Idaho Skijoring

For awhile now, I’ve wanted to see skijoring in action, and I’m so glad I finally got the chance! What is skijoring?

“Skijoring is a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled forward by a horse, dog(s), or motor vehicle. Derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring meaning "ski-driving," it originated as a Scandinavian travel method and has evolved into a high-speed, competitive sport, often featuring jumps, gates, and ring-grabbing, particularly with horses”

It’s the Year of the Fire Horse! And this Teton Valley Skijoring event was definitely on fire! The cowgirls and boys and their horses fiercely compete to bring victory to them and the skier or snowboarder being pulled behind them! Each horse/rider/and skijor-er set out to make the fastest time through the course. The course includes challenges like gates and jumps (depending on the skier/boarder’s level). Each horse and rider pair pull their ski-jorer with a 33 foot long rope that attaches to the horse’s saddle. The team with the fastest time and fewest errors win! This sport has become so popular that multiple states now host regular competitions, with the PRO skijor championships taking place in Utah this weekend! (Feb 28-March1)

I hope you enjoy some images from the event below (click on images to enlarge)

Have you been to a skijoring event? Let me know!