SKIJOR CUP & SKIJOR CENTRAL: ELEVATING THE EXPERIENCE
Image credits:
Josh Trudell Photography
at Skijor Galore: Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
&
Chloe K, Extreme Events MN
February 19, 2026
~ IN THIS NEWSLETTER ~
Skijor Cup
is proud to announce a brand sponsorship with
CheChe Drinks.
"Drink Smarter, Not Harder"
with CheChe's new elevated hard refreshers.
In order to succeed in any sport,
health and training is paramount so daily life choices are key.
CheChe Drinks
is the perfect partner for skijoring, a sport that, like the beverage company,
believes in living fully and feeling good!
Made with Yerba Mate, the refreshing drinks provide
clean, natural energy,
nature's electrolytes for hydration,
real juices packed full of antioxidants and
purified alcohol from pure cane sugar.
CheChe delivers an energizing lift with only 110 calories and 5% ABV.
We look forward to elevating skijoring together.
https://www.chechedrinks.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Central,
The Global Media Hub for Everything Skijor,
is up and running with episodes
available on YouTube, Instagram and Tik Tok.
Explore the official and most comprehensive source
for educational, social and historic skijor content in a professional Podcast.
Loren Zhimanskova, founder of
Skijor USA
&
Skijor International
will bring you the latest news from races
in the United States, Canada,
Europe and beyond
as well as conversations with movers and shakers
past, present and future
who make the sport of skijoring what it is,
one of the fastest growing winter sports in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/@SkijorCentral
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JetHQ and CheChe,
sponsors of Skijor Cup,
will bring you the latest point standings,
up to date race results,
and weekly competitor profiles.
So far we have profiled 4 athletes:
Byrne Dobrient, Skier from Durango, Colorado
Jed Moore, Rider and Skier from Cheyenne, Wyoming
Dylanne Free, Rider from Bozeman, Montana
Richard Weber, Rider & Skier from Ridgway, Colorado
If you are interested in being profiled,
contact: clare@skijorcup.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
POINTS UPDATE
Unofficially, based on competitors
who have reported their winnings, here are the current standings.
We are waiting for organizers to release payouts.
In Open, riders
Dennis Alverson, Richard Weber and Rosie Rogers
are vying for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
with Richard Weber in 1st, Dennis Alverson in 2nd
(separated by only 5.55) and
Rosie in 3rd, but she is still owed points!
In Open, skiers
Jim Ryan and Lane Feldeisen
are vying for 1st and 2nd.
with Max McKenzie in 3rd, Ty Free in 4th and
Tyler Smedsrud moving into 5th.
In Sport, riders
Phoebe Alverson has moved into 1st,
Kimber Cook into 2nd
and Patrick Smith into 3rd,
but the points are very tight between these three riders
all within less than half a point of each other.
In Sport, skiers
Brian Erhart, Bryson Threatt and Madison Ostergren
are vying for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
with Levi Johnson still in the mix.
In Novice, rider
Kelsea Raymer moved into 1st
surpassing Cody VanOrden
Skiers remain the same.
Points will be updated officially for all competitors later this week.
Go to: https://www.skijorcup.com/ for a complete list.
Competitors with + signs are owed points.
Follow SkijorCup on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/skijor.cup/
and
Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@skijor.cup
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New Races Emerge in 2026
Through its extensive communications network,
Skijor USA
has added 5 new events to the 2026 calendar!
Sierra Nevada Skijoring
North Tahoe, California
Exhibition Only
March 7
Skijoring the Hill
at Heritage Hill Brewing
Jamesville, NY
March 7
Telluride Skijoring
Telluride, Colorado
March 14 & 15
Skijor Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs, Michigan
March 14 & 15
Crooked Creek Skijoring
Dubois, Wyoming
March 27, 28 & 29
Go to https://www.skijorusa.com/ for more information.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ UPCOMING RACES ~
February 21 & 22
Extreme Events MN Skijoring at Canterbury Park
Shakopee, MN
It is dumping snow in Minnesota! Hallelujah!
Thank you snow gods!
With over 500 competitors entering this season,
Minnesota's exclusive skijoring event
features teams racing side by side down a wide snow covered track.
Open, Novice, Snowboard, and Youth divisions are offered
and all win cash prizes, buckles and other gifts.
Canterbury Park features the highest jump of any
freestyle competition on the circuit,
launching skiers and snowboarders 20 feet high
and 30-40 feet in length
thrilling the 10,000+ spectators in attendance over the weekend.
