Friday Fun Facts – Estes Park’s Skijor, A New Winter Tradition

Estes Park Skijor: A Celebration of Winter Sports and Mountain Heritage

The inaugural Estes Park Skijor competition is set to take place on January 24-25, 2025, at the Estes Park Events Complex, bringing a thrilling new winter sports tradition to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This unique event blends the town’s rich skiing and ranching history into an adrenaline-pumping spectacle that promises excitement for participants and spectators alike.

What is Skijoring?

Skijoring is a dynamic winter sport with Norwegian roots, literally meaning “ski driving.” Participants consist of a horse and rider team pulling a skier through a challenging course filled with gates, jumps, and obstacles. What began as a practical mode of winter transportation has evolved into a competitive sport that showcases the incredible skill and coordination of horses, riders, and skiers.

A Perfect Fit for Estes Park

The event is a natural extension of the town’s diverse winter sports heritage. Hidden Valley, once a popular ski resort within Rocky Mountain National Park, defined Estes Park’s skiing culture for decades. Although the resort is now closed, the area remains a hub for winter activities like backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Simultaneously, Estes Park’s deep-rooted ranching traditions and ongoing equestrian culture provide the perfect backdrop for this innovative competition.

Event Highlights

Running from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Skijor weekend offers much more than just races:

• Professional athletes in the Open field class competing for cash prizes
• Indoor Warming Hut Expo at the Events Center
• Food truck row featuring local cuisine
• Estes Park craft beer selections
• Comprehensive kids’ activity area with:
  • Strider course
  • Mini golf
  • Coloring stations
• Local vendor marketplace
• Live event streaming on big screens

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Training

The event isn’t just about the race—it’s about the incredible preparation. Horses must be meticulously trained to remain calm and responsive while pulling a skier. Riders focus on precise control and communication, while skiers practice balance, quick movements, and navigating obstacles.

The horses undergo extensive groundwork, learning to ignore distractions and tolerate the presence of skiers and ropes. Skiers often train in ski parks or with motorized pulls like snowmobiles to simulate the unique conditions of skijoring. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless, synchronized team that can navigate the course with speed and precision.

Why Winter in Estes Park?

January offers a magical time to visit, with snowcapped Rocky Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. The lack of a traditional ski resort makes it an affordable winter destination, and the Skijor event adds an extra layer of excitement to the season.

A New Tradition Begins

The Estes Park Skijor represents more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of the town’s adventurous spirit, its connection to winter sports, and its equestrian heritage. It invites visitors and locals alike to experience a fresh, exhilarating twist on winter recreation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a new tradition and witness the spectacular combination of skiing, horsemanship, and mountain culture.

To learn more about this weekend’s events, visit: www.visitestespark.com