Introduction to Skijoring
Summit County is custom-made for skijoring, with the abundance of beautiful scenery, plentiful cross-country trails and pathways, and snow-lovers of all ages. But just what is skijoring? By definition, skijoring is a sport where a participant on skis is pulled along by a horse or dog (or even a team of dogs). Today, that has expanded to sometimes include being pulled by a motor vehicle, such as an ATV or snowmobile. You can now discover this wonderful new pastime at select skiing lodges in Frisco.
Skijoring most commonly consists of one to three dogs providing the power to pull a cross-country skier along, with the skier assisting with his own power and ski poles. Wearing a skijoring harness, the skier calls out commands to the dogs, which are connected to the harness by a length of rope, connected to the dogs which are wearing connected to the rope with standard sled dog harnesses. It’s nearly like running a sled dog team, without the sled.
The other significant differentiation from dog sledding is the absence of reins to provide control and direction to the team.
Who Participates in Skijoring?
Many dog breeds love to participate in skijoring, due to their innate need to run and exercise. Larger breeds are naturally better suited for the sport, such as sledding breeds: Setters, Pointers, and northern breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Inuit dogs take very readily to skijoring.
Age is not a limiting factor for human participants – all family members can enjoy the sport. It is enjoyed both competitively and recreationally in many countries. Competitions are believed to have originated in Scandinavia, but the sport is a worldwide pastime, with competitions sanctioned by such organizations as the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA).
In the USA, one of the world’s largest competitions was held in Minneapolis in 2011, with 200 skijoring teams participating in the event for the first National Skijoring Championship.
Skijoring in Summit County
Fortunately for skijoring enthusiasts, Summit County has expert resources available to acclimate skiers to the excitement of the sport. Beginning clinics are offered at the Frisco Nordic Center, focusing on training, equipment requirements, dog care, and even the best places in the area to skijor.
Following basic indoor instruction in this educational session, participants take to the snow with their dogs, practicing the basics of skijoring, including commands for the dogs and how to properly handle the lines. Commands are those utilized in dog sled racing: “hike” to start, “whoa” to stop, “gee” and “haw” to turn right and left, and “on by” to pass by distractions such as other dogs or trees. Since this is essentially cross-country skiing plus dog power, it’s important that participants possess at least intermediate cross-country skills. In skijoring, both classic and skate skiing techniques can be applied.
Nordic Center sessions are led by an expert in dogs and skijoring – Louisa Morrissey. Louisa is a professional dog trainer who also owns High Country Dogs, and has partnered for several years with the Frisco Recreation Department to facilitate dog activities for the town.
Classes are open to both Nordic Center season pass holders, and those not holding season passes, at applicable rates. Sessions are offered on Saturdays from 10:00-12:00 on January 21, February 4, and February 25.
Skijoring Equipment
Skiers taking on the sport will of course need standard cross-country ski equipment, including well-waxed skis to reduce the strain on their dogs, and ski poles. Skiers wear a wide band around their waist, with often includes leg clips to retain its position. Some skiers also utilize rock-climbing belts interchangeably for skijoring.
Dogs taking to the trails for skijoring can be equipped with any standard harness utilized in sled dog activities. Fit is important, so be certain you understand the proper way to outfit your “best friends” for the trail.
Connecting the skier to the dog team is accomplished with the skijoring line, which is normally at least eight feet long. For larger dog teams (such as three dogs), a longer line is typically used. It is common to include a section of bungee-style cord in the line, to help absorb the impact of sudden starts by the dogs, or abrupt stops by the skier. Many skiers also implement a quick-release hook on the skier’s harness, to allow fast separation from the dogs in the event that becomes necessary.
Having acquired those basic items for skijoring, and obtaining proper training at the Nordic Center, you and your dogs are ready for a great day on the trails.
Frisco Inn on Galena – Skijoring Central
Skiing lodges in Frisco provide convenient access to skijoring activities. The Frisco Inn on Galena is a boutique bed and breakfast that is centrally located for easy access to the Frisco Nordic Center and the plentiful cross-country trails in Summit County. Inn staff can help you with directions to local events, and can even arrange for equipment rentals.
Frisco’s historic Main Street is only steps away, with an array of great restaurants for every palate, shopping, and popular night spots for your entertainment after a great day of skijoring.
Frisco Inn on Galena is your perfect base for skijoring, with unparalleled service and hospitality, a complimentary gourmet breakfast, cozy fireplaces, and all the modern amenities that include a game room, flat screen televisions in rooms, and WiFi throughout the facility. Enjoy our daily complimentary happy hour, including wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres.
Visit the Frisco Inn on Galena for your skijoring adventure, and find out why Frisco is known as the “Main Street to the Rockies”.
