XC National Elite Group (NEG)

Each year, the best junior cross-country ski racers in the nation participate in Regional Elite Group (REG) summer camps in their home regions.  The REG camps include general and ski-specific assessments, ski technique, and education opportunities.  The camps are led by key regional club coaches and the U.S. Ski Team staff.

With the help of regional coaches attending the camps, the U.S. Ski Team coaching staff selects the top athletes from all four REG camps (East, Central, West and Alaska) and names these athletes to the National Elite Group (NEG).  These athletes are offered the opportunity to train alongside the U.S. Ski Team at an annual camp in the fall.

Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated in REG camps this summer.

Lake Placid Olympic Training Center September 13-20th.

Athletes have gathered from throughout the country living and training with the US Ski Team. Many of the sessions provide head-to-head training and competition opportunities with USST athletes and top club skiers from throughout the country.  Most notable might be the infamous Climb to the Castle skate competition.  The Lake Placid Olympic Training Center (OTC) allows for a unique training environment to live, eat and strength train within the facility.  The Lake Placid  (OTC) also has a rollerski loop that allows for rollerskiing on hillier terrain more consistent with skiing terrain.  This along with the area's many great roads and trails nearby provide an excellent environment for ski training.

The following athletes have accepted their nominations and are attending or attended a camp alongside the USST at the Lake Placid OTC.

Men  

Sean Doherty (MT Washington Nordic/ Doug Armstrong)

Patrick Caldwell (Stratton Mountain School/ Sverre Caldwell & Gus Kaeding)

Charlie Von Thaden (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club/Josh Smullin & Brian Tate)

Tucker McCrerey (Summit Nordic/ Joe Howdyshell)

Ben Saxton (Minnesota Valley Ski Team/ Reid Lutter & F.A.S.T. Performance Training/ Bill Pierce)

Jack Novak (Alaska Pacific University/ Eric Strabel)

Women

Heather Mooney (Stratton Mountain School/ Sverre Caldwell & Middlebury College/ Andrew Gardner)

Alayna Sonnesyn (Sisu Skiers/ Kevin Brochman & Jason Kask)