Equal parts rodeo and ski race, skijoring is drawing winter visitors to Colorado’s ranching towns. It offers a thrilling and budget-friendly alternative to the state’s expensive ski resorts.
What is Skijoring?
In skijoring, a skier holds a rope attached to a horse that races down a snowy obstacle course. Skiers navigate jumps and gates at high speed while crowds cheer. The sport combines speed, precision, and horsemanship.
Why Travellers Are Choosing Skijoring
It’s an experience far removed from lift lines and après-ski bars.“People think you have to cross an ocean to experience a different culture,” says professional skier Jim Ryan. “In the U.S., we have these different cultures right next to each other. Skijoring is a perfect way to see it.”
Skijoring Hotspots in Colorado
Ridgway, a small town in southwestern Colorado, is a prime example. Historically a railroad hub for nearby mines, it now hosts the San Juan Skijoring event every January. Competitors and thousands of spectators come from across the country, turning this quiet town into a travel destination.
Other notable events include:
- Estes Park (23-25 Jan): Easy access from Denver, near Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival (3-8 Feb): Part of a 113-year-old festival celebrating Western heritage.
- Silverton (14-15 Feb): Main street races framed by high mountain passes over President’s Day weekend.
- Craig (14-15 Feb): Cowboy-country style skijoring at the local fairgrounds.
- Leadville (7-8 Mar): The world’s highest skijoring festival at 3,109m.
How to Experience Skijoring
Spectating offers an adrenaline rush similar to skiing down steep slopes. Tickets are usually cheaper than a day at the ski resort. For those interested in trying, amateur divisions are available, though they require advanced skiing skills.
Beginner-friendly options include dog-led skijoring at Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Nordic Centers, or horse-led sessions at Snake River Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Animal welfare is a top priority, and horses are trained and monitored carefully.
Why Skijoring Matters
Skijoring gives visitors a new perspective on Colorado’s winter landscape. It encourages travel to towns often bypassed in favor of famous resorts. The sport shows that Colorado’s winter culture extends far beyond lift lines and luxury lodges.
