Salt Lake City, renowned for its winter events, will celebrate skijoring on Saturday, Feb. 8, an event part of the Winter Roundup. Bundle up for a day of chilly thrills, where rodeo meets ski culture.
The event promises an exciting blend of fast-paced action, music and entertainment, offering a unique fuse of outdoor adventure and a day full of excitement and energy in the heart of the city.
Want to join the fun? Here’s everything you need to know
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Salt Lake City “will transform West Temple, between City Creek Center and Abravanel Hall, into a vibrant western hub celebrating Salt Lake’s rich heritage in sports, arts and culture,” according to Visit Salt Lake.
The family-friendly event is free, running from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event will be featuring the exhilarating sport of skijoring from 1 PM to 4 PM, per Visit Salt Lake.
Skijoring, where horses pull skiers through a snow-covered course, blends the rodeo spirit with skiing. The event will also feature food from local restaurants, live music and performances, making it the perfect outing for all ages.
“The Winter Roundup is a one-of-a-kind celebration where the thrills of skijoring meet the charm of the Days of ’47 Rodeo, and where Olympic history blends seamlessly with vibrant arts, culture, and family-friendly festivities,” said Visit Salt Lake.
The event invites residents and visitors alike to experience a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural heritage, set against the scenic backdrop of the city’s winter charm. Be sure to bundle up and make your way downtown for a day of memories and fun.
What is Skijoring?
Skijoring is a thrilling winter sport that combines skiing, horses and the natural beauty of snow-covered landscapes. The captivating sport involves a skier being propelled by horse on a snowy course.
The term skijoring comes from the Norwegian word, “skikjøring,” which translates to “ski driving,” per Visit Salt Lake.
“In skijoring, the joy lies in the simplicity of movement, the bond with a furry companion and the subtle glide with nature,” said Kuhl.
Originating in Scandinavia hundreds of years ago, skijoring was initially a practical way to travel across the remote, snow-covered terrain according to Skijor International.
Skijor International stated the sport is known to have made it’s official debut in the Stockholm Winter Games in 1901.
By the early 20th century, the sport made it’s way to North America, sparking “interest and excitement,” said Kuhl. Residents of Montana and Colorado were especially excited about the sport — being able to combine cowboy culture with their love of snow.
It was the at 1928 St. Moritz Winter Olympics, where it debuted as a demonstration sport according to Visit Salt Lake.