PRO Skijor's Championship Ends in Exciting Finish - SnowBrains

"Team Montana set the tone early in the season, securing wins in Heber City, Logan, and Boise. The pro division featured 50 teams, each earning points across the six tour stops in pursuit of the championship. Before the season began, SnowBrains spoke with Josh Abbott about the team's preparation. He highlighted the use of equine hydrotherapy, a water treadmill that leverages buoyancy and resistance to help horses build strength, improve stride, and enhance cardiovascular conditioning."

"Warm, dry weather added an unexpected twist to championship week. With Salt Lake City facing temperatures too mild for snowmaking, PRO Skijor made the proactive decision to relocate the finale to nearby Kamas. Situated at 6,690 feet, more than 2,000 feet higher than Salt Lake City, Kamas offered colder conditions and a significantly better chance to produce the snow base needed for a safe, fast, and spectator‑friendly event."

"Although skijoring has recently exploded in popularity on social media and across winter festivals, the sport's roots stretch back more than 75 years. The first recognized competition took place in Leadville, Colorado, in 1949. What began as a quirky off‑season activity for ranchers and skiers has since evolved into a dynamic blend of western culture, horsemanship."

PRO Skijor completed its inaugural season with the Frontier Tour, a six-event professional skijoring competition featuring 50 teams competing across multiple stops. Team Montana emerged as the first-ever champion after finishing tied with two other teams at 58 points, winning the tiebreaker. The team secured early wins in Heber City, Logan, and Boise, powered by horse Elvis and the skier-rider duo of Colin Cook and Josh Abbott. Advanced training methods, including equine hydrotherapy using water treadmills, provided competitive advantages. Championship week faced weather challenges when Salt Lake City's warm conditions prevented snowmaking, prompting organizers to relocate the finale to Kamas, Utah, at higher elevation where natural snow conditions were more favorable for safe competition.

Read at SnowBrains