What is USASA Nationals? 

Individuals and Teams from all over the US come together for a week of competition in multiple events. Ages range from riders as young as 6 to riders over 60 years old! This is the best of the best from across the country!  

 

Is my child ready to attend nationals? 

  • Not everyone who competes in a USASA series receives an invitation to the National Championships. The G-Team is a very competitive team that participates in a competitive series. Varying by age and discipline, approximately 35% of our team riders receive invitations to the National Championships.
  • To understand if your rider is ready for the Nationals experience, reach out directly to the Directors, Pro Am Coaches & your rider’s coach to answer your specific questions. Asking questions surrounding your rider’s ability and level of experience can help determine if he/she is ready. 
  • Nationals are a lot of fun and a great experience for the rider as well as the family. Many of our GTeam families make this their family vacation. We encourage all members who qualify to attend! 

 

Driving vs. flying?

DRIVE

FLY

Cost = Gas + Hotel Stay if you don’t drive straight through + food

Cost = Ticket per person + baggage per person (winter gear, boards, etc.) + shuttle to/from resort per person

Convenience = You may not need a car at Copper Mountain if you stay within the villages. Parking is sparse & expensive, make sure your condo rental comes with a free spot. 

Convenience = Flying gets you directly to Denver, and a shuttle ride later you are at Copper.  

 

Time = Driving can be done in one day (approx.. 1,000 miles one way to Copper Mountain) or broken up in two.

Time = A flight to Denver is about 2 ½ hours and another two hours to Copper on a shuttle.

Gear = Easier to carry all of the gear.

Gear = Check baggage fees and how to best travel with your boards, skis, etc. You may want to befriend someone else who is driving to Nationals to bring gear for you.

If you fly, try Denver.  If you fly Delta, PLEASE add the G Team SkyBonus below at check out or add to your profile! It helps G Team and doesn't effect your reservation or mileage accrual - #US0011450.

 

Do I need a car in Copper?

  • Once at Copper, you really don’t need a car unless you head to Frisco for groceries. Shuttles are available to Frisco. 

 

What are the best options to research for lodging?

  • Copper Lodging (best cancelation policy) USASA discount 
  • VRBO (cancellation policies vary) 
  • Airbnb (cancellation policies vary) 
  • Lodging will be your largest expense. It pays to research options to stay at various locations as availability changes often.

 

Is it best to stay at Copper or surrounding areas?

  • Ideally, it is best to stay at Copper Mountain in Center Village if you can. The majority of activities, team meetings, meeting with coaches, etc. happen here. Center Village is the hub of Copper!
  • Next choice would be Union Creek, then East Village. These are both at Copper, however expect to walk or bus into Center Village multiple times a day. There is a free shuttle that runs all day to both villages and works well. 
  • Frisco, Dillion or Silverthorne are the choices for staying outside of Copper Mountain. While the drive isn’t long, the weather is unpredictable and parking at Copper is expensive and sparse. Rider meetings can take place early in the morning and late in the evening, so that is also to be considered when looking outside of Copper for your lodging. 
  • Vail or other options farther out are not a good choice as the pass DOES close in inclement weather, which happens frequently in Spring. 
  • Check out a Copper Mountain Lodging map online to see the names of the buildings and where things are. Typically, the American Eagle and American Flyers lifts are the main lifts used for National competitions. 

 

When should I plan to arrive? 

  • Altitude sickness is verycommon. Plan to give yourself a day to take it easy, and don’t overdo it on the first day. If your rider cannot arrive earlier than their start day, plan to go slow and be ok with not participating in everything. 
  • Official Practice Day (Saturday before competitions) is very important as it may be your only chance on the Slopestyle, Alpine or Boardercross courses.
  • There will be Pre-Nationals Training the week before Nationals. This can include training on all disciplines and will be planned for specific days and times.  

 

Should my rider attend Pre-Nationals training?

  • Pre-Nationals training with G Team is highly recommended. Many families find it more valuable then anticipated and suggest with the investment you’re already making, it’s worth it to have the additional training to prepare.  For example, on the official practice day, your window of training time at each discipline is very minimal.  You may only get 2 runs on the BX or SS course; both of which may be closed at other times due to competitions starting the next day.  
  • Pre-Nationals training is also recommended for First-Time participants as this will give your athlete a look at the mountains and what to expect. 
  • If parents are unable to come out early, riders can travel and stay with G Team for a nominal fee. 

 

If my rider attends Pre-Nationals Training, what should I expect as a parent on those days?

  • Riders will be with a coach for the day so parents essentially have a free day.  Some parents choose to get out on the mountain themselves, or sit back and work remotely. 
  • There will be a small window for lunch where you may meet your rider for lunch in Center Village if you choose. Or, some parents send lunch or $ with their rider for the day.
  • Lift tickets are not included.

 

When are the best days for friends and family to ride or ski? Are there discounted tickets?

  • The best days to ride are Pre-Nationals training days as you will likely be free all day as your rider trains with a G Team coach. Other days are non-compete days for your rider where you know you don’t have to be anywhere at a certain time.
  • Family & Friends discounted lift tickets are available during the week of Nationals, starting Saturday. 

 

What does the day-to-day look like during the week of nationals?

  • Nightly meetings the evening before your competition day 
  • Early morning meeting times on your competition day 
  • Competitions during the day, usually done by about 3pm
  • Awards in the early afternoon in Center Village 
  • There is no night riding at Copper 
  • Woodward Barn in the evening for riders
  • Typically, there is a Rail Jam competition each eve per age group. This is a great event to watch, regardless if your rider is competing. 

