SALOMON CXC JUNIOR CUP
The Salomon CXC Cup events are designated as Junior Qualifiers (JQs) and aim to develop U16, U18, and U20 athletes of all levels - from those new to racing to those pursuing elite competition - through high-quality racing and competitive experience.
For many Salomon CXC Cup athletes, the goal is to earn a spot on one of their division's championship teams:
- Junior Nationals Team (Midwest and Great Lakes)
- CXC U18/U20 Championships Team
- CXC U16 Championships Team
As the Regional Governing Body for cross-country skiing in the Central Region, Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) oversees the qualification process. Selections are based on results from Salomon CXC Cup qualifier races (Junior Qualifiers, or JQs) held within each division.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The 2027 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior National Championships will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, hosted by the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage.
Junior National Team Qualification Rules:
- Midwest Division
- Great Lakes Division
- To comply with U.S. Ski and Snowboard sanctioning requirements, participation in the CXC Junior Cup races is reserved for non-youth skiers (U16+, 14 years old and older) who hold membership.
- To participate in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events, athletes in age groups U16 and older must have an active membership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and should not have a membership application that is still pending. The membership status with U.S. Ski & Snowboard will be automatically confirmed as part of the registration process. For information relevant to membership categories and types, please visit www.cxcskiing.org/membership.
- The Divisional Ranking Lists for the Midwest and Great Lakes regions are utilized to determine qualifications for the Junior National Team and the U16/U18/U20 CXC Championship Trips.
Remember to update your membership before the first competition to ensure a smooth process. If you are new to CXC Cup racing and have questions regarding your membership, please contact CXC member services for assistance.
GENERAL CXC CUP PARTICIPATION TIPS
Regardless of whether you are a new participant or a returning CXC Cup racer, here are some tips to help you feel comfortable with the process.
- Make sure to plan your races and register in advance, as registration for CXC Cup races generally closes on the Tuesday preceding the race. By doing so, you can ensure timely registration and avoid any last-minute complications.
- Normally, you can find a tentative schedule on each race organizer's website. After registration closes, an official Registration List is published on the timing contractor's website. On Friday, following the Coaches meeting, a comprehensive Start List with specific start times will be made available.
- To enhance your racing experience and secure preferential seeding, it is recommended to purchase a Cross Country Competitor (U16+) Membership before the racing season commences. Participate in all the CXC Cup races within your division, if feasible. This approach will allow you to maximize your chances for preferential seeding and gain valuable racing experience.
- Good communication with your school team coach is vital. Establish a plan that supports both your school team and CXC Cup races.
- The Divisional Junior Teams (JNs, CXC U16, U18 & U20 Teams) will be announced following the conclusion of the final race in the CXC Cup series.
- A Cross Country Competitor (U16+) Membership is required for participation in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior National Championships. It is advisable for serious competitors not to delay obtaining this membership until February. Lowering NRL points and being seeded based on the NRL are crucial factors for maximizing the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
- Stay vigilant and regularly check the website for any rapid changes in race and CXC Cup details throughout the season. The website will also serve as your primary source of information regarding summer camps and clinics, and other important updates.
Lastly, make sure to savor the experience of ski racing! The CXC Cup events provide an incredible chance to connect and ski alongside some of the most exceptional skiers in the Central Region and beyond. It's an inspiring, and truly enjoyable experience. So, embrace the excitement, stay motivated, and have a blast!
- Make sure to plan your races and register in advance, as registration for CXC Cup races generally closes on the Tuesday preceding the race. By doing so, you can ensure timely registration and avoid any last-minute complications.
- Normally, you can find a tentative schedule on each race organizer's website. After registration closes, an official Registration List is published on the timing contractor's website. On Friday, following the Coaches meeting, a comprehensive Start List with specific start times will be made available.
- To enhance your racing experience and secure preferential seeding, it is recommended to purchase a Cross Country Competitor (U16+) Membership before the racing season commences. Participate in all the CXC Cup races within your division, if feasible. This approach will allow you to maximize your chances for preferential seeding and gain valuable racing experience.
- Good communication with your school team coach is vital. Establish a plan that supports both your school team and CXC Cup races.
- The Divisional Junior Teams (JNs, CXC U16, U18 & U20 Teams) will be announced following the conclusion of the final race in the CXC Cup series.
- A Cross Country Competitor (U16+) Membership is required for participation in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior National Championships. It is advisable for serious competitors not to delay obtaining this membership until February. Lowering NRL points and being seeded based on the NRL are crucial factors for maximizing the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
- Stay vigilant and regularly check the website for any rapid changes in race and CXC Cup details throughout the season. The website will also serve as your primary source of information regarding summer camps and clinics, and other important updates.
Lastly, make sure to savor the experience of ski racing! The CXC Cup events provide an incredible chance to connect and ski alongside some of the most exceptional skiers in the Central Region and beyond. It's an inspiring, and truly enjoyable experience. So, embrace the excitement, stay motivated, and have a blast!
CXC ACADEMY SKI IT FORWARD FUND
The fund helps introduce junior skiers to competitive racing for the first time. Through this program, entry fees are covered for first-time participants in the CXC Junior Cup, giving young skiers a chance to step onto the start line, experience the race environment, and build confidence to continue in the sport.
This initiative is made possible by CXC Academy members, supporting the next generation of skiers in the Central Region.
Program Details
- Open to first-time CXC Junior Cup participants
- Covers entry fees for one race weekend (two days of racing) within the four-weekend series
- Limited number of athletes supported per season
- Designed to provide a first experience in competitive racing
Who Should Apply
- Athletes new to racing who are curious about the CXC Junior Cup
- Athletes encouraged by a coach, club leader, or parent to take the next step
How to Apply
- Complete the application form (Coming Soon!)
- Applications may be submitted by an athlete, parent, or coach
- Selected athletes will be notified in advance of their chosen race weekend
Additional Support
CXC Academy members make this program possible. If you or your organization would like to support additional athletes, a contribution of $100 covers one athlete’s two-day race weekend. Donations can be made through the Central Cross Country Skiing donation page.
This initiative is made possible by CXC Academy members, supporting the next generation of skiers in the Central Region.
Program Details
- Open to first-time CXC Junior Cup participants
- Covers entry fees for one race weekend (two days of racing) within the four-weekend series
- Limited number of athletes supported per season
- Designed to provide a first experience in competitive racing
Who Should Apply
- Athletes new to racing who are curious about the CXC Junior Cup
- Athletes encouraged by a coach, club leader, or parent to take the next step
How to Apply
- Complete the application form (Coming Soon!)
- Applications may be submitted by an athlete, parent, or coach
- Selected athletes will be notified in advance of their chosen race weekend
Additional Support
CXC Academy members make this program possible. If you or your organization would like to support additional athletes, a contribution of $100 covers one athlete’s two-day race weekend. Donations can be made through the Central Cross Country Skiing donation page.