History was made in Kamas, Utah, as the first professional skijoring league wrapped up its inaugural season and crowned its first-ever champion. After a six‑event tour, PRO Skijor’s Frontier Tour came to a dramatic close in a three‑way tie for first place. All three top teams finished with 58 points, but Team Montana emerged victorious after winning the tiebreaker. Powered by the horse Elvis and the skier–rider duo of Colin Cook and Josh Abbott, Team Montana etched its name into the record books.
Team Montana set the tone early in the season, securing wins in Heber City, Logan, and Boise. The pro division featured 50 teams, each earning points across the six tour stops in pursuit of the championship. Before the season began, SnowBrains spoke with Josh Abbott about the team’s preparation. He highlighted the use of equine hydrotherapy, a water treadmill that leverages buoyancy and resistance to help horses build strength, improve stride, and enhance cardiovascular conditioning. In a sport that demands precision, speed, and explosive power, these training methods give top teams their competitive edge.
Warm, dry weather added an unexpected twist to championship week. With Salt Lake City facing temperatures too mild for snowmaking, PRO Skijor made the proactive decision to relocate the finale to nearby Kamas. Situated at 6,690 feet, more than 2,000 feet higher than Salt Lake City, Kamas offered colder conditions and a significantly better chance to produce the snow base needed for a safe, fast, and spectator‑friendly event. The change ensured that both athletes and animals could compete at the highest level.
Although skijoring has recently exploded in popularity on social media and across winter festivals, the sport’s roots stretch back more than 75 years. The first recognized competition took place in Leadville, Colorado, in 1949. What began as a quirky off‑season activity for ranchers and skiers has since evolved into a dynamic blend of western culture, horsemanship, and high‑speed alpine skill, now culminating in a full‑fledged professional league.
With a successful inaugural season behind them, PRO Skijor has laid the groundwork for a new era of competitive skijoring. Bigger venues, stronger teams, and more national attention are likely on the horizon. And if the Frontier Tour showed anything, it’s that skijoring’s mix of grit, athleticism, and adrenaline has found a home with fans across the West.
Below are the top three finishers of the pro division.
