What happens when you mix Utah’s wild-west cowboy heritage with its passion for all things skiing? You get SkiJoring! And the action-packed competition is coming to nearby Midway, Utah, at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center this weekend.
Likely the wildest sport you’ve never heard of, skijoring is a Scandinavian-inspired sport where a horse and rider pull a skier at a galloping pace through a course featuring gates, jumps and rings. Competitors race for cash and prizes based on the fastest times over two days of events.
Lifelong Utah residents Joe Loveridge and Brian Gardner founded SkiJoring Utah three years ago after learning about SkiJoring events in other states including Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. The pair, both being cowboys and skiers (they founded Rocky Mountain Outfitters in the mid ’90s and were ski patrolmen at Sundance Resort for years) loved the idea of combining their passions.
More than 180 teams have registered for this weekend’s SkiJoring races, which begin at 4 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 21, and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Teams can compete in several divisions, with the main ones being Pro, Sport and Novice. New this year are the Women’s Only and High School divisions as well as the Century, which requires the combined age of the rider and skier to equal 100 or more. Events culminate with the Big Air Competition at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Come prepared: It’s still February in Park City after all, so dress warmly and bring gear to keep you warm and comfortable! That means hats, gloves, hand and foot warmers, chairs and blankets. Spectators can stand alongside the SkiJoring racecourse, but you may want a chair to enjoy a short break in the action. Purchase a VIP seating ticket for guaranteed viewing.
Come hungry (and thirsty)! Several food trucks will be onsite as well as Moab Brewery, so bring your appetite … and your ID. In addition to the beer and food trucks, local vendors will be onsite featuring products for sale ranging from apparel to souvenirs. Note: Outside food and drink is permitted, but spectators are encouraged to support the food trucks, Moab Brewery and vendors.
Bring a five-spot: Parking is $5 at the gate. Get your SkiJoring tickets in advance to save time.
PRO TIPS:
Make a weekend out of it! The gorgeous Zermatt Resort and Spa, also located in Midway near Soldier Hollow, is offering a discount on rooms for the event. Contact Zermatt directly and let them know you are coming for SkiJoring Utah to receive the discount.
Get your tailgate on: SkiJoring Utah offers a VIP Tailgate Parking Spot for $125. This designated parking area has great views of the racecourse and lets you show off your pre-game moves! (Individual SkiJoring tickets still required.)
