every series is independently run, and faces individual challenges, which include availability and cost of the venue, as well as equipment and staff. The USASA membership is $75. event fees are separate, but rather than running against pacesetters, you are in an actual race format for the day. That membership will also allow you to compete in any series.
In Massachusetts, our fee is $25 for a single event, $40 for a double event (2 races in a day). We run races on 3 separate days, with a GS and Slalom each day. the toata cost to race the series (excluding lift tickets) is $195.
All series are governed by the rule book and sanctioning agreement which mandates that a series must run at least two separate days of an event to qualify for nationals.
Yes, It is more expensive than Nastar, But it is course set for snowboarders by snowboarders, and it is where the few remaining serious racers and coaches are developing. Nastar is a great product for fun; USASA is promoting development, which is what we need now to keep enjoying the benefits of race driven technology.