Skijoring Combines Cross-Country Skiing and Dog Sledding

1 / 2
One to three dogs are ideal for skijoring.
One to three dogs are ideal for skijoring.
2 / 2
The Collins sisters get around Alaska winters by skijoring.
The Collins sisters get around Alaska winters by skijoring.

As folks living in the rural areas of Snow Belt states know all too well, automobile travel can be downright impossible at times during the winter months when snow-packed and snow-drifted roads tend to be the rule rather than the exception. However, here in the bush country of Alaska, my sister Julie and I welcome heavy snowfalls. That’s because once a good, thick, white blanket covers the ground, we can hitch up our sled dogs and begin another season of canine-powered cross-country skiing!

Skijoring — or skiing with the help of a pulling dog — combines some of the speed and the excitement of alpine schussing (downhill skiing) with the wide range of travel that’s possible in ski touring. It’s a fast and practical way to get about, too. When skijoring on an open trail towed by two or three dogs, I can easily cover over 40 miles a day. This allows me to enjoy the sport while running a trapline, toting groceries out to our isolated homestead or just exploring the countryside.

If you live in an area that’s snow-covered for part of the year (and especially if you have a trainable canine or two roaming around the place), you might want to try your skill at this exhilarating Nordic sport.

Finding Gear for Skijoring

  • Published on Jan 1, 1982
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368