The first report of a person being pulled on skis (or wooden boards) by an animal or animals, dogs in this case, was recorded by a Persian historian thousands of years ago in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia, where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together.  Arguably, this is when and where skijoring, and more importantly, the sport of skiing began!

Today, skijoring with dogs remains a popular sport in Scandinavia, Alaska and the American mid-West.  

IFSS Championships

The IFSS, or International Federation of Sled dog Sports, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, sponsors a Championship race every year.  Last year (2016), the event was held in Salaven, Norway.  In 2017, it was held in Ontario, Canada (January 24 - February 1).  In 2018, it will be held in Millegrobbe/Lavarone, Trento, Italy (February 23-25).  The event features skijoring as well as dog sledding.  See video link below.

The IFSS is actively pursuing an IOC membership in hopes of having sled dog sports included in the Olympics.  As a result, in 1985 the original founders from Idaho and California joined with other sled dog sport enthusiasts from Norway, Germany, Austria, Canada and France to form an international sporting organization.  Together they continue to pursue a presence in the Olympic Games.  

For more information, click on www.sleddogsport.net or www.isdra.org

Fairbanks, Alaska

The ASPA or Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association promotes recreational and competitive skijoring in the Alaskan Interior.  Each season more than 20 events are coordinated including how-to clinics, fun races, competitive races and tours. 

For more information, click on www.alaskaskijoring.org 

minneapolis, Minnesota

The City of Lake Loppets Festival draws more than 10,000 racers of all ages and sizes and celebrates the bright side of winter.  The festival boasts 21 events from skijoring to a ski marathon and winter bicycling races to a snow sculpture contest.  It is about getting outside and celebrating Minnesota's climate and draws over 20,000 spectators. 10, 5 and 3 kilometer skijoring races are available for skiers and their dogs.  The date for the Single Dog Loppet is February 5, 2022.

For more information, click on City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival