NENSA is proud to present the 2023-2024 Eastern Cup Series, a set of eight U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned competitions. Each year, venues bid and are elected to host these prestigious events, balancing regional locations and collaboration with collegiate and SuperTour competitions. We are extremely fortunate in the East to have many robust venues with incredible physical and human infrastructure. Eastern Cups are open to all U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NENSA members (NENSA 1-Day memberships are available on all registrations). Athletes under 20 years of age are scored to the Junior Ranking List (JRL), which is the basis for qualification for the New England Junior National Team.
Each year NENSA committees review our competition guidelines — athletes, coaches and parents should be familiar with the Race Rules document. As a reminder all athletes and coaches should renew their USSS and NENSA memberships well in advance of the season so there are no limitations to your participation. NENSA Coaches membership will be a minimum for a moving bib on race courses this season.
Starting in the 2022-2023, Eastern Cup events feature equal distance for competitors based on age group. All NENSA races remain fluoro-free, and testing could occur at any event. Of note, there has been robust discussion about equity in ski preparation. NENSA strongly encourages teams to take steps to simplify waxing and testing protocols on race day and to focus attention on skiers in order to best foster the development of our junior athletes. Please read on further: NENSA Waxing Policy.
TEAM Oriented Competitions were established in 2022-2023 to honor the depth of clubs and strengthen the concept of team camaraderie. Whether you are a junior racer new to the Eastern Cup, or come from one of the more established clubs in the East there is something for everyone to get on board with:
1) Club Cup – Season Long Club Points Tally across all open NENSA events
2) Eastern Cup Team Score – For Juniors by age group at Eastern Cup Competition
We are poised for a successful season, starting on December 16th. Eastern Cup’s are built to be spectator friendly events, with inspired action and a festival atmosphere — we so look forward to seeing the Eastern skiing community soon!
The first stop on the tour is the Roy Varney Memorial Eastern Cup Opener on December 17th & 18th in Waterville, Maine. Quarry Road Trails have become one of the East’s most dependable snowmaking venues with continual investments in venue infrastructure and a robust volunteer base. The Quarry Road Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the City of Waterville Department of Parks & Recreation is known for putting on excellent events. Registration will open on November 15th.
The second Eastern Cup of the year will be held at Mt Van Hoevenberg in conjunction with a U.S. Ski & Snowboard SuperTour and also serve as a Mid-Atlantic Junior National qualifier. The Lake Placid SuperTour / Eastern Cup is the first SuperTour of Period 3, carrying FIS sanctioning that will bring Elite teams from throughout North America. The event will also allow Eastern Juniors direct access to the same courses they will compete at in March at Junior Nationals. Registration will open December 1st.
The Harvard Carnival and Rodrigues Eastern Cup will likely be the largest Eastern Cup of the season and highlights the competitive opportunity of collaboration with the EISA Carnival Series. The Eastern Cup will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd as part of three days of racing, with a stand alone Carnival race on Friday. Saturday’s 7.5km Freestyle race will provide a unique opportunity with all competitors, regardless of age racing the same distance. Sunday will be a Freestyle pursuit with separate races for U16’s and the Open field. Registration will open shortly.
The Cheri Walsh Memorial Eastern Cup Finals will provide a new and exciting culmination to the 2023-2024 Eastern Cup season. Holderness is thrilled to debut their extensive trail and snowmaking renovations with an afternoon/evening Sprint competition on February 24th followed by the traditional Cheri Walsh race course on Sunday the 25th. Plans are also underway for a fun youth terrain course Saturday and a masters wave on Sunday. The New England Junior National Team will be named at the conclusion of the races Sunday. Registration will open December 1st.
NENSA also promotes and supports a diverse set of Popular Races.
