Skijoring in Wisdom, Montana
For the last 10 years, Wisdom, Montana, has worked to carve out a piece of winter recreation that is up and coming in today’s crowded recreational world: Skijorring. Since they started the event in 2008, they’ve moved from Main Street to the Wisdom Air Strip in order to accommodate the ever-growing crowds. That foresight seems to be working, as the town and surrounding communities like Jackson and Wise River are benefiting from the influx of people coming for the event.
Skijorring is where a fast horse with a wild rider pulls a skier with a death wish as fast as possible for 300 yards over jumps and tight turns, grabbing a ring in the middle and finishing upright. The faster you are, the more likely you’ll be a prize in the Calcutta, where teams are going for well over $400 this year. Some real money is made and lost on those bets.
Don't worry, this situation is totally under control.
In skijoring, a rope is attached to the saddle of the horse and held by the skier. Typically, ropes are either 50 feet in length for curved courses or 33 feet in length for straight courses.
A skier cuts along the track.
Typically, skijorers have to weave in and out of ski gates, going to the right of the red gates and left of the blue gates. Photo by Ed Tinsley.
A skier hits a jump.
Skijoring jumps vary from 3 to 6 feet high, depending on the course. Photo by Ed Tinsley.
Spoiler Alert:
He lands it.
Close call.
Photo by Ed Tinsley.
This is a sport that takes focus.
The look of determination on the faces of both riders speaks wonders. Photo by Ed Tinsley
Skijoring Tip #1: Hold on.
Another rider weaves in between the ski gates.
Skijoring Tip #2: Maintain an athletic stance.
Skijoring Tip #3: Give the judges a good show.
Spectators and judges watch in the background as another team races through the course.
Skijoring Tip #4: Breath.
Skijoring Tip #5: Look stylish.
If only our homesteading great-grandparents could see us now.
Homesteading families started to settle into the Big Hole Valley at the turn of the twentieth century. Since then, it has primarily been a strong, innovative ranching community.
Ready and determined.
Whether she needs to herd some cattle or pull a skier, this rider is ready.
Skijoring, bringing all Montanans together.
Skijoring is a world where Big Sky ski culture meets our cowboy roots. Photo by Ed Tinsley.
A close up on one of the riders.
A watchful spectator.
During this weekend in February, hundreds and hundreds of people flock to the small town of Wisdom. It's a family event that brings all types of Montanans together for one exciting competition.
Pro-tips for how to keep warm as a spectator.
Skijorer in training.
The next generation of skijorers are out there. Photo by Ed Tinsley
There are still more skijorring events in Montana this winter:
March 10,11: Red Lodge Montana
March 17th & 18th in Big Sky
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