Athletes compete at Junior Nationals as part of 10 divisional teams. Each Division can bring up to 25 male and 25 female athletes spread across the U16, and U18/20 age groups. Divisions may self-elect to compete as a “small division” and limit their quota to 18 male and 18 female athletes as per Rule 52,4.

Each division sets its' own Selection Criteria:

Alaska

Far West

Great Lakes

High Plains

InterMountain

Mid Athlantic

Midwest

New England

Pacific Northwest Ski Association

Rocky Mountain

There are a few ways an athlete may pre-qualify for Junior Nationals and not count towards the quota of their respective division. The goal of Pre-Qualification is to ensure that the fastest junior skiers in the country are able to compete at Junior Nationals. Each division also has its own set of selection criteria, which can be found on the divisional website.

Per the 2025 Comp Guide an athlete may pre-qualify through the following methods:

52.4.1 Guest Class competitors are not counted as part of the basic quota.

52.5 Automatic Qualifying Standards

52.5.1 Any individual who meets one or more of the following criteria in the current season will be eligible to represent their Division above the Divisional Basic Quota:

• They are ranked in the top 20 men or women on the FIS Junior World Championships Team Ranking List.

• They qualify for and attend the U18 Nordic Junior Nations Competition Trip.

• They are among the top five junior-aged United States citizens or Resident Aliens on any of the final NCAA Regional Ranking Lists.

• They are a member of the U.S. Team for the FIS World Junior Ski Championship in Nordic Combined.

• They are a member of the U.S. Team for the IBU Youth and Junior Biathlon World Champions Team.

• They are a member of the U.S. Team to the International Youth Olympic Games in Biathlon, Cross Country, or Nordic Combined.