Montana winters may be cold and unforgiving, but they’re also defined by community, sports, and shared traditions. While locals are well accustomed to the state’s world-class skiing and snowboarding, they’re equally as familiar with an old pastime that is experiencing a modern revival—skijoring. Popular throughout the American West, this high-energy sport is rapidly growing in both participation and viewership. With annual competitions becoming increasingly common, skijoring has carved out a vibrant niche in Montana, especially in the Bozeman and Big Sky scenes, where the state’s passion for skiing finds an exhilarating twist. Skijoring merges aspects of many beloved pastimes, like rodeo and snow sports, while maintaining a grassroots feel through its festival-style events.

This February 7th and 8th, Big Sky Skijoring makes its much-anticipated return to Montana with the Best in the West Showdown. [This event has been POSTPONED for 2026, back in 2027] The event continues to raise the bar for the fast-growing winter sport. Among the standout competitors is Montucky Cold Snacks-sponsored skijorer Tayler Stobaugh, whose return adds star power to an already competitive field. Stobaugh’s journey into Skijoring began at just 12 years old. Though she always knew she wanted to be a rider, she first strapped on a pair of skis to get her foot in the door. Soon after, she was paired with her own horse, Little Bo Peep, the teammate she still rides today. Since her beginning, Stobaugh has seen success in the sport, thanks to her hard work and approachable, kind nature. She has often said the best part of Skijoring is the community, along with the support she receives from spectators. Stobaugh has become known as the face of skijoring, bringing widespread positive attention to the sport while residing in none other than Big Sky, Montana.

At Big Sky Skijoring, the spectacle extends far beyond the competition itself. The event has cultivated an atmosphere that transforms a cold Montana weekend into something exciting and communal, while remaining unmistakably local. Food trucks sit scattered across the event grounds, while local craft beer and cocktails are served alongside conversations. Meanwhile, game tents and wood-burning firepits offer warmth and a welcome break from the biting cold air.

These gathering spots offer more than just a warm stop on your way; they create a social heartbeat within the event. Here, newcomers strike up conversations with longtime residents, while old friends reunite, and strangers exchange quick smiles over firepits. All of this unfolds just beside the course, where hooves thunder, and skiers carve through snow at breakneck speeds. No matter where you find yourself standing at Big Sky Skijoring, you’re never far from the action or from the sense of community that makes Montana winters feel alive.

One of the liveliest spots at the event is the Montucky Cold Snacks Pop-Up Bar, The YeeHaw Inn. A long line often snakes out the front, promising an experience that transports visitors into a classic dive bar. Inside, neon lights glow on the wood-paneled walls, and shelves are stacked with Montucky merch. The atmosphere isn’t just for show. Guests can immerse themselves in the experience through games like Plinko as they wait and try their luck at snagging some of that Montucky gear. All it takes to play is a drink token, typically included with most Montucky beer purchases. The pop-up perfectly blends fun, community, and a little friendly competition, making it a must-stop for skijoring fans and newcomers alike.

Just beyond the skijoring track, a massive inflatable landing ramp hums to life, signaling that the action never truly stops. During breaks between races, the spotlight shifts to two snowmobiles that rip across the snow, launching into a series of stomach-dropping freestyle stunts. Riders twist through backflips, stretch into supermans, and occasionally merge the two into one gravity-defying combination. Each time a sled approaches the jump, an eerie hush settles over the crowd, before erupting into cheers when the rider touches down safely.

Later this month, the Bozeman area will see an additional thrilling skijoring event. Hosted by Pro Skijor, America’s first professional skijoring season kicks off in early 2026 in Utah, before making its way to Bozeman’s Gallatin County Fairgrounds on January 24th and 25th. The sport’s growth owes much to Pro Skijor co-founders and lifelong friends Brian Gardner and Joe Loveridge, both passionate advocates of the Western lifestyle. Since launching Pro Skijor in 2017, they have nurtured its growth into a national phenomenon, getting ready to celebrate its inaugural Frontier Tour in 2026.

Another important event on the Montana skijoring list is Red Lodge Skijoring, hosted each March in Red Lodge. As the home of the sport’s national finals, the event draws competitors and fans from across the country. Held the second weekend of March at the historic Home of the Champions Rodeo Grounds, it brings its own unique energy to the winter sport. The weather is typically more forgiving by then, adding to the festival-like atmosphere. Live music, local food, and flowing drinks transform the weekend into a full-fledged celebration, one that at times feels like its own variation of a winter rodeo.

Ultimately, what makes Montana’s skijoring scene so compelling isn’t just the speed, the stunts, or the competition—it’s the way the events bring people together. From the frozen Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds, to the historic rodeo grounds of Red Lodge, to the Best in the West Showdown of Big Sky, fans, friends, and families gather to celebrate their shared love of winter, sports, and local traditions. Firepits, snowy courses, and pop up bars allow strangers to become friends at every event. Even in the coldest months, the warmth of community and connection is unmistakable, proving that Montana winters, while harsh, are at their best when people come together to enjoy the thrill, the spectacle, and the camaraderie of Montana pastimes like skijoring.  

Photographer: Jack Guggenheimer is founder and lead photographer of Yellowstone Photography, finds inspiration in the West. His photographs highlight fleeting moments, bringing nature to life in each image.