USA Climbing today announced a significant calendar update: the YETI National Championships will move from October 2025 to February 2026. The new timing, set just ahead of the 2026 National Team Trials Presented by YETI in March, is aimed at better serving athlete performance and national team selection.

The YETI National Championships will crown six national champions across the Boulder, Lead, and Speed disciplines and serve as one of two elite team selection events (the other being the National Team Trials Presented by YETI).

The changes comes in response to feedback provided by the USA Climbing Athletes’ Commission and in coordination with USA Climbing’s partners. Holding the two selection events closer together and nearer the start of the IFSC World Cup season could result in more consistent performance from athletes and provide them with a meaningful off-season following the World Cup circuit.

“This change is an important step in supporting the long-term success of our athletes,” said Marc Norman, President and CEO of USA Climbing. “By acting on athlete feedback, we hope to improve the team selection process and performance of our competitors.”

Further details on the exact dates and location of the YETI National Championships will be announced later this year.