SKIJOR CUP: THE HOMESTRETCH
March 12, 2026
Photo courtesy of Cody Smith
~ BLAZING NEW TRAILS TOGETHER ~
SkijorCup is proud to
announce a sponsorship with
Sendero Provisions Co.
Spirit of the West, Soul of the Wild
Sendero is the Spanish word for "trail" or "path"
and ours have blissfully joined!
Sendero's troupe lives by a simple list of things they value
which makes them a perfect partner for skijoring!
A hard day's work,
free-flowing rivers,
public land,
quality gear,
toe tapping music,
art for art's sake,
craft beverages,
and BBQs & campfires.
Sendero started by creating hats in 2014
that fit juuust right,
and they have now expanded into apparel
for Men such as pearl snap shirts, and Women like dresses, jumpsuits and overalls
plus cool accessories like bandanas.
They even have a rad new collection called
Animales
where you can find hats and apparel
featuring elk, eagles, bears, coyotes and more!
Check out their website at:
https://senderopc.com/
We welcome Sendero to the family of brands sponsoring SkijorCup 2026.
Thank you Sendero,
JetHQ
https://jethq.com/
and CheChe Drinks!
https://www.chechedrinks.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In addition to Wrangler,
SkijorCup is also pleased to announce partnerships
with Stio and Range Leather
each of whom has donated prizes to our 2026 winners circle.
Wrangler
is an American denim company specializing in
western/ranch wear since 1947.
https://www.wrangler.com/
Stio
is an outdoor apparel brand specializing in
skiing, hiking and mountain gear.
Born in the west, they believe in all things adventure.
https://www.stio.com/
Range Leather Co.
is a family owned brand based in Wyoming.
Prioritizing quality and perfection, each product is
handcrafted using full grain leather.
https://www.rangeleather.com/
Check out our latest Instagram and TikTok posts
and follow us!
More athlete profiles are coming soon!
https://www.instagram.com/skijor.cup/
https://www.tiktok.com/@skijor.cup
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~ PAYING HOMAGE ~
The group in the photograph above
deserves mentioning since they represent
some of the most decorated riders and skiers of the
last generation.
In order from left to right:
Sherry Graham, Toby McIntosh, Dana Stiles, Erica Dube,
Bruce Stott, Terry Dolan and Jason Russell.
(Dana Stiles and Sherry Graham, sadly, have since passed.)
Then, of course, there are the horses!
Sherry's Duke, Dana's Merlin, Erica's Elliot and Terry's Streak.
One person who is missing is
skier, Cody Smith.
He laments not being present for the photo op.
This photo was taken in Whitefish, MT along the
NASJA or North American Skijoring Association Series trail
in the 1990s.
Yes, there was a formal circuit and a race series
that included no less than 10 races and spanned 4 states.
This culminated in a National Championship in Red Lodge. MT.
Yes, there was a bona fide National Finals.
This went on for over 15 years.
A trophy still records names of winners up in Red Lodge.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
According to Tony Fox, skijor historian and
past president of NASJA,
"back in 1997 or 1998, two traveling race teams emerged
that really cranked up the action on the circuit until around 2001.
The Jackson Boys with riders Lane Hutchings and Ryan Lakovitch with skiers Cody Smith, Aaron Cisco and Pete Karns
versus the Colorado Rocky Mountain team
consisting of riders Dana Stiles, Jeff Dahl and Erica Dube
with skiers Kenny Hilton, Jerry Kissell, Tony Fox, Howard Mallette, a very young Jason Dahl and Kevin Sisti,
were true rivals and in their heyday could
flat-out fly and set records that still stand today!"
We have evidence of times recorded in Leadville under 14 seconds and a horse clocked at 42 mph.
The track hasn't changed in length nor has the
timing system, and yes, multiple rings were included.
The jumps were HIGHER, in fact,
so these skiers had an even more difficult challenge landing them
though they did soar even further through the air and
some came close to touching the traffic lights!
You can read more on Red Lodge and NASJA below.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We'd also like to take a minute to send our prayers to
Joe Manly, Jr.,
Jody Manly's son, famous for playing the national anthem
in Leadville Skijoring on his electric guitar.
Joe just underwent surgery.
Joe, we love you, and from our hearts to yours,
we wish you a speedy recovery!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Central
continues to add content.
Check out some new episodes!
Takin' It To The Streets
Parts 1 & 2
&
Making Tracks
Parts 1 & 2
We will cover more topics soon and
add in-depth interviews expanding on these topics
in the coming weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/@SkijorCentral
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ SKIJOR CUP POINTS ~
With most 2026 races complete,
here is the current roster after last weekend.
