The Wild, Wild Winter West! Skiers are dragged through FIRE and launched onto death defying jumps as part of annual Skijoring showdowns across Colorado, Idaho and Montana

A wild winter sport is making waves across America, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart.

Skijoring – or ‘ski riding’ in Norwegian – began hundreds of years ago as a way to traverse the harsh winter terrain of Scandinavia.

Today it is a fierce competition where skiers are dragged by horseback riders through fiery obstacles and launched onto death-defying jumps.

(performance sports)

This blend of cowboy and ski culture in an adrenaline-fueled spectacle is now capturing the imagination of America’s heartland – with thrilling skijoring showdowns popping up in the rugged landscapes of Montana, Idaho and Colorado.

The exciting sport of ‘Skijoring’ is making waves in the heart of America with its mix of cowboy and ski culture

In winter sports, skiers are dragged by horses through fiery obstacles and launched onto death-defying jumps

This exciting winter sport requires good coordination between horse, rider and skier.

One of the standout events on the Skijoring calendar is the ‘Best In The West Showdown’ in Big Sky, Montana, which recently celebrated its sixth year.

The two-day competition, held in early February, is one of the most challenging Skijoring courses in the sport.

Video footage has captivated viewers online, leaving them shocked and amazed by the impressive moves.

‘WTF did I just watch?! How can so many epic things be in one video?!” one social media user commented.

‘I don’t understand what’s happening here. But I like it,” said another impressed viewer.

Video footage has captivated viewers online, leaving them shocked and amazed by the impressive moves

One of the standout events on the Skijoring calendar is the ‘Best In The West Showdown’ in Big Sky, Montana, which recently celebrated its sixth year

“Duuuuude, it gets crazier the more you watch it,” a third user wrote.

Rider Carl Gomez races down Harrison Avenue as skier Ben Southworth makes a jump during the 75th annual Leadville SkiJoring weekend competition in Colorado on March 4, 2023

Rider Taylor Stobaugh races down Harrison Avenue as skier and Shawn Gerber navigate the course during the 74th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition on March 5, 2022 in Leadville, Colorado

Skier Greg Dahl makes a turn after collecting a series of rings during the 74th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition on March 6, 2022 in Leadville, Colorado

The Best in the West showdown has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of competitive skijoring, featuring groundbreaking course design and elements of mountain culture.

Last year’s event attracted more than 150 top teams from North America, with 4,000 people in the audience.

The highlight of the Showdown was the world’s first snowmobile backflip during a live skijoring race, which also captured the attention of millions of people online.

Erik Morrison, one of the producers of Big Sky Skijoring, raved about the inclusivity of the event.

He said: “Big Sky Skijoring continues the tradition of skijoring and actively expands the sport to appeal to new competitors and audiences of all generations.

“You’ve got cowboys and cowgirls, ski racers, freeride competitors, die-hard dirtbag skiers/riders, celebrities, families and everyone in between on the edge of their seats enjoying the show together,” he shared Big Sky City Center.

“Everyone is part of the culture of the event and everyone is a VIP. The best seats in the house are anywhere with a great view of the course to cheer on the competitors, a cozy fire pit and enjoy some food and drinks with the colorful company,” Morrison added.

Skier Kate Serpe is pulled by rider Braiden Klinger during a Skijoring competition on February 25, 2023 in Driggs, Idaho

Savannah McCarthy, 23, of Durango, Colorado races down Harrison Avenue on her horse Money as she pulls skier Andrew Borrego during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition on March 5, 2023 in Leadville, Colorado

A rider races down Harrison Avenue pulling a skier during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition on March 5, 2023 in Leadville, Colorado

Rider Janelle Urista pulls skier Darrin Anderson down Harrison Avenue during the 75th annual Leadville Ski Joring weekend competition in Leadville, Colorado on March 4, 2023

Clay Hanback, senior manager at Wrangler, one of the event’s sponsors, told Big Sky Town Center, “When our team here at Wrangler saw that video, we had to learn more about this event.

‘Our brand is rooted in the spirit of people who work hard, have fun and exude courageous individuality. After seeing coverage of The Showdown, meeting their team and hearing their vision for the future, we found that spirit evident.”

The next Skijoring Grand Showdown will be held in Driggs, Idaho, on February 24-25.

Leadville Skijoring is back for its 76th year and will take place March 2-3 in Colorado.

The National Finals Skijoring races in Red Lodge, Montana, are scheduled for March 9-10 and will be held on The Home Of Champions rodeo grounds.