All around Snowmass Village and Aspen residents and visitors are enjoying the warm summer weather and the fantastic summer events. However, even as mountain bikers and hikers zip down and ramble around the four mountains of Aspen and Snowmass, die hard skiers and snowboarders are still thinking about last winter’s powder and planning for next winter’s season. As proof of this, the Aspen Business Journal announced in late May Snowmass Village would host the 2013 and 2014 Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships for the first time since 1998.

The NASTAR National Championship is part of a nationwide race program, which allows participants anywhere in the country to record stats, compete and compare with other participants throughout the country based on a universal scoring system. Due to the wide acceptance of this scoring method, the U.S. Ski Team recognizes the NASTAR races and ranking methods as the premier youth feeder to the U.S. Ski Team.

According to their website, NASTAR, or National Standard Race, was created in 1968 by SKI Magazine and has grown to become the largest grassroots ski program in the world. In 2012 over 95,000 Nature Valley NASTAR participants competed to win rankings and medals based on their age group.

The dates for the 2013 race are already set for March 20^th through the 24^th, drawing skiers of every age from 3 years old through 90 years old, from over 45 states in the country to the wintery slopes of Snowmass Village.  Those with a top five resort ranking in age and ability by February 18^th will race in the Championship twice on Friday and twice on Saturday to establish their handicap score for both days and determine the final racers in the Race of Champions on Sunday. The overall Nature Valley NASTAR title will be determined by combining top racers’ handicap scores in each age and ability category from previous race days with their race time in the final run. This method ensures a level playing field for all racers.

Plans are already in full swing for participants, spectators and residents. In addition to the races, clinics, free concerts, a Warren Miller movie screening, autograph sessions with the U.S. Ski Team alumni and NASTAR pacesetters, raffles and family competitions will also take place over the course of four days. As an extra incentive for athletes throughout the country to commit to next year’s race, Snowmass Village is offering participants and their guests discounts on lift tickets and hotel rooms. Local restaurants and clubs already have plans in the works to promote the race with drink and meal specials as well.

Scott Baldwin, Associate Marketing Director for Nature Valley, remarked in the May 31, 2012 ABJ piece, “We are thrilled to partner with NASTAR and bring the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships to Snowmass. Snowmass’ diverse terrain and its reputation as one of the premier family-friendly resorts in North America will provide the perfect setting to celebrate the fun recreational skiing and ski racing experience…”

While the next several months in Snowmass Village will be spent busily planning the Nature Valley NASTAR Championships, Snowmass can happily tuck this event into her already heavy crown of awards, acknowledgements and riveting national events that rival any city in the Rockies – or the country for that matter.

Come, take a look at this world-renowned town, experience the festivals and soak in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Snowmass Village.  Between activities, click here to see homes, condos and residences in Aspen and Snowmass Village!