Where to Watch and Try Skijoring Around Denver This Winter

Following today’s kick-off parade, saddle up for rodeo performances, country concerts, bars and Texas-style barbecue at the National Western Stock Show. From Saturday, January 10 through Sunday, January 25, the 120th annual event will feature a wide range of rip-roarin’ shows starring steer, horses and other livestock.

If you’re into these kinds of down-home, high-energy competitions, skijoring should also be on your radar. Watch horses kick up snow as roped-up skiers soar through downtown Leadville, Steamboat Springs and other mountain towns in Colorado this winter. Rookies who want to give skijoring a go can also hitch themselves to their dogs at several Nordic trails around the state.

Equestrian Skijoring Events

San Juan Skijoring
January 9-11
22739 US-550, Ridgway
More than a sporting event, San Juan Skijoring will take place at the Ouray County Fairgrounds. Expect live music, local bites and interactive exhibitions alongside thrilling competitions — which involve not only horse-pulled skiers, but even daring snowboarders. Obstacles include vertical boxes, rails and a gap jump over a Toyota Tacoma.

Estes Park Skijor
January 23-25
1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park
Though it remains a prime spot for backcountry turns, Hidden Valley ski area shuttered in Rocky Mountain National Park more than thirty years ago. But this month, Estes Park will revive its skiing legacy with its skijoring event. Cheer from the sidelines or escape the cold from inside the warming hut, where competitions will appear on the big screen. There will also be kids’ activities, vendor booths and hearty food truck fare.

Steamboat Winter Carnival
February 3-8
Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
Head to Steamboat Springs to experience the oldest winter carnival west of the Mississippi. This exciting event involves ski jump exhibitions, a parade featuring the country’s only skiing high school band, a drone show and other festivities. Visit on closing day to see children take part in equestrian skijoring — they raise them different in Ski Town, USA.

Silverton Skijoring
February 14-15
Blair Street, Silverton
For those who love extreme sports, Silverton is the perfect Valentine’s weekend getaway. Stand among other spectators as bold cowboys and skiers tear down notorious Blair Street. With nearby Pagosa Springs’ annual Skis and Saddles skijoring event canceled due to a lack of snow, thousands are expected to gather in the small southwest town.

Grand Lake Skijoring
February 28-March 1
Grand Avenue, Grand Lake
Witness an action-packed mix of ski and cowboy culture at Grand Lake Skijoring. This second annual event will open competitions to snowboarders, novices and seasoned professionals.

Leadville Ski Joring
March 7-8
Harrison Avenue, Leadville
While many events on this list are relatively new, Leadville has hosted skijoring competitions since 1949. This year, horses and skiers in tow will race through its historic downtown on March 7 and 8, firing off at high noon each day. Bid on your favorite team, then watch as they spear rings and land jumps for the most points at the “granddaddy of them all.”

Skijoring with Your Dog

Breckenridge Nordic Center
9 Grandview Drive, Breckenridge
Your four-legged friend is permitted on fifteen miles of groomed tracks at the Breckenridge Nordic Center — specifically, all the Peak Seven trails above Ski Hill Road. Refer to its map for greater insight, and take note that none of these designated trails are rated as easy. But with your pup’s help, the uphill slog might not be all that bad.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
3530 County Road 83, Tabernash
Sprawling across 6,500 acres, this luxurious guest ranch offers a whole host of winter activities: horseback and sleigh rides, snowshoeing, fat biking and cross-country skiing alongside your pup. Skijoring gear is available for rent, as are Nordic center day passes. For guided instruction, consider booking one of its skijoring clinics in February or March.

Grand Mesa Nordic
Forest Road 118, Cedaredge
Each winter on Grand Mesa, the community-supported Grand Mesa Nordic Council grooms 31 miles of trails across three cross-country ski areas. Dogs and their owners can use this whole system, which has trails for all abilities, entirely for free. If you’re new to skijoring, consider starting with the easy, aptly named Dog Loop.

YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
1101 County Road 53, Granby
Take a day trip or spend the night in a cozy cabin at Snow Mountain Ranch. It’s easy to fill an itinerary with tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, horseback rides and a new wood-fired sauna all located on-site. There’s also a spacious Nordic center with 25 miles of pet-friendly trails. Snag an affordable day pass and see its digital trail map for current grooming conditions.