Skijor Returns to Estes Park: A Thrilling Winter Tradition

Mark your calendars for January 23–25, 2026, as Estes Park welcomes back the exhilarating sport of skijoring to the Estes Park Events Complex.

 

Skijor is one of those things that sounds made up until you see it. A horse, a rider, and a skier all moving fast in the same direction, hoping everyone keeps their balance.

 

It’s coming back to the Estes Park Events Complex January 23 through January 25, and if you’ve never watched it in person, it’s worth stepping outside for.

 

At its simplest, skijor is speed and coordination. A horse and rider pull a skier through a course marked with gates, jumps, and obstacles. The skier hangs on, adjusts, and tries to keep up. When it works, it’s impressive. When it doesn’t, it’s still impressive, just in a different way.

 

Skijor fits here in a way that doesn’t need much explanation. Estes Park has always lived somewhere between skiing and horsemanship. Hidden Valley brought decades of ski history to the valley, and long before that, horses were how people worked, traveled, and made a living here. Putting the two together feels less like a novelty and more like a continuation.

 

Beyond the races, attendees can enjoy the Warming Hut Expo, featuring local vendors and food trucks, and the Education Foundation's Fun Zone, offering activities for children.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the fusion of skiing and horsemanship in the heart of the Rockies.

 

For more details and ticket information, go to runningwildevents.com and visitestespark.com.