GOODE paying the entry fees for 20 first-time Nationals competitors

At GOODE Skis we like to celebrate accomplishments. And as a long-time title sponsor and supporter of the U.S. Nationals, we think that qualifying for, and skiing in your first Nationals, is one of the biggest achievements in our sport.

That's why this year we are paying the entry fees for 20 skiers competing in their first ever Nationals.

"We all remember our first Nationals," says Dave Goode, who first competed in the tournament in 1983. "It's a really big deal and we wanted to recognize that by rewarding some skiers who have worked really hard to get here.

"And the ski industry needs to do everything it can to get people excited about the sport. This is our way of making the experience even better for some deserving skiers who hopefully will keep coming back year after year."

For at least one first-timer, the free entry was enough to help convince them to compete.

"I was honestly considering not skiing until this promotional opportunity was created," said Sue Pickrell, a Women's 5 competitor from Bellevue, Wash., who first skied in 2002 and didn't enter her first tournament until 2011. "Thank you!"

Among the youngest skiers taking advantage of the offer are Sara and Sawyer Perez, Girl's 1 and Boy's 1 competitors, respectively, who both PB'd at this year's Western Regionals.

"They are very excited to ski in their first Nationals," says Shauna Perez, Sara and Sawyer's mom. "And they are very much looking forward to meeting Team GOODE at Nationals."