The World Skijoring Championships are once again returning to Whitefish as a signature event of the Winter Carnival. Combining two of Big Sky Country’s favorites — riding horses and skiing — this Montana-style winter extreme sport attracts competitors from around the nation. Now in its 11th year, competition features an exciting combination of horses (and mules), riders and skiers, mixed with speed, jumps, and of course, snow.
This year’s event is scheduled for Jan. 25-26. Competitors will race for their share of more than $20,000 in four separate classes, plus compete in the Murdoch’s Long Jump. In the timed competition, horses pull skiers around a U-shaped, 800-foot-long course at high speeds, with the skier required to navigate over jumps and around slalom gates.
Last year, more than 3,000 reveling spectators witnessed 70 teams compete.
The competition takes place at the municipal airport grounds with opening ceremonies beginning on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11:30 a.m. featuring Whitefish Winter Carnival Royalty. The skijoring events start at noon on both Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26.
Multiple local establishments offer a wide variety of food and beverage selections throughout the event. There is a nominal $5 per vehicle parking fee, but spectators are free. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the nonprofit Human Therapy on Horseback.
The registration party is Friday, Jan. 24, from 6-9 p.m. at Casey’s Pub and Grill. The big money Calcutta on Saturday, Jan. 25, overseen by professional rodeo announcer Joe Warner, offers the chance to win a 75 percent payback and starts at 7 p.m. at Casey’s Pub and Grill. The awards party is also held Sunday, Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. at Casey’s Pub and Grill.
For more information, visit www.whitefishskijoring.com.