Besides skijoring, the line up also includes
a Weiner dog and Corgi race, a Red Carpet fashion show,
and a first time Celebrity Chair/Sled Race
in which local celebrities in arm chairs affixed to skis
are pulled behind teams of mules driven by mule skinners.
A charitable ski sale will accompany the skijoring race
raising funds for Abijah's,
a foundation that fosters and supports healing though horse therapy
for veterans, first responders, and many others in need.
Dozens of OTTB's are transitioned to meaningful second careers.
The snow in Shakopee has been plentiful all season,
so the track is pristine and ready for action.
The temps will be brisk and the skies cloudy to keep the track solid.
Ted Slathar and his team
are poised for another successful, record-setting event!
Ted was recently interviewed on Fox News
and ABC's Eyewitness News.
https://extremeeventsmn.com/skijoring
This event will be live streamed on
The Cowboy Channel Plus
so sign up for the App for just $9.99 a month.
No annual subscription required.
Cancel at any time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Canada presents Skijordue
Calgary, AB
Eat Cheese, Go Fast!
is the motto at Skijordue at
The Confluence Historic Site and Parklands.
Billed by founder Sam Mitchell as
"a blistering blend of Snow, Speed, Style & Cheese.
Gritty cowboys, gnarly freeridees, fur, fringe & fashionistas,"
who wouldn't want to check it out?
20 Teams will entertain 12,000 spectators with riders (some trick!)
pulling skiers along the course and into jumps.
An exclusive VIP Skijor Suite experience is available for those
who wish to sit and cuddle on sheepskin throws and
drink signature skijor cocktails by the bonfire.
The menu includes skijor brats, bison pirogies, maple duck sausage,
Alberta whisky cake and of course, cheese fondue!
Fans and competitors can also enjoy an
Official Skijordue Afterparty
at the Whiskey Rose Saloon with live music
and prizes for best dressed.
https://www.skijorcanada.com/events/skijordue-2026/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Teton Valley Skijoring
Driggs, ID
February 21st & 22nd
The event in Driggs centers on the local community.
As a not for profit endeavor, its mission is to
honor the western traditions of both horses and winter sport racing
for the purpose of increasing their local rural businesses'
revenues and creating a family-friendly, exciting community event.
A local horse rescue initiative, Hapi Trails,
is a beneficiary of the event, and its founder, Julie Martin-Stacey,
is a dedicated volunteer and leader in the sport.
Driggs is a traditional race that got its start well before the current organization,
Teton Valley Skijor Corporation, was established in 2022,
so, like Wood River, it is rooted in Idaho skijor history.
The Cisco family is still involved in building and setting the track.
Driggs offers Junior, Youth, Women's,
Snowboard, Novice, Sport and Open Divisions
so that all levels of skills are welcome.
The valley will be hopping from Friday night
at the Teton Peaks Resort patio and
through Saturday night at Guidepost Brewing.
On Sunday, the party continues on site with vendors aplenty!
Grand Teton Brewing Company makes a special brew
in signature cans just for the event.
https://tetonskijor.org/
This event will be live streamed on
The Cowboy Channel Plus
so sign up for the App for just $9.99 a month.
No annual subscription required.
Cancel at any time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Saturday, February 21st Only
Skijoring for MS presents
Lac La Biche, AB
This event is a fundraiser for MS
and in partnership with Skijoring for MS
which will have a second race on March 7th
in Cold Lake, Alberta.
This event will be live streamed on
The Cowboy Channel Plus
so sign up for the App for just $9.99 a month.
No annual subscription required.
Cancel at any time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Skowhegan
Skowhegan, ME
The third race in the Triple Crown of Skijoring in Maine,
this event is part of a larger winter festival called
Somerset Snowfest.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Poland
Local Highlanders will race in Bialy Dunajec
on February 22nd.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Switzerland
The final weekend of racing at
White Turf in Saint Moritz resumes
on Sunday, February 22nd.
The event can be viewed live on their YouTube Channel.
So for any early risers, or if you are having a sleepless night,
tune in around 4 am MST or 6 am EST.
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteTurfStMoritz
For more information on skijoring around the world go to:
https://www.skijorinternational.com/
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LAST WEEKEND'S WINNERS
First and foremost,
organizers, their sponsors and their crews from last weekend's races on
Saturday & Sunday, February 14 & 15,
are true winners and
should be congratulated on their singular and community based efforts
to ensure their races could be held safely
despite mounting challenges of weather and escalating expenses.
