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The USASA Southeastern Snowboard and Freeski Series Announces Schedule for the Winter 2018

“Our first season as a sanctioned series was a huge success! We held a total of 7 events in the disciplines of slopestyle and boardercross/skiercross. Skiers and snowboarders from all ages competed for a chance to qualify for the USASA National Championships in Colorado. A total of 24 athletes qualified, and of those, 18 accepted the challenge. As a new series, we definitely held our own. For some it was their first time out west, much less competing at a national venue with other top-level athletes from across the US.” Says series director Donnie Hefner. The Southeastern Series claimed two national champions, both in boardercross. Kyle Orsburn (Mens Senior), and Andy McDaniel (Mens Legend) took home gold on the super-fast, cross course at Copper Mountain last April.

Unlike many of the other “just for fun” events held on our slopes during the winter, the USASA Southeastern Series offers a direct path towards a young athlete progressing to a higher level. USASA the largest grassroots freeski and snowboard organization in the world. The Southeastern Series is the newest regional series to join 32 other series across the United States. With over 6,000 members and nearly 600 events nationwide, USASA serves as the main entry point for the competition pipeline that ultimately leads to the professional level, Dew Tour, X Games, World Cup, the Olympics, etc. With this being an Olympic year, it’s important to note that every single member of this year’s US Snowboard Team got their competitive start in a USASA event.

“You don’t have to aspire to becoming an Olympian”, says’ Hefner. “Excellence, Respect, and Fun are our core values. The challenge of competing and learning respect for others all while having fun, is the real mission for us. This can help them develop as a rider, and gives them a level of confidence both on and off the snow that will last a lifetime.”

The Southeastern Series kicks off this year’s season Jan. 20th at Beech Mountain Resort. This year’s series features a total of 9 events. Appalachian Ski Mtn., Ober Gatlinburg, and Massanutten VA. Will host events as well. To learn more, check out southeasternseries.com and usasa.org for full results and schedules.