Whitefish Skijoring moves to county fairgrounds

Whitefish Skijoring is gearing up for its 20th anniversary celebration, take two, scheduled for Jan. 30–31, 2027 at its new home at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. 

The popular winter event brings together horses, riders, and skiers for two days of fast-paced competition. Teams race through a snow-covered course, navigating jumps and obstacles in a unique combination of horsemanship and ski racing. 

The move to the Flathead County Fairgrounds offers a new setting for the event, with covered grandstand seating overlooking the course, additional parking, food trucks, and a bar conveniently located near the spectator area. 

Whitefish Skijoring is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that relies on the generosity and dedication of local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, competitors, and supporters to bring this unique winter event to the Flathead Valley each year. 

The event's roots go back to the first renditions of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, when skijoring took place on Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish. The event later moved to the Mountain Trails Saddle Club on Wisconsin Avenue, where Stumptown Ice Den now stands, until it was discontinued in the 1970s.  

In 2003, skijoring returned. The original 20th anniversary of the event, per its 2003 revival, was planned for Feb. 14-15, 2026 at a ranch located on West Springcreek Road in Kalispell, but an abnormally warm winter led to not enough snow and a cancellation of the event.  

As preparations continue for the 20th anniversary take two, organizers are looking forward to welcoming both longtime fans and first-time spectators to the new venue for another exciting weekend of Montana winter competition. 

Competitor registration information, spectator tickets, and additional event details will be available at www.whitefishskijoring.org.