The town of Meeker is set to host its annual skijoring event, marking the fifth year of the Meeker Skijor competition from January 3-5, 2025. The event has become a staple in the region’s winter festivities, with Meeker kicking off Colorado’s skijoring season and the season finale scheduled to take place in Leadville.
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Skijoring, which dates back hundreds of years to Scandinavia, was originally a method of transportation where individuals on wooden skis were pulled by reindeer. The term “skijor” means “ski driving,” and the sport was demonstrated at the 1928 Winter Olympics. Today, skijoring has evolved into a high-energy, extreme sport in which a skier is pulled by a horse through a course filled with obstacles and jumps.
The Meeker Skijor event draws both competitors and spectators from around Colorado and beyond, including visitors from Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and even Alberta, Canada. When it comes to the teams, there are three athletes – the horse, the rider, and the skier – that work together as a team. All races are timed as the skier holds onto a 33-foot rope, going over jumps and collecting rings. This year the riders and skiers are looking to winning the coveted belt buckle or a jacket … and even better, money! To maintain competition interest in Meeker Skijor for years to come, the event is offering a $10,000 added payout this year and intends to keep doing so in the future.
The Meeker Skijor Board of Directors hopes to increase attendance further by expanding marketing efforts across nearby communities and the Colorado Front Range this year. Board member Janelle Urista emphasized the importance of local support: “Meeker Skijor is trying to go above and beyond and expand our viewer list by advertising heavier with communities surrounding Meeker and the front range. Our goal is to try to fill as many hotel rooms as possible,” she stated.
The Meeker Skijor is not only about competition but also community and celebration. This year, the event will feature a New Year’s Eve Snowball Dance on December 31. Whether you are a skijor competitor, a first-time spectator, or simply looking to celebrate the new year, this event is for you. Join us as up-and-coming country artist Joey Rowland will be providing live music for the event, making the night a memorable kickoff for the new year.
The 2025 Meeker Skijor is a family friendly event, so come as a spectator or a competitor, and bring your family and your fans. This event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Meeker’s vibrant winter culture, enjoy the scenic landscape, and celebrate the New Year with live music and thrilling sportsmanship. Organizers invite everyone to make their New Year’s weekend an unforgettable one by joining the Meeker Skijor and discovering what this charming Colorado town has to offer.
For additional information, please visit our website: https://www.meekerskijor.com/.
