Want to try something uniquely Alberta?
Welcome to the world of Equestrian Skijoring, a winter spectacle as thrilling as any stampede. It combines the daring of downhill sports with the rugged charm of the Western lifestyle.
Skijoring, although not originally from Alberta, has been embraced and transformed by Albertans into an event that epitomizes our adventurous and creative culture.
Picture this: rugged riders atop majestic horses, racing across snowy landscapes, towing skiers or snowboarders, and sometimes people in a clawfoot tub behind them!
That’s just Alberta wild!
Banff Snow Days
Banff Snow Days Festival features, among its other festival activities, an annual skijor event showcasing the best of Albertan horsemanship, ski prowess, creative costumes, and plain tom-foolery.
Banff Snow Days will start on January 17 this year and run through February 2. On January 18 and 19, Banff’s main street will be transformed into an equestrian track with ski jumps to showcase trick riding and ski stunts
Truckloads of snow and a little creative staging will create a spectacle for spectators. And, of course, the setting is world-class!
Be sure to show up to see the incredible athleticism of riders, skiers and horses and, of course, more than a few thrills and spills.
Blending old-school cowboy with modern ski gear will give the event a signature Alberta feel. Even though you can’t participate in the Skijor event itself (professionals only), you can attend a SkijorStyle half-time fashion show competition. The Banff Snow Days website says, “Brush your yeti boots, dig out your grandma’s fur coat, your pappy’s trapper hat and anything neon in your attic. Mash with leather, fringe and mod tech gear to show us your signature #SkijorStyle. There will be prizes up for grabs!”
Try it Yourself
But skijoring in Alberta isn’t just for the elite athletes.
It’s an inclusive sport, welcoming everyone with a sense of adventure.
For instance, Hartell Homestead near Diamond Valley offers skijor days this winter so that novices can try the sport. Dates are not set yet but watch their event page for details.
Sam Mitchell, the founder of Skijor Canada, perfectly captures the essence of this sport: “It’s a cocktail of skills, athleticism, adrenaline, style, and fun.”
He emphasizes how Skijoring brings together diverse communities – riders and sliders, each appreciating the other’s abilities.
The sport isn’t limited to just horse and ski.
Now Add Cheese!
Alberta takes it a notch higher with Skijordue, a quirky event that combines Skijoring with fondue among other activities
Picture a blistering blend of snow, speed, style, and cheese—gritty cowboys, gnarly free-riders, fur, fringe, and fashionistas — set to take place on February 15 and 16 at Confluence Park in Calgary. The theme? “Eat Cheese, Go Fast!”
Talk about blending tradition with innovation!
This fusion, as Mitchell puts it, is a “mashup – it’s old and new, it’s high tech and old school.”
Everyone is welcome, and the more unconventional, the better.
It’s a celebration of Alberta’s cultural tapestry, where cowboy hats meet ski helmets, where the thrill of the rodeo meets the rush of the slopes.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s quintessentially Albertan, where you can taste the wild spirit of the West and the thrill of the mountains, look no further than Equestrian Skijoring.
It’s more than a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of Alberta’s diverse and dynamic spirit.
