodler Trophy, awarded to top nation at the championships.
The battle for the Marc Hodler Trophy came down to the wire with final two events of the championships, the parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom, being the largest barrier for the U.S. Team. The Russians put up a strong challenge, winning 10 of the 12 medals awarded in the final two events, however, the U.S. Snowboard Team took the trophy with 104 points to the Russian team’s 91.
