w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m
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Montana is home to a variety of skijoring clubs and
smaller events, including the Gallatin Valley Skijoring
Association, the Red Lodge Skijoring Association, Big Sky
Skijoring Association, Whitefish Skijoring, and Last Chance
Skijoring in Helena.
Skijoring competitions take place all over the state each
winter, with two of the most prominent competitions be-
ing the Skijoring World Invitational in Whitefish, and the
National Finals in Red Lodge. Rules vary somewhat between
events, but collectively dictate that the skier must finish
upright, with the rope in hand, and "at least on one ski,"
meaning the skier cannot be dragged across the finish line
on their face. Additionally, the rider must be in contact with
the horse as they cross the finish line, which means the horse
cannot throw its rider and run the rest of the course riderless.
If you're questioning that these rules even need to be in place,
you've probably never been to a skijoring event.
Each January, Whitefish hosts the annual Whitefish Ski-
joring World Invitational at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Skijoring was a highlight of the Whitefish Winter Carnival
COLLEEN KILBANE
ELORA AKINS
Combined with the
addition of a horse
POUNDING THE TRACK
AT A DEAD GALLOP, FIRST-TIME
VIEWERS WON'T QUITE
BELIEVE THEIR EYES.
