The quota places for the individual national associations were allocated on the basis of the FIBT ranking from the previous season: Canada, the USA, Australia, Japan, Mexico and South Korea each competed with four athletes. All other nations from America, Asia and Oceania received three starting places, all nations from Europe and Africa two starting places. Canada, the USA, Japan and Australia were able to take part with four athletes each. All other nations from America, Asia and Oceania received three starting places, all nations from Europe and Africa two starting places.
The last two scheduled races in Lake Placid in January could not be officially evaluated because the field of participants did not meet the FIBT requirements. According to the regulations, at least six athletes from at least three nations must compete; the seven registered athletes came from only two nations.