Advancement through the U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Athlete development pipeline is based on tangible, objective selection criteria. At each level, from grassroots club-level events to the Olympics, athletes advance based on athletic performance in events, as well as on ranking or points lists.

Selection criteria may be different for events, teams or projects. Athletes, coaches, and parents should read the criteria carefully to learn exactly how athletes will be selected.

The FIS Ski World Cup is the pinnacle of international competition with events across Europe and North America. The series culminates in World Cup Finals in March for the top athletes on the tour.

For Alpine and Ski Cross World Cup Criteria, please refer to the Resources section.

The Europa Cup is one of five FIS continental cups series along with NorAm, Far East,  South America and Australia / New Zealand. This integral series is the second tier of international ski racing and is a proving ground for future World Cup ski racers.   

The FIS Freeski World Cup is the top international circuit for freeskiers with events across Europe and North America. 

The FIS Freeski World Cup criteria for slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe are broken down by discipline and are available in the resources section. 

The 2025 FIS Freestyle, Freeski, and Snowboard World Championships will be held in St. Moritz Engadin, SUI, from March 17 - 30, 2025. To learn about the qualification pathway, please refer to the criteria listed in the Resources section of this page. 

The top athletes in the United States are named each year to the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. Nominations to the team come from objective selection criteria based on international rankings and head-to-head competition.

For Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Criteria, please refer to the Resources section.