We are still waiting on some smaller races to share pay outs,
and we would love to include as many competitors as possible
regardless of the size of their winnings.
But this shouldn't change the top 10 rankings very much.
One major race to go,
and we'll announce our 2026 SkijorCup Champions.
We are planning to award jackets and buckles,
plus some other cool prizes.
Pro/Open
Riders
(10 points or more)
Richard Weber 162.61
Dennis Alverson 134.03
Josiah Young 123.95
Michael Miller 94.15
Marquise Young 65.74
Josh Abbott 54.15
Rosie Rogers 51.43+
Harlee Manning 38.58
Cortney Anderson 33.95
Katherine Licht 28.94
Jed Moore 28.35
Sarah Smedsrud 19.28
Melissa Ostrander 16.33
Monica Plecker 15.71
Lucas Garrett 10
Pro/Open
Skiers
(10 points or more)
Jim Ryan 184.14
KJ Savaria 162.5
Lane Feldeisen 114.04
Colin Cook 80.4
RJ Klotz 64.08
Cam Fraser 38.22
Jake VanDeursen 34.82
John Anderson 31.05
Ty Free 30.41
Max McKenzie 25.85
Jack Dale 25
Tyler Smedsrud 19.39
Foster Kennedy 16.89
David Rizzolo 13.06
Tyler McKnight 12+
Joe Prescott 11.84+
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sport
Riders
(10 points or more)
Patrick Smith 56.4
Kevin Derzapf 47.97
Kimber Cook 46.88
Phoebe Alverson 40.58
Cole Youren 37.5
Dylanne Free 29.43
Elisha Burgener 26.25+
Colin Cook 24.52
Jed Moore 23.5
Kristen Beck 20.4
Rosie Smith 19.75
Sport
Skiers
(10 points or more)
Bryson Threatt 112.15+
Brian Erhart 49.97
Madison Ostergren 37.21+
Levi Johnson 37.5
Malcolm Seamans 31.10+
Colin Wolf 28.75
Luke Kashmitter 20
Justin Crumbaugh 10.41
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Novice
Riders
(5 points or more)
Kelsea Raymer 13.63
Cody Vanorden 10.36
Braily Newman 9.11
Heather Sirhal 6.51
(Need to add Leadville if earned over $500)
Novice
Skiers
(5 points or more)
Devon Voegele 10.22
Richard Weber 8.93
Kellan Stevenson 8.68
McKinley Keener 7.69
Maddy Pielage 7.59
(Need to add Leadville if earned over $500)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Snowboard
Riders
(10 points or more)
Brian Nygard 33.7
Katherine Licht 22.44
Justin Bailey 13
Hugh Groves 10
Juan Santana 10
TJ Simmons 8.85
Tamara Campbell 7.88
Monica Plecker 6.24
Jennifer Butler 5.91
Lucas Garrett 5.91
Snowboard
Boarders
(10 points or more)
Jakobe Chacon 66.84
Charlie Tyler 28.75
Steve Noyes 13.6
Kevin Wilder 11.15
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Switcheroo / All Around
Riders/Skiers/Snowboarders
(10 points or more)
Bryson Threatt 56.35
Jackie Nadel 55
RJ Klotz 51.66
Colin Cook 51.66
Dennis Alverson 10
Phoebe Alverson 10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Womens
Rider
(5 points or more)
Kylee Nielson 102.5
Ali Briggs 10
Jennifer Butler 9.89
Devon Peterson 8.75
Millie Berger 6.8
Leanna Frances 6.25
Harlee Manning 5
Womens
Skier
(5 points or more)
Jackie Nadel 68.75
Magnolia Neu 30
Hedy Seeber 19.65
Lili Schibii 13.75
Ali Gutschow 8.75
Teagan Barsch 8.75
Holland Hollis 6.25
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ HORSE POINTS ~
Rather than computing points based on horses pay outs
which occur randomly and don't amount to much,
we based these rankings on finishes.
Pro/Open
(10 points or more)
Lick Em For Luck 71
Jet Fuel Cowboy 53
Seven 33
Cocaine Bear 31
War Pony 30
Franks & Beans 29
Elvis 28
Levi 26
Snowman 25
Three 22
Moose Knuckle 21
Roxi 21
Tres 20
Dolly 20
Slim Shady 19
Babes Last Rascal 18
Smoaken 18
Chugg 16
Captain Speedy Dexter 14
Gunner 13
Cheddar Bob 11
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sport
(10 points or more)
Bam Bam 34
Badger 33
Spanky 31
Ozzie 29
Cheddar Bob 27
Duii 19
Eleanor Wood 19
Frankie Moon 18
Chief 18
Itchy 17
Snowman 15
Zombie 13
Texas 13
Zeva 12
Toast 12
Lady Porsche 10
Felony 10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Novice
(10 points or more)
Squirt 30
Ringo 27
Ruskie 23
Boomer 21
Tank 16
Dixie 16
Jojo 15
Echo 11
JR 10
Cutter 10
Sizzle 10
Ghoast 10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Snowboard
(10 points or more)
Nooney 52
Chromed Out Cowboy 30
Shaw 16
Morty the Mustang 15
Pedro 15
Jezebel 14
Modoc 12
Buck 12
Romeo 11
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Switcheroo / All Around
(10 points or more)
Bam Bam 42
Callahan 23
Raven 18
Bobcat 10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Womens
(10 points or more)
Moose 20
Captain 16
Speedy 15
Ice Man 12
Thunder LIps 11
Go to: https://www.skijorcup.com/ for a complete list.
Competitors with + signs are owed points.
If you would like your points added to or updated,
please contact loren@skijorusa.com
Follow SkijorCup on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/skijor.cup/
and
Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@skijor.cup
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~ UPCOMING RACES ~
Ranch Traversy Skijoring
Drummonville, QC
March 14
With the race circuit winding down out West,
events in Quebec continue!
This is Yan's second event in 2026!
We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and growth
of skijoering in Quebec,
and wish our friends up north much success.
Yan features Sprint, Circuit and Freestyle divisions at his event.
This weekend includes a concert by David Pineau,
a country hard-rock singer-songwriter.
We will report more details after the weekend
and share photos since we will have our photographer
Josh Trudell
on site!
https://rodeoranchtraversy.com/evenements-ranch-traversy/skijoring-14-mars-2026/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
National Finals Skijoring Races
Red Lodge, MT
March 14 & 15
Since 1980, Red Lodge has been hosting the
National Finals for Ski-joring Races.
Competitors come from more than six states as well as
Canadian provinces to compete
and some athletes have been competing in Red Lodge
for nearly 30 years.
Red Lodge is as determined as ever to have an event
despite weather challenges
and credits local partners with their snowmaking success.
Big Sky Education Foundation, Red Lodge Fire Department, Red Lodge Mountain,
Draper Ranch, United Rentals, High Country Equipment, K2 Civil and Granite Peak Plumbing.
They offer up a special thanks to Dustin, Luke and Josh
who are the snowmaking guys always on standby.
BRAVO!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Red Lodge got its title back in the day when NASJA,
or The North American Skijoring Association,
sponsored a circuit of races up and down the spine of the
Rocky Mountain states
including Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
And while they might not have chosen to use the word "Pro"
to describe their athletes, they were absolutely the TOP in the sport.
The competition and rivalries were fierce
and National Finals buckles coveted for thousands of miles.
For riders, household names included
Dana Stiles, Sherry Graham and Dan Eckert from Eagle,
Jeff Dahl and Erica Dube from Leadville,
Tommy and Mark Hill from Kremmling,
and Tammy Richardson from Colorado,
Tim Hockhalter, Bill Crabtree and Terry Dolan from Montana,
and Kim Sheets, Ryan Lakovitch and Lane Hutchings from Wyoming.
For skiers household names included
Jerry Kissell, Rob Conaty, Kenny Hilton, Howard Mallete,
Tony Fox, Paul Copper and Kevin Sisti from Colorado.
Younger Colorado skiers included Bruce Stott and Greg and Jason Dahl,
as well as Aaron Cisco, Joe Knobe, Pete Karns and Cody Smith from Jackson,
and Toby McIntosh from Montana.
These competitors traveled the circuit all season long and then
showed up year after year in Red Lodge to vie for the NASJA series title.
In the 90's, Tami Stevens was at the helm of organizing the Red Lodge event,
and the prize purse reached a staggering $25,000 in 1996.
That is equivalent to nearly $52,000 in today's market.
Several of the competitors mentioned above still compete on the circuit
and can attest to the facts stated above.
So if anyone says they are the "first-ever" national series,
they are wrong.
And if anyone says they are the "first-ever" national finals,
they are also incorrect.
Red Lodge reigns supreme!
and points earned by winners of this event could very well make a
decisive difference in the final SkijorCup Point Standings.
