What is Ski Joring? | What You'll Need | Where to go in Montana

What is Ski Joring?

If you're a ski joring enthusiast from way back, you can probably skip this section. But chances are, you're scratching your head in wonder right now, trying to figure out what ski joring is.

The easiest way to explain it is: it's a cross between dog sledding and cross country skiing. Or, it's a cross between sleigh riding and cross country skiing. Depending on which animal you prefer, it involves having a dog or horse pull you on cross country skis. (You're on the skis, not the dog or horse.)

This activity, like just about any activity involving cross country skis, traces its roots to Scandinavian heritage. But it's gaining popularity in the U.S., with a growing list of clubs and organized competitions such as the National Finals Ski Joring Races in Red Lodge, Montana each March.

What You'll Need

Let's start with the obvious:

• Cross country skis
• Sled Dog(s) (at least 35 pounds) or horse

A horse will certainly be able to pull you with no problem. When you're ski joring with a single dog, however, the idea isn't to rely on the dog to pull you up mountains. You should think of the dog as a "helper" for your cross country skiing.

Other equipment needs:

• Harness for dog or horse
• Tow rope
• Ski joring belt

You'll find plenty of places for ski joring in Montana. While you probably won't get into many cross country ski resorts with a dog (and definitely not with a horse), you can visit any national forest or wilderness area. A good bet is to follow snowmobile trails, as these are usually well packed and established. To keep snowmobilers and other trail users happy, however, be sure to "scoop up" after your horse or dogs.

In addition, Montana hosts premier ski joring events each year. Bozeman hosts the Western Regionals, a ski joring competition held annually on the second weekend in February. Horses pull skiers through an oval course filled with gates and jumps. The fastest time wins.

Following a similar format is the National Finals Ski Joring Races in Red Lodge. The top ski joring event in America, the event includes timed runs, as well as a jumping competition. The Ski Joring Finals (as well as other events) are hosted by the Red Lodge Ski Joring Association; call 406-446-1718 to find out more.