These events did not succeed due to any sudden infusion of cash, but
by virtue of the enduring spirit of community, camaraderie and teamwork.
We applaud you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sliverton Skijoring
TOP FINISHERS
Open Combined
1st: Dennis Alverson / Jet Fuel Cowboy / Jim Ryan 40.17
2nd: Dennis Alverson / Bloodwagon / Tyler McKnight 41.22
3rd: Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Tyler McKnight 41.25
Sport Combined
1st: Phoebe Alverson / Ozzie / Madison Ostergren 39.83
2nd: Kimber Cook / Spanky / Kolby Ward 41.28
3rd: Kimber Cook / Badger / Kolby Ward 42.21
Novice Match
1st: Shayda Valdez / Dixie / Richard Weber 57.99
2nd: Kami Woodard / Sizzle / Kendall Delp 1:01.22
3rd: Kiera Ruggles / Ms. Norah Jones / Eli Anderson 1:05.16
Novice Draw
1st: Cienna Greyeyes / Ghoast / Eli Anderson 1:03.92
2nd: Agata Indiatse / Mars / Eli Anderson 1:20.78
3rd: Shayda Valdez / Dixie / Kami Woodard 1:25.98
Junior
Rhys Moore skied and completed a run with a 1:07.31.
Way to go, Rhys!
https://www.facebook.com/silvertoncoskijoring
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wood River Extreme Skijoring
TOP FINISHERS
Open Overall
1st: Harlee Manning / Dolly / Cam Fraser 27.54
2nd: Harlee Manning / Dolly / KJ Savaria 27.9
3rd: Katherine Licht / Babes Last Rascal / KJ Savaria 28.68
Sport Overall
1st: Elisha Burgener / Snickers / Bryson Threatt 30.23
2nd: Luke Mullendore / Brownie / Neal Robertson 30.44
3rd: Kali Castle / Cinco / Neal Robertson 30.53
Novice Overall
1st: Braily Newman / Squirt / McKinley Keener 32.91
2nd: Braily Newman / Squirt / J.R. Barnes 33.59
3rd: Lydia Miller / Moose / Rick Thompson 33.94
Snowboard Overall
1st: Jesse Mason / Maggie / Cam Fraser 41.52
2nd: Katherine Licht / Chromed Out Cowboy / Cam Fraser 42.03
3rd: Walt Bousman / Huck / Ryan Sand 43.43
Novice Snowboard Overall
1st: Caroline Potter / Mustang Max / Gunnar Morgan 43.71
2nd: Stella Knoop / Gunsmoke / Jon Demuth 45.4
3rd: Desiree Ingalsbe / Jon Demuth 48.44
Womens Overall
1st: Breannan Winder / Pea / Cassandre Moore 37.1
2nd: Stacy Wines / JB / Hailey Landeen 37.29
3rd: Honey Jensen / Jay Bar / Hailey Landeen 38.47
Century Overall
1st: Kelli Hyde / Odis / Troy Houston 35.38
2nd: John Hyde / Queen / Troy Houston 36.42
3rd: Alyssa Antoniuk / Ren / Wilson Antoniuk 54.45
Couples Overall
1st: Millie Berger / Thunder Lips / Jake Berger 32.83
2nd: Caroline Potter / Freight Train / McKinley Keener 37.37
3rd: Alyssa Antoniuk / Ren / Wilson Antoniuk 54.45
Juniors Overall
1st: Kinley Breaux / Mercy / Mallory Chaney 66.75
2nd: Paxton Johnson / Philly / JP Zondag 79.88
3rd: Juke Mason / Maggie / Mallory Chaney 82.3
Pee Wee
Fastest run of the weekend:
Luke Mullendore / Brownie / Mack Mullendore 17.04
Only team to achieve runs both days:
Lydia Miller / Maggie / Henry Zondag 51.98
We congratulate ALL six of the Pee Wee teams for their efforts!
