Rider Noah Gregory waves his cowboy hat towards spectators as he pulls a skier during the 2025 Leadville Ski Joring competition. Photo: Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images
Why it matters: The uniquely Western sport is vintage Colorado, and one heckuva sight to see.
What to expect: Thundering horses, a ski course down a snow-filled main street and lots of hollering at high noon Saturday and Sunday.
The competition features a horse and rider pulling a skier as fast as possible through gates, jumps and rings.
The winner is the fastest to complete all the challenges along the way.
What they're saying: "This event has always been about grit," Duffy Counsell, Leadville Ski Joring event organizer, said in a statement. "We don't overproduce it. We don't reinvent it. We just make it happen."
If you go: Leadville is a two-hour drive from Denver. It's a family-friendly free event, just leave your dogs at home. Street parking is available.
Arrive as early as 8am for a pancake breakfast hosted by the local Elks Lodge. The races start at noon both days, followed by an awards ceremony.
