There are currently two organizations that are involved with collegiate ski racing. This brief comparison will assist you with understanding the differences.

NCAA Collegiate Ski Racing. Number of U.S. athletes compared to the number of Canadian, European/Other athletes. CollegeSnowSports.com - Feb 10, 2010

United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA)

•             The nation is divided into 6 Regions; Eastern, Mid-East, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, Far West and West.

•             The 6 Regions are split into 11 conferences: Eastern, Mid-East, Allegheny, New Jersey, Southeast, Midwest, Southern California, Northern California, Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton.

•             Maintain about 85% of the snowsport programs in the United States.

•             Many schools are Division I, II, III NCAA and NAIA institutions but are also USCSA members and chose to compete in the USCSA. They may compete in NCAA events and attempt to qualify individuals to the NCAA Nationals. These teams may also compete in USCSA races and attempt to qualify a team for the USCSA Nationals.

•             Teams may be varsity (fully funded or partially funded) or club sports or individuals. If a school of your choice does not offer skiing (alpine or cross country) as a varsity or club sport, you can start a program.

•             4 year and 2 year institutions compete in the USCSA.

•             Some offer athletic scholarships, however, most do not.

•             Alpine, Cross-Country, Ski Jumping, Snowboard, Freestyle, Men and Women.

•             Scoring is as a team.  

•             Qualification to Regionals and Nationals is as a TEAM.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

•             The nation is divided into 3 Regions: East (EISA), Central (CCSA) and Rocky Mountain (RMISA).

•             Maintain about 15% of the snowsport programs in the United States.

•             Schools are Division I, II, III NCAA institutions.

•             Varsity funded activities (to varying degrees).

•             All schools are 4 year institutions.

•             Division I and II offer athletic scholarships; Division III is need-based financial aid; Ivy League programs are Division I but do not offer athletic scholarships.

•             Alpine and Cross Country, Men and Women.

•             Scoring is as a team.

•             Qualification to Nationals is as an INDIVIDUAL.

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