US Junior Cross Country Ski is a nationwide series of events for youth ages 8 to 19. Each region has its own qualifying system of events hosted by a different club or organization to select the best athletes to compete at the US Junior National Championships (JN), but all events share a common goal: to encourage young athletes to enjoy cross country skiing and to develop their skill. Events mix Olympic-style competition with elements of learning and fun for all levels--from beginning racers to those with Olympic aspirations.

Central Cross Country Ski Association is divided on two regions for Junior Nationals purposes:
- Midwest Division (South and North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri)
- Great Lakes Division (Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Eastern Pennsylvania).

Midwest Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) Schedule

Midwest Junior Qualifiers are over.

The 2013 Midwest Junior National Ski Team traveling to the USSA Marriott Junior nationals in Fairbanks, AK has been named, -view the team.

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March 7-17, 2013 / USSA Marriott Junior Nationals (Fairbanks, AK)
Monday - Freestyle interval start
Tuesday - 3x3 km Classic relay and midweek awards
Thursday - Freestyle sprint
Saturday - Classic mass start 5/10/15 km and awards banquet

Event details: www.jn2013fairbanks.us
Midwest Points: view results and standings

For complete list of rules (e.g. Eligibility for Competition, Division Quota, Rgistration-Age Classes, ect.) refer to the 2013 USSA Nordic Competiton Guide, page 28.

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Abbreviations:
C - Classic Technique
F - Freestyle (Skate) Technique
Mst - Mass Start
SP - Sprint
Pursuit - Handicap Start

General Participation Tips

Whether you are new to the Junior National Qualifying (JNQ) races or a returning racer, here are some tips to help you feel comfortable with the process.

  • Registration for JNQ races typically closes on the Tuesday before the race. Plan your races and register early.

  • Give yourself the highest opportunity to earn a place on the Midwest team, and increase your elite racing experience, by participating in all the races if possible.

  • If you are on a school team, good communication with your coach is essential. Work together to establish a plan that supports both your school team and your JNQ races.

  • The Midwest team will be named after the final race in the JNQ series.

  • Be prepared to pay for the full cost of the US Junior National Championships (JN) trip shortly after the final JNQ race if you are selected for the team. For instance, JN trip to Utah in 2007 was $2,100 per Midwest team member. The required Midwest team uniform could be purchased new or borrowed/bought from a former team member if available.

  • Junior National team members must have a USSA membership as well as a CXC membership. Serious competitors should not wait until February to do this.

  • Keep a close watch on the CXC website as race and JN trip details can change rapidly. The website will also be your first source for info on summer camps and clinics.
Finally, enjoy the experience of elite racing! The JNQ races and Junior Nationals trip are opportunities to meet and ski with the finest skiers in the Midwest and the country. It’s exciting, motivating and really fun.

If you have a question, concern or opinion you would like to share, please let us know.