Ski Joring Adventure Guide with or without a Horse!
What is Ski Joring? Ski joring is an adrenaline-filled winter sport where a skier is towed behind a galloping horse through a snow-covered course. It's a blend of skiing, horseback riding, and sometimes even rodeo-style thrills. A rider controls the horse while a skier holds onto a tow rope, navigating the course at high speeds (often 25-40 mph). Some courses include jumps, slalom gates, or even rings that the skier must grab for extra points. The goal is usually to complete the course in the fastest time without missing obstacles.
Want to try ski joring? All you need is a trusty, strong, fast horse (such as a Quarter Horse) trained to run in snowy conditions. You will also need a downhill skier, preferably one who has water-skied before. A skier with tow rope experience and a strong grip is ideal.
Equestrian ski joring is especially popular in the U.S. in places like Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho – these states host annual competitions with cash prizes. Skijoring America and other organizations like Skijoring Utah regulate events and ensure safety standards. You can view upcoming events and plan travel with your horse to an event. Most competitions include a novice or beginner level.
Originally a mode of winter transport in Scandinavia, equestrian ski joring became a sport in the early 1900s and debuted as a demonstration sport at the 1928 Winter Olympics in Switzerland. Today, it's a growing extreme sport with dedicated events, sponsorships, and a thriving community. Many competitions also include big air competitions, a spectator favorite.
While there are over 40 event planned across the country below are some recommendations of ski joring events and places to stay nearby with your horse. Use Equine Booking for find more locations for you and your horse to stay and enjoy these iconic events.
Ski Joring: Pagasoa Springs, CO J
Saul's Creek Stables
Saul's Creek Stables is a full service operation to help you make the most of your time spent in Southwest Colorado. We offer RV hook ups, horse facilities, and trails from our property on to National Forest. Owned and operated by the Gabbard family, Saul's Creek Stables has been in operation since 1995.
Ski Jorning: Chewelah, WA
JT Ranch
All inclusive horsemanship, riding, and training facility. Membership, community, Western, English, Cattle, Internship program, Camps, Healing Retreats, Certified Instructors. Boarding, Horse Hotel, Air BNB, facility and group rentals available.
Ski Jorning: Boise, ID
Dunn Rite Ranch
Dunn Rite Ranch is a working horse ranch where you can enjoy a little bit of peace in the country, while being close to town. Don Dunn, retired custom home builder, built it for his wife, Joyce and daughter, Rebecca to enjoy with friends and family who love their horses, and pleasure ride… nothing serious. They own a few horses, run a horse motel for travelers, and share their Ranch house on VRBO with overnight travelers. You can bring your group to ride in our arena and Working Equitation Course for a small haul in fee.
