The Basics of Besh Cup and Junior Olympics

The Junior Olympics are a week-long series of races held in March where the top junior skiers in the country compete against each other. This year they are in Michigan. Alaska will send a team of 42 skiers, 21 boys and 21 girls.

The Besh Cup races in Alaska are used to select the team for Junior Olympics. In order to be eligible for the team, you must have a US Ski Association (USSA) license. This costs $110 and must be sent to USSA in Utah. You can download a form from the Cross Country Alaska website.

HOWEVER, that is not your entry in the races. You must also enter the races, which you can do on the Cross Country Alaska website. All entries must be received by Wednesday prior to the race. Unlike many locals races you might have done, USSA-sanctioned races must have a seeded start list, which is why pre-registration is required.

In addition to the Junior Olympics, junior skiers in Besh Cup races may also qualify for the Arctic Winter Games, which are held in even-numbered years.