 

Communication at Nationals 

  • Nationals communication is though meetings, emails, and Sports Engine app/team calendar. Your rider will be assigned a Group and you will follow that Group’s schedule and agenda.

 

How important is it that I attend the nightly meeting before my comp day? 

  • VERY!  
  • Meetings are required for families new to Nationals and highly recommended for all families.
  • Riders and parents are encouraged to attend together. 
  • Many riders find it beneficial as coaches give feedback from the previous days competitions.  Coaches are also available to talk with riders individually about their runs. 
  • Meetings cover any course issues, changes and information given directly to us by USASA, which changes daily. 
  • Meetings also cover heat schedules and meeting times/locations (which are only available in the meeting, we do not email this out).

 

Altitude Sickness 

  • Plan for it! It is very common. 
  • Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Start drinking more water than usual a day or two before you arrive in Copper and continue throughout your stay.
  • Oxygen is readily available in Center Village.
  • Take is easy your first day there. Don’t overdo it! 

 

Should I buy the Nationals Team Gear? 

  • It is encouraged by all to create uniformity at Nationals. 
  • Jackets, hoodies, backpacks and more are available with custom screenprint or embroidery.  
  • Custom logos include : Nationals Team logo, USASA National Championship logo, G Team logo, Copper logo, Buck or Hyland logo
  • Kids wear the gear at the opening day ceremonies, throughout the week of Nationals and the years to come.
  • If it is a jacket, many parents buy slightly larger and use it as next year’s winter jacket.  
  • Riders who qualify, but do not go can still purchase Nationals Team gear. 

What to bring : 

An extra board,  spare bindings, spare parts. 

Spare goggles, mittens 

Be prepared! 

 

Tuning 

  • You should get a base grind before going.  Let Tonka Cycle know you're going to Nationals and they (and Curt) will prep accordingly. 
  • Tuning is VERY important the night before your competition.
  • Team Tuner Curt is at Nationals and available for waxing. 
  • Bring cash for tuning expenses. $35 per wax 

 

If parents are unable to go, what are my options? 

  • Your rider may attend Nationals as a Supervised Rider with our team.  You would travel, stay, sleep, eat and ride under the watchful eye of Jessica and Kelsey.  Your welfare and safety are our top priority.  Snowboarders may travel as early as the Monday before Nationals week or later if need be and may stay through the end of Nationals; skiers inquire.  Riders may also come out with the team until family arrives. This is all predicated on space.  We'll have actual costs once we know how many riders will be going.  Contact Jessica now if you are considering it
  • Fee includes lodging, meals, snacks, shuttle to/from Copper and supervision.  Airfare, training and lift tickets are separate.

 

When will I get my Nationals Invitation? 

  • Invitations go out as members qualify.  All invitations are not sent out all at once.  They will start in early March and go all the way up to just a few days before Nationals starts.  Nationals invitations are based on your National ranking. We are happy to help forecast your chances of going to Nationals so you can start planning. You may email jessica@thegteam.com for more details. 

 

How much will it cost? 

  • G Team riders who qualify and compete at USASA Nationals, pay a coaching fee (fee may vary and is based on venue, number of riders and other expenses). See a list of approximate costs. Please note, these are approximate and many factors can go into this, including how many disciplines you are doing.  Here is a sample budget for a family of 4; 8 nights of lodging and competing in 3 events: 
    • Nationals training in mid-March in MN is included in your Nationals G Team registration, but you are responsible for purchasing a lift ticket to the location if you don't have a season pass.
    • Pre Nationals Training with G Team , approx. $90-$140 a day plus a lift ticket. 
    • G Team Nationals Coaching $390 
    • USASA Event Registration / Lift tickets for competitor $385 (Lift Tickets for competition week are included in the USASA Event Registration fees)
    • Nationals Gear $100-$300
    • Lodging for 8 nights $2000+
    • Tuning $135
    • Lift tickets for family $160-$600
    • Woodward Bard $100 
    • Groceries (variable) 
    • Eating Out  (variable)
    • Rental Car/ Airfare/ Shuttle 

 

What does a typical week look like at Nationals?

 
 

TUESDAY

Travel to Copper, CO

Get groceries

Check-in
 

WEDNESDAY

Pre-Nationals Training 9am-3pm

Lunch @ 11:45am
 

THURSDAY 

Pre-Nationals Training 9am-3pm

Lunch @ 11:45am
 

FRIDAY 

Pre-Nationals Training 9am-3pm

Lunch @ 11:45am

Nationals Early Bird Registration

Team Meeting  
 

SATURDAY 

Nationals Training Day

BX: 8:00 - 9:15am

HP: 9:15 - 10:30am

SS: 2:00 - 3:15pm

Opening Ceremonies 5:15pm
 

 

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 

Competition Days; meet early AM typically

Woodward Barn Sessions on non comp days

Waxing Drop Off on nights before your comp 

Awards 

 

Nightly comp meeting the night before your competition day 

Evening Rail Jam in Center Village 
 

FRIDAY 

Weather Day 

 

 

USASA Nationals Info : https://www.usasa.org/nationals/2019-nationals-general-info/2019-earlybird-information

Let us know if you have further questions or are interested in hearing more about the Nationals Championships!