DOGS
The first report of a person being pulled on skis (or wooden boards) by an animal or animals, dogs in this case, was recorded by a Persian historian thousands of years ago in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia, where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together. Arguably, this is when and where skijoring, and more importantly, the sport of skiing began!
Today, skijoring with dogs remains a popular sport in Scandinavia, Alaska and the American mid-West.
IFSS Championships
The IFSS, or International Federation of Sled dog Sports, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, sponsors a Championship race every year. Last year (2016), the event was held in Salaven, Norway. In 2017, it was held in Ontario, Canada (January 24 - February 1). In 2018, it was held in Millegrobbe/Lavarone, Trento, Italy (February 23-25). The event featured skijoring as well as dog sledding.
The IFSS is actively pursuing an IOC membership in hopes of having sled dog sports included in the Olympics. As a result, in 1985 the original founders from Idaho and California joined with other sled dog sport enthusiasts from Norway, Germany, Austria, Canada and France to form an international sporting organization. Together they continue to pursue a presence in the Olympic Games.
For more information, click on www.sleddogsport.net or www.isdra.org
Fairbanks, Alaska
The ASPA or Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association promotes recreational and competitive skijoring in the Alaskan Interior. Each season more than 20 events are coordinated including how-to clinics, fun races, competitive races and tours.
For more information, click on www.alaskaskijoring.org
There are also skijoring trails in Denali National Park. Click here for more details and contact information. https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/mushing.htm
minneapolis, Minnesota
The City of Lake Loppets Festival draws more than 10,000 racers of all ages and sizes and celebrates the bright side of winter. The festival boasts 21 events from skijoring to a ski marathon and winter bicycling races to a snow sculpture contest. It is about getting outside and celebrating Minnesota's climate and draws over 20,000 spectators. 10, 5 and 3 kilometer skijoring races are available for skiers and their dogs. The race will be held on February 5, 2027. Click here for details: https://loppet.org/event/skijor-loppet/
OLNEY, MONTANA
The Dog Creek Ranch hosts an annual event called the Flathead Classic that includes skijoring events. This season it will be held over the weekend of February 27 & 28, 2027. Race rules are posted on their website. During the winter season, the ranch offers over 30 kilometers of trails, many of them dog friendly. They are open to skijorers with season passes or individuals on a daily basis. For more information call (406) 881-2071 or go to: https://www.flatheadclassic.org
More information may be available through the venue’s main website: https://www.dogcreeklodge.com/activities
MOUNT SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
Mount Spokane hosts a skijoring race called the Barker Beiner. In 2027, it will be held on February 14th. This event is fun-focused and imposes no weight restrictions or breed requirements on dogs. There are 1 dog, 2 dog, Junior, Senior and “fun run” divisions. For more information click here: https://www.spokanenordic.org/barkerbeiner
In addition to the annual competition, Spokane Nordic Ski Association offers skijoring clinics for $25 plus the cost of a daily or season parking pass for Mount Spokane State Park. These will fall on January 3, 17 and 24 in 2027. The venue is open to skijorers on Thursdays through Sundays from December through April, which is snow dependent. More information on guidelines, clinics and registration can be found at: https://www.spokanenordic.org/skijoring
HAYWARD, WISCONSIN
The Barkie Birkie is a skijoring event held annually that offers three different length tracks, 5K, 3K and 1K. Well-trained and physically fit dogs 30 pounds and up may compete. One dog per competitor is allowed. The race will take place on February 25, 2027.
For more information or registration go to: https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/barkie-birkie/
COLORADO
Several outlets offer skijoring with dogs in Colorado. One, called High Country Dogs, is located in Silverthorne along the I-70 corridor, so easily accessible. https://highcountrydogs.com
Another is Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash located between Fraser and Winter Park along I-40. They offer clinics during the winter for both resort guests or day visitors. Dogs must be leashed, well-trained and at least 35 pounds. Equipment is available to rent on site. For more details click here: https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/adventure/skijoring/
GUILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Gunstock Resort’s Nordic Center offers skijoring instruction and provides dog friendly trails!
