Competitors can expect to battle their way through snow at the event, which will again be held in conjunction with the Bash Winter Tri just outside Salt Lake City at Soldier Hollow.

The top three male and female American finishers will earn a spot on the US team for the 2011 ITU Elite Winter Triathlon World Championship, and a $3,000 (£1,893) prize purse will be split between the top three finishers per gender.

The national championship will consist of a 5 kilometres run, a 10km mountain bike ride and an 8km cross-country skiing leg - all on snow.

To be eligible for selection to the winter World Championship an athlete does not need to be a licensed elite triathlete, but must be a current USA Triathlon annual member.

Any unfilled slots will be selected via résumé submission, and all résumés must be submitted to the USAT national office by January 17, 2011.

The date and location of the 2011 ITU Winter Triathlon World Championship have not yet been announced.

Qualifying athletes for the World Championships will receive a $1,200 (£757) travel stipend, a uniform and paid entry to the race.

The top three age group athletes also will qualify, but they are fully responsible for their own costs if they choose to travel to the world championships.