MERRY “SKIJOR” CHRISTMAS
December 24, 2021
The artwork above is part of Skijor International's Vintage Collection
and was created in 1952.
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~ TWO NEW EVENTS FOR 2022 ~
For those of you who did not receive the SKIJOR 2022 newsletter,
(Mailchimp decided to filter my mailing list unbeknownst to me!)
here is both recent news and December 6th excerpts.
The full SKIJOR 2022 newsletter can be found
on both Skijor USA's website and FB page.
Two races have been added!
The first is in Clark Fork, Idaho
on January 29th
on the Chapman Ranch
https://www.chapmanskijoring.com
The competition will feature prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants in each of the three levels of competition: Pro, Sport, and Novice. Prizes include: AQHA Papered Yearling Horse, Belt Buckles, Custom Built Wade Saddle from Hickman’s Saddlery, Custom Made Cowboy Hat from Burns Hats, Spurs, and Cash Prizes as well!
The second is in Lewistown, Montana
on January 29th & 30th
at the Fergus County Fairgrounds
as part of the Montana Winter Fair
https://montanawinterfair.com/events-activites/skijoring
They will have Open, Sport, Novice, Youth and Peewee Divisions
There is a January 20th intent to enter deadline!
Note: The Sundance, Wyoming event is on February 12th
We revised our calendar when we noticed our error.
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~ COMPREHENSIVE 2022 CALENDAR ~
Currently, there are 22 events planned in the USA
&
2 planned in Canada and 3 in Switzerland!
To see details, click on each race below.
PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO ~ JAN 22 & 23
CLARK FORK, ID ~ JAN 29
LEWISTOWN, MT ~ JAN 29 & 30
SOLDIER HOLLOW, UT ~ FEB 4 & 5
ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND ~ FEB 5,12 & 19
POLE AND SPUR, BLAIRMORE, ALBERTA, CANADA ~ MAR 12
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~ A NEW CONCEPT ~
With 5 races in Colorado, 6 races in Montana,
6 races in Wyoming, then 5 in other states combined,
(as well as 2 potentially in Canada),
Skijor USA would like to propose and sponsor a new concept.
State Teams
The idea is for team captains,
voted upon by competitors in that state (or province),
to put forth their strongest teams at season's end.
Both rider and skier must be full-time residents of that state (or province).
The other four states,
Utah, Idaho, Minnesota and Maine (and Alberta)
would each chose a team captain
and enter teams as well.
These teams, representing their respective states or province,
would compete against one another
in a Championship round.
The number of teams entered would depend on
if there was a single Championship event
or if this event would need to be combined with an
existing event.
Skijor USA has secured two more Tiffany
crystal horse head trophies to be awarded
to one rider and one skier
should this be adopted in a future year.
Skijor USA hopes to meet with its Advisory Committee soon to brainstorm this potential new format further.
Please send any feedback to loren@skijorusa.com
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~ NECK & NECK ~
Exciting news!
In 2022,
both Canterbury Park, Minnesota
and Gillette, Wyoming's
events will be racing teams side by side
which was typical in historic races such as
Aspen, Colorado and Jackson, Wyoming back in the 1930s.
These 2022 events are fortunate to have large, enclosed race tracks
with wide enough courses and
professionally designed spectator viewing areas
for this format to make a comeback safely.
Teams will be timed individually,
but the event will have the impression of "neck and neck" racing.
Canterbury Park has attracted up to 10,000 spectators in years past.
They, like Skijoring Utah, also include a popular freestyle event.
Canterbury Park has secured sponsorships from national brands
such as
Cinch, Caterpillar and Pisten Bully.
Skijoring Utah has posted some GREAT publicity recently.
Check out their Instagram "Winter Is Coming" video!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXTxvSzJR0R/
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~ INTERNATIONAL SCENE ~
Switzerland & Canada
White Turf
This iconic event in St. Moritz, Switzerland began in 1907,
and will resume racing in 2022 after a one year hiatus due to COVID 19.
The event will be held on three consecutive Saturdays this year
however, rather than on the traditional Sundays.
The dates are February 5, 12 & 19.
www.whiteturf.ch
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The Pole and Spur
The first Canadian race of 2022 has been announced!
The 5th Annual Pole and Spur will be held in Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta on March 12th.
www.poleandspur.com
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Skijor Canada or Skijordue
This event is still TBD.
We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
www.skijorcanada.com
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~ MEDIA EXPOSURE ~
Outside Bozeman Magazine
Skijor USA was asked to contribute an article about skijoring in southwestern Montana by Outside Bozeman Magazine.
It hit the stands in early December!
Wisdom's event and others are featured.
Skijor USA is grateful to Dennis & Diane Havig
for their insight and generosity.
Click below for an online version!
https://outsidebozeman.com/activities/miscellaneous/blazing-saddles
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Denver International Airport Exhibit
An exhibit entitled, Colorado Winter Festivals, opened at DIA in November and Leadville Skijoring is featured!
Duffy Counsell took the lead in gathering up equipment, photographs and memorabilia to fill several cases.
Loren Zhimanskova was happy to contribute a 1963 Leadville Skijoring program from her vintage skijoring collection which will remain in Leadville Skijoring hands. Others such as Paul Copper, Joe Manly, Jr., Brennan Counsell and the Elks Lodge also contributed items.
Be sure to view the exhibit on the bridge from the Main Terminal to Terminal A (an area open to the public) during your holiday travels.
The exhibit runs through March.
A photo of one case is pictured above,
but you can go to the site through Leadville's Facebook page
to see more photos
Scroll beyond The Cowboy Downhill images.
https://www.facebook.com/LeadvlleSkiJoring/
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JOR ON! and Stay safe and healthy!
&
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Loren Zhimanskova,
President, Skijor USA, Inc. & Skijor International, LLC