This season's Red Lodge event will be live streaming on YouTube!
Watch as the next generation of top competitors give it their all.
https://www.youtube.com/live/M1VgH-6lTK4
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Telluride Skijoring
Telluride, CO
March 14 & 15
For the first time, the resort town of Telluride
will reach back to its cowboy roots and fold in the ski and board culture.
Organizer, Ashley Story of Telluride Sleighs and Wagons,
a fifth-generation family owned business,
will host an invitational for the top division
featuring 10 riders and 10 skiers
&
a Novice Skier and Snowboarder Division
will also be included to encourage locals to give it a go!
The event will be held down the town's main street
so crowds should enjoy the show
while exploring the shops and restaurants along the course.
It's not too late to sponsor, volunteer or plan your trip.
Please support this new event!
Go to: https://www.tellurideskijoring.com/ for details.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steele Ranch Skijoring
Boulder, WY
March 14 & 15
Winter has not been very present in Wyoming this year,
but that isn't going to stop John Hyde
from putting on an event or two before season's end.
For the past few days John and his team
have been trucking in 150 loads of snow from the high country.
As with Red Lodge, it takes a village!
Credit is given to Dennis Trucking, Hughes Enterprises and RoJaz Trucking
who hauled in the snow.
We just saw photos and the snow is being spread and shaped
into a track as we speak!
Western Skies Skijoring on
Steele Ranch in the vicinity of Pinedale,
has hosted events geared towards the local community for years.
Over 100 teams will compete.
Kids teams are highlighted and win buckles
just like the adult divisions.
The Century Division features a rider and skier/boarder
whose ages equal 100 years or more combined.
Local vendors make the atmosphere feel like home
even to those driving over passes or across interstates.
Join in the Calcutta at the local watering hole
and pick your team!
Music by Jared Rogerson follows.
For more details visit their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554679132934
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For information on events on future 2026 weekends
or races planned for 2027,
go to https://www.skijorusa.com/
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LAST WEEKEND'S WINNERS
Leadville Skijoring
Leadville, CO
TOP FINISHERS
Saturday Open
1st: Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Lane Feldeisen 15.69
2nd: Dennis Alverson / Jet Fuel Cowboy / David Strickbine 16.84
3rd: Jeff Dahl / Cash / Bruce Stott 17.43
Sunday Open
1st: Dennis Alverson / Jet Fuel Cowboy / Jim Ryan 15.06
2nd: Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Jim Ryan 15.25
3rd: Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Lane Feldeisen 15.35
Saturday Sport 1D
1st: Janelle Urista / Cranberry / Malcolm Seamans 16.96
2nd: Robert Tingley / Sponge Bob / Caroline Bonin 17.15
3rd: Janelle Urista / Cranberry / Caroline Bonin 17.56
Sunday Sport 1D
1st: Patrick Smith / Frankie Moon / Bryson Threatt 15.97
2nd: Monica Plecker / Moose Knuckle / Rick Macpherson 16.00
3rd: Ira Bader / Lady Legs / Nick Burri 16.35
Saturday Sport 2D
1st: Emma Golonka / Shadowfax / Josh King 18.84
2nd: Piper Crabtree / Gunner / Jackson Tharp 19.56
3rd: Monica Plecker / Moose Knuckle / Max McKenzie 19.65
Sunday Sport 2D
1st: Rober Tingley / Sponge Bob / Caroline Bonin 17.62
2nd: Zach Brown / Bubba / Jason Decker 17.71
3rd: Piper Crabtree / Gunner / Rick Macpherson 17.75
Saturday Novice
1st: Hunter Boar / ZZ / Cole Poyfair 23.00
2nd: Mark Anderson / Duke / Tim Batchelder 23.03
3rd: Amber Kiihenua / Marengo / Cameron Tsai 23.35
Sunday Novice
1st: Hunter Boar / ZZ / Cole Poyfair 19.47
2nd: Brittney Anderson / Diet Coke / Sam Kostanko 19.91
3rd: Mark Anderson / Duke / Ali Gutschow 20.15
We thought to note that nearly all of the Novice skiers and riders
are Colorado residents!
From Denver, Boulder, Dillon, Breckenridge, Hayden, Golden,
Placerville, Bayfield, Monument and beyond.
The Novice Division was added this season with horses,
and we applaud Leadville for recruiting so many new Colorado
talented athletes and their steeds.
The Sport Division also welcomed Colorado teams from
Fort Collins, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge and Boulder.
