Ski Joring
The winter time sport known as Ski Joring, or Skijor (ski-jur) may be new to many people, but it’s been enjoyed for centuries in Scandinavia and Alaska. It simply means “ski-driving” and can refer to a cross country skier being pulled along by either dogs, horses or even in more modern times, mechanical equipment. In Germany, people enjoy Skijoring behind motorcycles and snowmobiles for a fast and fun ride. Most people are familiar with the sled dogs of Alaska – so if you take away the sled and have the dogs pull you along with the cross country skis on, that is Skijoring.
In the high altitude town of Leadville, Colorado – the sport relies on a horse for pulling a rider down the snowy path, and they incorporate many obstacles, jumps and gates to make it more exciting to watch. Every March, there is a Skijoring competition in Leadville during the annual Crystal Carnival. Ski Joring has been going on in Leadville since 1949, and is one of the premier events of its kind in the country. The history of the Leadville competition beginning in 1949 actually owes its start to the established sport which had been taking place in the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival for many years. In Steamboat, the cowboys would have horse races pulling skiers down the snowy main street, and started one of the favorite sports – the shovel race – where a rider on horseback tows a contestant seated on a large metal shovel in a high speed race. That is amazing to watch!
As far back as 1928, in the Winter Olympics, this sport was being demonstrated with horses. Equestrian Skijoring consists of a team of a single horse, generally guided by a rider, pulling the person on skis who carries no poles and simply hangs onto a tow rope much like a person would when water skiing. In France, competitions involve a horse with no rider, being guided by the skier. Certainly the horses who compete in these events are highly trained and capable animals who are comfortable in this sport.
Dog Skijoring
Many people who would like to try skijoring may feel more comfortable using the dogs to pull. It requires minimal equipment and only one or two dogs who are trained in common commands and love to pull. Many breeds are well suited to this sport, and the large breeds including Huskies, Great Danes, Labradors, Pointers, Setters, Malamutes and Samoyeds are the most common. If your dog is at least 35 lbs. and in good physical health, loves to be outside and is suited to cold weather, then they may like the sport of Skijoring. Many dogs love to pull and when put in this environment, with love and praise, they have as much fun as the human part of the team! If you are interested in learning more about the sport, many clubs and classes are providing education for the beginner. Even many of the Nordic Centers are enjoying this outdoor activity and will provide both a groomed trail, and experts to help you become familiar with Skijoring.
Colorado Nordic Centers for Skijoring
Several Nordic centers in Colorado have dog trails for Skijoring, including:
- Breckenridge Nordic Center
- Crested Butte Nordic Center
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch
- Gold Run Nordic Center
- Snow Mountain Ranch
- Tennessee Mountain Nordic Center
Every Nordic Center has different trail systems, and regulations, so it’s best to contact the center you will be visiting to get the details. For the beginner, Camp Hale (North of Leadville), the Winter Park area, and the Nordic Centers in Marble and Breckenridge are good places to start. It may be a good idea to take a lesson in skate skiing – lots of Nordic Centers offer lessons along with rentals. One important thing to remember is use only cross country skis and not downhill, because it’s necessary to have your heels free for propulsion. Skijoring can be done on any type of cross country ski. At slower speeds or in deeper snow, it’s done on classic or touring skis, even on backcountry skis! At faster speeds and on groomed trails, skate skiing is often the preferred choice. Come try this fun and aerobic activity this winter!
Ski Joring Photo Gallery
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