BOSTON -- The 2014 U.S. figure skating championships, which will serve as the de facto Olympic trials, will be held in Boston.

U.S. Figure Skating says Tuesday that nationals will run Jan. 5-12. The Sochi Winter Olympics begin Feb. 7.

Although the event does not completely determine the U.S. Olympic team, it is the final and main qualifier, and the top skaters at nationals generally make the squad.

It will be the seventh time nationals have been held in Boston, most recently in 2001.

"The area is steeped in figure skating tradition," U.S. figure skating executive director David Raith said. "I'm confident that the community's impressive skating history will extend to the 2014 U.S. championships."

Next year's national championships are in Omaha, Neb.