Naturally, both divisions included some Leadville locals, too!
The Open Division attracts a broader field of competitors from multiple states
such as Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Colorado.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijoring for MS
Cold Lake, AB
This event alone raised $37,000 for MS Canada
surpassing their goal of $35,000!
TOP FINISHERS
(Revised)
This is one of the only races that has the room to run teams
in pairs down the track in a Sprint Division!
Sprint Division
1st: Kelly Hutchings / Weller / Michael Levesque 12.6
2nd: Brady Miller / Phil / Rhett Schulz 14.1
Circuit Race
1D
1st: Kelly Hutchings / Weller / Casey Coutts 23.6
2nd: Corey Styba / Oliver / Arden Robinson 24.0
2D
1st: Crystal Chalmers / Jimmy Rockets / Riley Warren 28.5
2nd: Bella Cory / Rocket / Jacob Cory 29.1
3D
1st: Alix Bertrand / Oliver / Kaleb Schmidt 32.4
2nd: Autumn Cory / Tater / Jon Hamilton 32.6
Best Agg Time
1st: Kelly Hutchings / Weller / Michael Levesque 50.7
2nd: Corey Stab / Oliver / Arden Robinson 52.5
Big Air
1st: Meghan Wenger / Twist / Michael Levesque 86
2nd: Autumn Cory / Tater / Jon Hamilton 78
Check out some photos from Stolen Moments Photography by Jadie
https://www.facebook.com/stolenmomentsphotographybyjadie/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijoring the Hill
at Heritage Hill Brewing
Jamesville, NY
While the weather didn't cooperate
for Central New York's first skijoring event,
spirits remained high on Saturday and teams
were able to get a taste of skijoring
for the first time in the grassy fields at Heritage Hill Brewery.
Sunday was cancelled due to warm temps and rain.
500 spectators came out to cheer on the teams
who completed for a $4500 prize pot.
No entry fees were charged.
Here are the results:
1st: Megan Armbrust, rider, and Riley Logan, skier. 13.66
2nd: Megan Armbrust, rider and Tanya Van Camp, skier. 14.01
3rd: Lindsey Bean, rider, and Matt Alexander, skier. 14.4
This last team traveled all the way from Maine!
Steven Richardson took 1st place in Snowboard.
Congratulations to all!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ IN THE NEWS ~
~ IT'S ALL IN THE NAME ~
So what kind of horse can both
"make a lasting impression"
and
achieve a "mission very-possible"?
Meet retired race horse, Lick 'em for Luck,
son of Mission Impazible and formerly known as Impressionist
Hear his story from the race track to the skijor track
with owner and rider, Richard Weber III.
https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/meet-the-ottb-giving-the-skijoring-world-a-good-lickin
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ TUG OF WAR WITH A HORSE ~
Well, that's one way to look at skijoring!
according to first-time competitor, Connor Letcher,
who was dressed à la Evel Knievel for effect.
Central New York's first skijoring race
at Heritage Hill Brewery
got off to a wet, muddy but rip-roaring, pedal-to-the-metal and
shots-thrown-back start!
Skijor USA is happy to promote and support
new competitors and organizers like Patrick Frits
in whatever way we can as 2027 looks to be a promising year
throughout the Northeast.
https://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/2026/03/skijoring-debuts-in-central-ny-its-tug-of-war-with-a-horse.html
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ BIG FAT (FACT) CHECK ~
Well, for starters, Leadville Skijoring is not part of any "tour"
let alone "Pro Skijor", as the article implies,
and, by the way, there were no "stops" in Wyoming either.
Leadville has been a stand-alone race since it began in 1949
and
is DAMNED proud of that fact as it should be.
Some NASJOE hats, meaning Leadville opted out of a NASJA
affiliation (or any affiliation since then) long ago and stuck with "Joe" Manly,
the local Godfather of Skijoring instead
hence, NASJOE.
Secondly, while Montucky Cold Snacks may sponsor an athlete
or two on the circuit, it is hardly a Colorado brew,
so it is doubtful they sponsored Leadville.
Leadville Skijoring is committed to helping the local businesses
that line Harrison Avenue and make the event possible.
Lastly, this year a Novice Division with horses was added
to replace the snowmobile division,
but yes, local snowmobilers pulled some kids for fun on Saturday
after the competition was completed.
Some traditions die hard.
https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/skijoring-in-the-highest-incorporated-city-in-america
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JOR ON!
Loren Zhimanskova,
Founder, Skijor USA & Skijor International