Skijoring, a dynamic and exhilarating sport, is rapidly gaining traction across the American West, blending the rugged spirit of rodeo with the adrenaline-pumping speed of skiing. This unique “action sport” combines two cultural staples of the region—equestrianism and snow sports—into a spectacle that captivates both participants and spectators alike. Derived from the Norwegian word “skikjøring,” meaning “ski driving,” the modern iteration involves skilled skiers or snowboarders being towed by horseback over a challenging snow-covered obstacle course at breakneck speeds.
The sport demands a precise dance between horse, rider, and skier. As the horse and rider accelerate, reaching speeds of nearly 40 mph, the skier must skillfully navigate slalom gates, clear jumps, and maintain their grip on a 30-foot rope. A single lapse in concentration or a loss of balance can end a run prematurely. Despite its relatively niche status, skijoring events are multiplying each winter across states like Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as in Maine, Minnesota, and Calgary, Canada. The growing popularity has even sparked discussions about its potential inclusion as a demonstration or exhibition sport in the Winter Olympics, with Salt Lake City being a strong contender for future games.
The Utah Skijoring Phenomenon
In Utah, skijoring has carved out a significant niche, largely thanks to the efforts of lifelong friends Brian Gardner and Joe Loveridge. After witnessing the sport in Montana, they were inspired to bring it to their home state. In 2017, they founded Skijoring Utah and staged their first race at Soldier Hollow, the venue for the 2002 Olympic cross-country skiing events. What began as a modest event with 100 competitors and 500 spectators has since grown exponentially.
A recent competition in Heber City drew a record-breaking 345 teams across various divisions, from novice to professional. The event offered $25,000 in prize money and coveted rodeo-style belt buckles, attracting 7,775 spectators over two days. The competition also features unique divisions like the “lil buckaroo” for children and a “century division” where the combined age of the rider and skier must exceed 100. The Cowboy Channel, a prominent network for Western and rodeo sports, provided live coverage of the event.
A Spectator’s Delight
Skijoring events have become a must-see attraction, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to experience the thrill firsthand. On a recent cold but sunny Saturday in Heber City, spectators donned Stetsons and beanies, filling the bleachers against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The atmosphere was electric, with country and rock music blaring, a drone capturing aerial footage, and track-side tailgating creating a festive college football-like ambiance. Attendees enjoyed gourmet food, beverages, and browsed vendors selling everything from leather saddles to ski goggles.
Cole Barton, a regular attendee, highlighted the immersive experience: “You get more of an experience for this event. It just sets the vibes… You’re getting sprayed with snow, you’re seeing the horses run right past you.” For many, like Katie Frickel, who discovered skijoring on social media, it’s an annual highlight. Frickel, who competes with her racehorse, describes the sport as exhilarating, even going viral on TikTok with videos garnering millions of views.
Urban Skijoring and Nordic Roots
Skijoring’s reach has even extended into urban environments. Salt Lake City hosted its first skijoring exhibition as part of Visit Salt Lake’s winter sports festival. Snow was trucked in to create a course on West Temple, attracting over a thousand spectators. Kaitlin Eskelson, President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake, aimed to introduce something “iconic that would shock and awe people,” successfully bringing the sport to what is believed to be the largest city to ever host it. Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street, an experienced skier who has tried skijoring, noted the transferable skills, emphasizing the added unpredictability of the horse’s pace compared to gravity-driven skiing.
The origins of skijoring trace back centuries to Scandinavia, where it was a practical means of transportation across frozen landscapes, using reindeer or horses to pull skiers. Historically, it even served military purposes for the Norwegian army. As the sport evolved, horses replaced reindeer, and it spread across Europe. In North America, skijoring emerged in the early 1900s, appearing at recreational events like the Dartmouth Winter Carnival and becoming a pastime in mountain towns. Notably, skijoring was featured as an exhibition sport at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland, though its results were not officially recorded.
The Evolving Landscape of Skijoring
The sport’s unique blend of equestrian prowess and skiing skill has fostered unlikely friendships between riders and skiers, often meeting for the first time on race day. Horses are considered vital teammates, with riders like Marquise Young noting that riding horses fast is “better than rodeo.” Despite varying course lengths and rule sets across different states, there’s a growing movement towards standardization. Loren Zhimanskova, through Skijor USA, is working to bring uniformity to the sport nationally and internationally, aiming to create a unified governing body.
While some organizers prefer independence, Zhimanskova believes a more organized structure is crucial for securing sponsorships and potentially achieving Olympic recognition. “I think it’s a really fun journey to be on,” she stated, highlighting the sport’s unpredictable yet exciting evolution. The allure of skijoring lies in its raw adrenaline, the power of the horses, and the sheer skill required from the skiers, making it a captivating spectacle that continues to grow in popularity.
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