Trip Report
President’s Day Weekend delivered much-needed snow to eager thrill seekers in Silverton, Colorado. My commute was outstanding, as per usual for the infamous Red Mountain Pass. Amazingly, the preceding day, nearly a foot of snow fell on the surrounding San Juan Mountains, then making way to bluebird Colorado skies. The stage was set for an adrenaline-packed weekend of skijoring in Silverton, free admission no less.
If you are not familiar with skijoring, you’re not alone. This sport is far from new, but is still a niche sport. However, it is rapidly gaining popularity as a spectator sport in the Mountain West.
Teams are divided into three categories depending on past skijoring experience. The “Novice” division welcomes teams that are new to the sport and may be taking their first pulls ever. The “Sport” division comprises the majority of competitors, who are considered to have an intermediate skill level. These teams have seen competition before, but may not be on the level to enter the “Open” division. That division consists of seasoned veterans, some of the best horse, rider, and skier combinations in the sport today.
This year’s event saw a potentially record-setting crowd. Certainly, the most people I have ever seen in Silverton during the winter season. Nearly 100 teams traveled from all over the Mountain West to participate in this action-packed event. Some teams traveled from as far away as Maine to compete for the $15,000 prize purse. With immense local support, the 17th annual Silverton Skijoring Competition went off without a hitch, and we’re already looking forward to next year. Local sponsors include: Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, SKA Brewing, Grand Imperial Hotel, Lacy Rose Saloon, Maisel Excavation, Peach Street Distillers, and Silverton Mountain.
Overall Time Results
Open Division
Dennis Alverson riding “Jet Fuel Cowboy” pulling Jim Ryan was the winning combination for the Open division with a total time of 40.17 seconds.
Sport Division
Phoebe Alverson riding “Ozzie” pulling Madison Ostergren was the winning combination for the Sport division with a total time of 39.83 seconds.
Novice Division
Shayden Valdez riding “Dixie” pulling Richard Weber was the winning combination for the Novice division with a total time of 57.99 seconds.
If these pictures get you stoked, then you are a prime candidate to attend a skijoring event near you. Many circuits exist in Western states such as Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. New this year comes the first Professional Skijoring Series, aiming to bring the sport to a larger audience, while growing competition. Information on the Frontier Tour can be found on the PRO Skijor website.
