Winter, snow, Wyoming, cowboys. Put these together and you’ve got a recipe for winter fun like you’ve never imagined in an increasingly popular competition called ski-joring. Originating in Scandanavian countries as a mode of transportation, ski-joring consists of a skier pulled along by a horse and rider. Modified into a competition setting, skiers are pulled by horses opened up at full speed, along tracks complete with jumps and slalom gates.

A welcomed break from feeding cattle and chopping iced over water holes, SkiJoring has become a popular winter “rodeo” type event for local and out of town cowboys and cowgirls alike, who play as hard as they work. The ski-jor winter “rodeo” circuit has become established across the country, with cities like Sheridan, WY and Sundance, WY having hosted their own competitions for a number of years.

How It All Came About – A Family Affair

Local outfitter and guide Adam Todd and his nephew Kyle have been participating in the Sundance and Red Lodge, MT competitions for the last number of years. More recently, Kyle’s wife, Jacy, has joined in on the fun pulling skiers at the Sheridan, WY events (pictured above: Jacy horseback, Kyle skiing in black).

With the years of participation under their belts, the Todd’s began to feel that it only made sense to include Buffalo in the circuit of the ski-joring competitions. And thus began the 2 year long preparation to what will be Buffalo’s inaugural ski-joring event this February. Claudia Todd, Adam’s wife and founding member of Buffalo Events Inc., assisted in getting the event picked up under their umbrella and started the ball rolling with permitting, advertising and working closely with area officials to help bring the dream to life. 

Stay Updated: Follow Buffalo Events Inc. on Facebook for event updates and details. Click Here

Plan a Trip to Attend

With a variety of restaurants, lodging and shopping opportunities, Buffalo has no shortage of space, good eats and things to do while you’re in town for the event.

Downtown Lodging:

Along main street you’ll find dining, shopping and even lodging. Check out the historic Occidental Hotel for incredible, turn of the 20th century digs, complete with dining, spirits and music at the restored Occidental Saloon and The Virginian restaurant. Visit the Gift Shop and Small Town Sweets & Treats downstairs for old fashioned candies and gifts. See a full list of hotels & lodging options in Buffalo, WY.

Downtown Dining:

Hit 4th on Main at the corner of main and W Fetterman for hearty, gourmet comfort food, burgers and steaks and ful bar. In the mood for pizza? Pie Zanos, just across the street from the Occidental, offers eclectic italian food and drinks in a fun, quirky atmosphere. See a full list of restaurants & dining options in Buffalo, WY.

Get Your Western Wear On:

Rerides Western Wear, main street, offers a full line of men’s, women’s and children’s western boots, clothing, outerwear and headwear. Pick up a new hat and pair of boots, or shop their gently used section for amazing deals.

Needing Cold Weather Clothing?

The Sports Lure, main street, has all you need and more. With outerwear ranging from Columbia to Kuhl and beyond, winter boots, socks, gloves and just about any type of sporting good you might be looking for, they’ve got all you need and more. Take some time to browse their hunting, fishing and camping sections (summer and fall are just around the corner) and have a look through their bargain room for Buffalo, WY clothing and deals.

For the Horses:

If you’re here with a trailer load of horses, Buffalo offers a couple of options for those last minutes supplies you may be needing. Hay, grain, buckets, halters, tack, winter gear and more can be found at MTR on north main, as well as Johnson County Co-op east of town on Highway 16 east. The co-op also carries a limited amount of apparel.