BARTLETT, New Hampshire ??” The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced that the University of New Hampshire has been selected as the host school for the 2007 NCAA Ski Championships, a move that will focus the attention of the ski racing nation on the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire March 7-10. All alpine competition will be hosted at Attitash in Bartlett, while the Nordic events will be staged at Jackson Ski Touring.

“It’ll be a busy week for the Valley,” said Tom Chasse, managing director of Attitash. “The fact that these races will be returning to Attitash for the third time is a true source of pride for the resort. We look forward to hosting the best collegiate ski racers in the nation once again.”

The local business community has responded positively to the news of the return of the national championship.

“Any event of that nature coming to the Valley is good for all of us,” said Terry O’Brien, owner of the Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub. “I remember watching some of the races in ’95. These kids are impressive.”

“It’s not only a boost for local business but also for our Valley as a destination,” said Janice Crawford, executive director of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great that it comes in March because that will give us a nice boost after the Presidents’ weekend.”

Trails that will host races at Attitash include the super G trail Illusion and Avenger, which will be the site for the slalom and giant slalom. Both trails are on the Bear Peak side of the resort. Attitash’s fellow American Skiing Company resort Steamboat in Colorado is the host of the upcoming 2006 NCAA Championships.

Attitash and the Jackson Cross Country Center previously hosted the NCAA Championships in 1984 and 1995. The University of New Hampshire has been the host school in 1984, 1992 and 1995.

“It’s a marvelous opportunity for our young skiers to see many of the best skiers in the country,” said Thom Perkins, executive director of the nonprofit Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.