Winter Fun – Western Style

Red Lodge

Written by Cyd Hoefle
Photos by Colleen Kilbane and Stu Hoefle

Ski-joring is an action-packed winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse and rider over a snow-packed course of gates, jumps and obstacles. It’s the bringing together of two entirely different kinds of people, cowboys and skiers, and teaming their talents to compete against the clock and entertain the crowd.  

Red Lodge will once again be hosting the National Finals Ski-Joring races this March with the top riders and skiers in the sport making their way to the mountain town to enjoy some small-town hospitality and to compete for the fastest time during the two-day event. The competition draws competitors from many surrounding states. 

The Red Lodge course is unique in that it is a horse-shoe shaped course making it easier for spectators to see the entire race up close as the horse gallops past pulling a skier through turns, sending snow covering the bystanders, all while competing with the clock. 

The unique shape of the course makes it challenging for horses and skiers alike. Riders must keep their eyes in front and in back as they guide their horses while racing at top speed, while making sure the rope between the horse and the skier is taut and the skier is safe. And always they try to give the skier a chance at the fastest time possible.  

Red Lodge’s event is a draw for the entire family as they not only host the ski-joring, but throughout the weekend, activities are available that are directed toward children.

Make sure to mark the dates on the calendar and we’ll see you in Red Lodge!