https://woodriveresja.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Coal Mountain Skijoring
TOP FINISHERS
1D Overall
1st: Sarah Smedsrud / Three / Tyler Smedsrud 22.5
2nd: Lauren Urista / JJ / Malcolm Seamans 22.76
3rd: Sarah Smedsrud / Derby / Tyler Smedsrud 23.03
2D Overall
1st: Kaycie Kreider / Zeke / Nick Burri 24.93
2nd: Patrick Smith / Lady Porsche / Brian Erhart 25.24
3rd: Robert Tingley / Boone / Nick Burri 25.43
3D Overall
1st: Kendra Eike / Felony / Justin Crumbaugh 27.3
2nd: Kaitlyn Stiles / Pico de Gallo / Justin Crumbaugh 27.81
3rd: Kendra Eike / Winston / Justin Crumbaugh 28.58
Novice Overall
1st: Kelsea Raymer / Ringo / Maddy Pielage 27.08
2nd: Kelsea Raymer / Ringo / Ryan McNeil 27.32
3rd: Heather Sirhal / Izzy / Dean Halasz 27.37
Snowboard Overall
1st: Holly Jones / Pedro / Zane Mazer 33.29
2nd: Matina Goreski / Pedro / Philip Goreski 33.32
3rd: Sarah McCormick / Jamie / Philip Goreski 34.06
Youth Overall
1st: Kort Scott / Foursome / Jack Wall 49.03
2nd: Kreed Scott / Daisy / Samuel McConnell 57.32
3rd: Kemri Osborn / Roxy / Kaleb McLean 74.94
https://coalmountainskijoring.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Galore's annual fundraiser
at Waterville Valley Golf Course
attracted 1500 people this year, and spirits were high!
This event is unique in that they don't register athletes as teams.
Riders bring the horses and people fundraise in order to be pulled behind one.
In total, $22,000 was raised for the Rey Cultural Center on Sunday!
Most money was raised by:
Maverick Larkin: $2045
Riley and Tucker Stratton: $1750
They had 60 racers compete in total. $100 was the minimum to be raised.
Prizes were awarded for:
Fastest Time:
Derek Maillet-Rust and Patrice Anderson with horse, Dixie.
Best Costume:
Alexi Lempereur
Best Spectator Skijor Style:
Renee Albee
For a peak at the action, plus behind the scenes, candids
and feel good shots, view Josh Trudell's gallery
of 100 photographs here:
https://www.joshtrudell.com/2026-waterville-valley
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Millarville, Skijor Alberta posted results:
Open
1st: Lucas Garrett / Mator / Foster Kennedy on Skis
2nd: Tim Hiller / Edger / Jessie Pittman on Skis
Novice
1st: Lucas Garrett / Pipes / Kurt Layton on Snowboard
2nd: Lucas Garrett / Mator / Kurt Layton on Snowboard
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
White Turf
Saint Moritz, Switzerland
The first place win in "skikjöring"
on the second Sunday of racing, February 15th, once again went to:
Valeria Selina Walther with horse, Almacado Gree.
Second place once again went to Silvio Staub with Hasta la Vista.
Third place, however, went to Willy Andj with Cabrakan.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We are waiting on results from Fernie and Golden, BC.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ CAMERAS LOCKED & LOADED ~
We wanted to acknowledge some of the new creative talent
that is capturing the action across North America.
Still photographer
Josh Trudell
based in New Hampshire
covering the Northeastern Region
https://www.joshtrudell.com/
Videographer
Jason McKay
One World Drone
based in Alberta, Canada
covering Alberta and British Columbia
but working worldwide!
https://www.oneworlddrone.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ IN THE MEDIA ~
Olympic Reflections
With the XV Winter Olympic Games
in process in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo,
Skijor International
has been brushing up on Olympic history
and the role of skijoring past, present and likely, future.
We have updated our recent newsletter post
Olympic Ambitions
to reflect recent developments.
https://www.skijorusa.com/skijoring-olympic-ambitions
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NBC Olympics Article
focuses on Leadville Skijoring as the most historic, time-honored
and iconic US competition.
https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/fabled-olympic-demonstration-sport-skijoring-still-celebrated-today
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SnowBrains Article
While this article gives exposure to the sport and its history overall,
there are some lines we would like to fact check. . .
Speed of horses
It is doubtful that horses run at 45+ mph in a skijoring race.
While horses that are retired from the track do compete, and the fastest
are most likely Appendix, or a cross between an American Quarter Horse and
a Thoroughbred, top speeds are closer to 40 mph on straight tracks.
Manitoba
There are no skijoring events in the province of Manitoba
to our knowledge.
There ARE races in the province of Alberta, however, which is not in Manitoba.
Skijoring in the UK
Horseboarding UK runs its horses on turf in fields and dirt in arenas,
but not on beach sand.
Australians on the other hand, do skijor on beaches!
https://snowbrains.com/the-origins-of-skijoring-and-modern-competition-today/#google_vignette
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JOR ON!
Loren Zhimanskova,
Founder, Skijor USA & Skijor International