Skijoring Utah competition returns to Heber in February
Jan 28, 2025, 5:00 PM
Competitors participate in the 2017 Heber Valley Skijoring Competition. (Go Heber Valley)
(Go Heber Valley)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Skijoring Utah will return to Heber Valley in February.
Beginning Feb. 14 at 2 p.m., the competition will be held at the Wasatch County Events Complex’s outdoor arena. The event will resume at 9 a.m. the next day.
A press release said Skijoring Utah blends ski culture with horseback riding, resulting in an action-packed event.
“Wasatch County will be the epicenter of adrenaline with this event, with the perfect blend of snowsports meets the spirit of the Wild West,” said Dallin Koecher, Heber Valley Tourism and Chamber’s executive director.
Looking to participate in Skijoring Utah?
Skijoring Utah said people of any skill level can register to compete. There are a variety of divisions to choose from.
The event website said team registration is preferred, however, individuals are also welcome. For those needing partners, Skijoring Utah’s website provides a link to a Facebook group.
Horses can be registered for up to two teams, while skiers can register for up to four. They can be registered for different competition levels, but may only participate in one division, per the website.
During the event, each team will compete once on Friday and once on Saturday. After everyone has competed, the top 50 will compete in a championship round on Saturday afternoon.
Prizes are available to the top competitors in each division.
During registration, each participant must sign a waiver. Additionally, the event does not provide insurance.
Registration closes on Feb. 12.
What is skijoring?
Skijoring originated as a method of travel in Scandinavia, according to the Wood River Extreme Skijoring Association. Originally, skiers were pulled by reindeer.
It later evolved into an action sport, where one person rides on horseback while a second is pulled behind, executing jumps and turns.
Skijoring was featured during the 1928 St. Moritz Olympics. However, that was the only year it appeared in the lineup, per the Olympics’ website.
Shortly after its Olympic debut, the sport made its way to the U.S. CNN reported it has since become an “ever-growing” activity, specifically in the West.
Deseret News reported that races are mostly held in Western states, however, a handful are held elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada.
In 2024, Skijoring Utah brought a record number of crowds and participants to Heber, per Deseret News. The competition hosted about 345 teams and welcomed 7,775 spectators.
Skijoring Utah began hosting races in 2017, per Deseret News. It was initially hosted at Soldier Hollow, a venue for Salt Lake City’s 2002 Winter Olympics.
Deseret News also reported that Olympic organizers are considering showcasing it during the 2034 games, which will be held in Salt Lake.
Purchase tickets and learn more about the 2025 Skijoring Utah competition on their website.
Related:
- Ski resorts facing low snow levels but staying optimistic
- What do you get when you cross rodeo with skiing? The wild and wacky skijoring
