The Mass Nordic Program

The Massachusetts Nordic Program, known as Mass Nordic, represents Massachusetts at the Eastern U16 Championship and the Eastern High School (EHS) Championship, race weekends held annually in March in New England. Athletes are selected for these teams via participation in the annual Mass Nordic Cup as well as points earned from local and regional racing.

2025 Team Naming and Handbook

See links below for lists of the athletes that have been named to the 2025 U16 and EHS teams as well as alternates.

View Team MA Handbook for EHS and U16 Championships

Championship Events

  • The U16 Championships and EHS Championships are held on separate weekends in early March, organized by the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA). States from across the Northeast participate.
  • Massachusetts takes 24 boys and 24 girls to each event.
  • Team selection is primarily based on performance in the MA Nordic Cup, held in late January. Performance in other events such as high school league racing and Eastern Cups may also contribute.
  • In recent years, the dates of U16 and EHS championships have conflicted with US Ski & Snowboard’s Junior National Championships (JNs). Typically, it is impossible for an athlete to participate in both JNs and EHS/U16s.

Selection Criteria

  • Team selection is based on a points system that rewards performance in various races throughout the season – primarily the Mass Nordic Cup, which all skiers must register for. Points may also be earned via performances in:
    1. High School League Races (public and private).
    2. Championship Races (MIAA & NEPSAC).
    3. Eastern Cups.
  • Invitations to the 2025 U16 and EHS teams were issued on Feb. 18, after the final Eastern Cup of the season.

For more information on how points and ranking lists are calculated, see About MA Nordic Points.

Eligibility

  • Any U16 athlete living or going to school in MA is eligible for U16 Championships.
  • Any high-school athlete (grade 9-12) living or going to school in MA is eligible for EHS Championships.
  • Only athletes who have registered for the MA Nordic Cup are considered for team selection.

Mass Nordic Cup

The Mass Nordic Cup is the primary means of qualifying for a championship team. It is held on a single day annually in late January and includes both skate and classic races. Outside of extenuating circumstances such as illness or injury, athletes attempting to qualify for a championship team are expected to race in the Mass Nordic Cup.

About Mass Nordic

Mass Nordic Committee

Mass Nordic is an independent subsidiary of EMXC Skiing and is led by a committee of coaches from across the state: Hilary Greene (Mt. Greylock / Berkshire Nordic), Chris Li (Wayland), Joe Miller (Lenox), Peter Rayton (Northfield Mount Hermon) Chris Stock (EMXC), Ryan Touponce (Wahconah), and Susannah Wheelwright (Dover-Sherborn).

SafeSport

Under EMXC policies, all coaches and athletes over the age of 18 participating in MA Nordic championship teams are required to complete background checks and SafeSport training through US Ski and Snowboard. For more details, visit the EMXC SafeSport Compliance page.

Contact

For questions or more information, please email [email protected].