I agree with @jcamp Regionals are my highlight of the year for the same reasons he stated. I usually don't go to Nationals although I qualify every year. This year will be the second time in over 15 years that I will be going to Nationals. I love Regionals because I compete against the best of my region. Part of the reason the best is there is because of the requirement to ski Regionals. If I podium or God willing someday win Regionals it would be hollow if the best were not there.