A wild winter sport is making waves across America, but keep in mind it’s not for the faint of heart.
Skijoring – or ‘ski driving’ in Norwegian – began as a way to traverse the harsh winter terrain of Scandinavia hundreds of years ago.
Today it is a fierce competition in which skiers are towed by horseback riders across fiery obstacles and launched into death-defying jumps.
(do sports)
This blend of cowboy and ski culture into one adrenaline-filled spectacle has captured the imagination of America’s heartland, with thrilling skijoring showdowns popping up among the rugged landscapes of Montana, Idaho and Colorado.
A wild winter sport is making waves across America, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.
The exciting sport of ‘Skijoring’ has caused a sensation in the heart of the United States with its mix of cowboy and ski culture.
The winter sport involves skiers being towed by horses through fiery obstacles and launched into death-defying jumps.
This exciting winter sport requires skillful coordination between horse, rider and skier.
One of the highlights of the Skijoring calendar is the ‘Best In The West Showdown’ in Big Sky, Montana, which recently celebrated its sixth year.
The two-day competition, held in early February, is one of the most challenging Skijoring courses in the sport.
The video footage has captivated viewers online, leaving them shocked and in awe of the impressive moves.
‘What did I just watch?! How can there be so many epic things in one video?! commented one social media user.
‘I don’t understand what’s going on here. But I like it,” said another impressed viewer.
The video footage has captivated viewers online, leaving them shocked and in awe of the impressive moves.
One of the highlights of the Skijoring calendar is the ‘Best In The West Showdown’ in Big Sky, Montana, which recently celebrated its sixth year.
“Duuuuude, it gets crazier the more you look at it,” wrote a third user.
Cyclist Carl Gomez races down Harrison Avenue as skier Ben Southworth performs a jump during the 75th annual Leadville SkiJoring weekend competition in Colorado on March 4, 2023.
Rider Taylor Stobaugh races down Harrison Avenue as the skier and Shawn Gerber navigate the course during the 74th annual Leadville Ski Joring Weekend Competition on March 5, 2022 in Leadville, Colorado.
Skier Greg Dahl performs a spin after collecting a series of rings during the 74th annual Leadville Ski Joring Weekend Competition on March 6, 2022 in Leadville, Colorado.
The Best in the West showdown has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of competitive skijoring, with cutting-edge course designs and elements of mountain culture.
Last year’s event attracted more than 150 major teams from North America, with 4,000 people in the audience.
The highlight of the Showdown was the world’s first snowmobile backflip over a live skijoring race, which also captured the attention of millions of people online.
Erik Morrison, one of the producers of Big Sky Skijoring, praised the inclusivity of the event.
He said: ‘Big Sky Skijoring continues the tradition of skijoring while actively expanding the sport to attract new competitors and audiences of all generations.
“You’ve got cowboys and cowgirls, ski racers, freeride competitors, hardcore skiers and bikers, celebrities, families and everyone else on the edge of their seats enjoying the show together,” he said. Big Sky Town Center.
‘Everyone is part of the culture of the event and everyone is VIP. The best seats in the house are anywhere with a great view of the course to cheer on the competitors, a cozy fire pit and enjoying some food and drink with colorful company,” Morrison added.
Skier Kate Serpe is pulled by rider Braiden Klinger in a Skijoring competition on February 25, 2023 in Driggs, Idaho.
Savannah McCarthy, 23, of Durango, Colorado, races down Harrison Avenue on her horse Money while pulling skier Andrew Borrego during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring Weekend Competition on March 5, 2023 in Leadville, Colorado Colorado.
A rider races down Harrison Avenue while pulling a skier during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring Weekend Competition on March 5, 2023 in Leadville, Colorado.
Rider Janelle Urista drags skier Darrin Anderson down Harrison Avenue during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition in Leadville, Colorado, on March 4, 2023.
Clay Hanback, senior manager at Wrangler, one of the event’s sponsors, told Big Sky Town Center: “When our team here at Wrangler saw that video, we had to learn more about this event.
‘Our brand is built on the spirit of people who work hard, have fun and show brave individuality. “After watching coverage of The Showdown, meeting with their team and hearing their vision for the future, we clearly found that spirit.”
The next Skijoring Grand Showdown will be held in Driggs, Idaho on February 24-25.
Leadville Skijoring returns for its 76th year and will take place March 2-3 in Colorado.
The National Finals Skijoring races in Red Lodge, Montana are scheduled for March 9-10 and will be held at The Home Of Champions Rodeo Grounds.