Skijoring, Norwegian for ski driving, most likely dates back to the gold rush days in Scandinavian countries. Skijoring was actually practiced in the United States, before the automobile became popular, but there they used horses, not dogs.

In Scandinavia, skijoring is a training technique used for Nordic-style mushing which combines one dog or more, a pulk, (a small sled), and a skier. The pulk is between the dog and the skier. Nordic-style mushing competitions have been held in Norway since 1932. But it wasn't until the 1980's that skijoring caught on in North America.

Today in the United States and Canada competitive skijoring is gaining popularity. In Canada there are now competitive skijoring races held in conjunction with many dog sled races. (go to NAMA for more info on events) But, skijoring is also gaining popularity as a recreational sport. Many ordinary people are hooking up their dogs and taking to the trails. And, it's not just the Nordic style dogs they are using. Any dog over about thirty pounds, that likes to pull, can run in front of you. You can even enter a race as a newcomer to the sport, if you like, as some of the races are even adding a one day novice skijoring event.

So what do you need, if you want to skijor, but don't know the first thing about it? Here in North America, Skijoring usually combines one or two dogs in harness, and a line, which connects the skier to the dog. Most of those involved in skijoring use X-back racing harnesses for their dogs and a skijoring line about nine to eleven feet long. The line usually has a portion of bungie cord incorporated into it to absorb some of the shock from starts and stops. The line runs from the dog's harness to a belt on the skier. The belt usually rests just below the skier's waist or on their hips. The are two basic styles of belts, one is a padded waist belt, usually about four or five inches in width. The second type is more like a diaper, that straps around each leg and around the hips. The second belt is often more preferable, as it will not ride up because of the leg straps.

The skis that you use will depend on where you plan on skijoring. You can easily use your touring skis, however, most racers prefer a skating ski, or a shorter lighter ski. For a good edge on hard packed trails you might choose a ski with a metal edge, however be careful not to cut your dogs legs with those. If you plan on doing a lot of trail breaking in rough terrain, you might consider a back country ski and binding. So, the ski equipment you choose will depend on where you plan to ski and whether you are skiing for speed or for pleasure.

It is a good idea to do some training with your dog before you hook him up for the first time. It also helps if you've skied before, as having a sense of balance and knowing how to move and how to stop on your skis will help make your outing more enjoyable.

If you've always wanted to dog sled, but never had enough dogs or a dog sled, then skijoring is a great way to get the feel of sledding, yet using only one or two dogs and without having to invest in an expensive sled. Skijoring is also a great way to train your lead dogs, as there is nothing but a line between you and your dog, so it is much easier to make corrections. It also allows you to start training your dogs when they are a bit younger, as when you ski along with your dog it helps to lessen their work load. Skijoring is also a great way to pass our northern winters. So whether you plan to skijor for fun or for competition, one thing is for sure, it is a great way to get out and enjoy some time with your dogs doing what they love to do best, run and pull!

Equipment needed for Skijoring

Cross-country skis, boots and poles
Skijoring belt
Skijoring line
Harness for your dog
Warm clothes, and mitts or gloves
A dog that likes to pull and enjoys the cold