Cross country skiing is a lifetime sport with a myriad of ways to stay involved whether recreationally or competitively or both. Below is a roadmap of NENSA programming beyond the Bill Koch Youth Ski League.
Looking for a junior club near you? Find a club near you using our NENSA search engine (https://nensa.net/nensa-club-directory/) and reach out to see if they offer a junior training program. You can also reach out to NENSA staff (staff@nensa.net) to ask about clubs in your area. Most junior programs will provide support at the U16 and EHS Championship qualifying races as well as at Eastern Cup races
As you grow beyond the Bill Koch League, your adventure with NENSA is just beginning! The Popular Race Series is a fun and welcoming way to stay connected to the vibrant skiing community that defines New England, from snowy city parks to mountain trails in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
Whether you’re looking for friendly races, community gatherings, or a new challenge, the Popular Series has something for you. Events range from classic local favorites to larger regional celebrations, including the Zak Cup, Marathon Series, and plenty of Community Events designed for all levels of skiers.
This series isn’t about being the fastest, it’s about staying on snow, trying new events, and connecting with skiers of all ages who love the sport just like you. Because in New England, skiing is more than a sport, it’s a culture. And there’s always a place for you in it.
The Eastern Cup Series is NENSA’s premier racing circuit — a long-standing New England tradition that blends high-level competition with the strong community spirit that makes our region so special.
With races hosted at top-tier venues across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, the Eastern Cup welcomes skiers from the Junior, Senior, and even BKL circuits into one open and exciting field. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s where many of New England’s top skiers find their stride.
For competitive Junior skiers, the Eastern Cup also serves as the qualifier for Team New England at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior Nationals , a major goal and incredible experience for many young racers.
Each season, standout skiers are named to NENSA’s Elite and Development Teams, and the top overall performer is honored with the prestigious Mike Gallagher Award.
The U16 Eastern Championships are a big deal — and a big step — for skiers ages 14–15 who are ready for a new level of competition. What began in 1992 as a small regional event has grown into one of the most exciting and prestigious junior ski races in the country.
Each year, the fastest skiers from New England and New York qualify to represent their state in this three-day, four-race championship. With seeded wave starts and a team-based format, the racing is head-to-head, high energy, and full of regional pride. It’s a chance to push yourself, support your teammates, and go ski-for-ski with top athletes from across the Northeast — and often even from other parts of the U.S. and Canada.
If you’re dreaming about where skiing can take you, this is one of the first big steps — and one you won’t forget.
The Eastern High School Championships (EHSC) bring together the top high school and prep school skiers from across New England and New York for one epic weekend of racing. This is where state pride meets serious competition, and where athletes get to test themselves against the fastest peers in the region.
Each participating state, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York holds qualifying races to select up to 24 boys and 24 girls for their state team. Once the teams are named, it’s all about bringing your best to the start line and cheering on your teammates along the way.
EHSC is the perfect next step if you’re looking to experience high-level racing, connect with skiers from across the Northeast, and be part of a team that represents your state on a big stage. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s a highlight of the season for many high school athletes.
For many young skiers, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Junior Nationals are the ultimate goal of the season, a chance to represent your region on a national stage and race alongside the country’s best junior athletes.
Held annually and hosted by different clubs across the U.S., Junior Nationals bring together top skiers from each region for a week of high-level competition and unforgettable experiences. It’s not just a race, it’s a celebration of the sport and a major step in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s development pathway.
Athletes qualify through their regional race series, for New England skiers, that’s the Eastern Cup, and earn a spot on Team New England, one of the strongest and most spirited teams in the country.
Whether you’re chasing results or chasing your dreams, Junior Nationals is where many future U.S. Ski Team athletes got their start, and where your next big skiing adventure might begin.
Summer training opportunities and rollerski events are a huge part of the year-round athlete experience, helping you build skills, stay connected, and take your skiing to the next level.
NENSA supports and organizes a variety of summer camps and rollerski races across the region, designed to meet skiers where they are and help them grow. Whether you’re new to summer training or working toward long-term racing goals, there’s a place for you.
The Regional Development Group Camp (RDG) and Regional Elite Group Camp (REG) are structured training camps that bring together motivated athletes and experienced coaches in a setting that mirrors U.S. Ski Team-style training environments. These invite-based camps draw athletes from standout performances at U16 Championships, EHSC, and Junior Nationals, helping you connect with peers and stay inspired all summer long.
Beyond those, NENSA collaborates with clubs across New England to promote even more youth and junior camps, many of which include support or participation from NENSA staff. You’ll find events on our calendar that suit a variety of ages, goals, and locations.
And don’t miss our rollerski races and clinics, held throughout the summer and fall, a fun way to stay sharp, build confidence on wheels, and experience that race-day energy all year round.
If you have any questions, please direct them to staff@nensa.net.
