2026 Team Selection Information
USAIC World Cup & Youth World Championship Quotas
6 men & 6 women in both Difficulty and Speed to each foreign WC and 9 men & 9 women to the US WC. Minimum age is 16 in 2026
6 girls & 6 boys in each age category and both Difficulty and Speed to the Youth World Cup Championship. Minimum age is 14 in 2026
The team will be selected by Team Officials Kendra Stritch and Marcus Garcia supported by a committee of additional personnel.
Some athletes will be offered a spot on the team by Sept. 25th. These athletes are still expected to attend the National Team Selection Event.
All Adult athletes who are applying for the National Team are expected to attend Saturday and Sunday of the USAIC Training Camp and National Team Selection. Event. Youth who can not attend may still be part of the Youth World Championship Team.
One male and one female Team Captain will be appointed before the first World Cup
Zoom Interviews with applicants will be performed prior to October 3rd.
Team members will receive a team uniform which may include apparel or other branded items (e.g. heat-transfer logos for existing/personal clothing)
Team members will receive a 1-year USAIC membership
Team Officials will be considering the following
Past World Cup and Continental Cup Performance
Team participation and attitude
Ability and intention to attend all competitions
Performance at the Team Selection Event
Potential to develop skill and performance in ice climbing competitions
Application Process
Complete Training Camp and National Team Selection Event Google Form by Sept. 25th
Pay for Training Camp and Team Application Fee ($325)
Zoom Interview with Team Officials
Attend Team Selection Event
Debrief with Team Officials at end of Team Selection Event
Notification by Oct 30th.
Email usaiceclimbing@gmail.com with questions
FAQ
There is no set number of people that will be on the 2026 team.
There is no competition. We will be climbing competition routes in red point and on sight format and discussing scoring.