Banff Skijoring 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Banff’s Wildest Winter Event
Banff Skijoring 2026 is back and bigger than ever, bringing high-speed thrills, cowboy energy, and mountain-party vibes to the heart of Banff. Held during the annual Banff SnowDays Festival, skijoring transforms Banff Avenue into one of the most unique winter sporting venues in the world — and the best part? It’s free to watch.
If you’re wondering what skijoring is, where it came from, when and where to watch it, what to wear, and where the parties are, you’re in the right place.
What Is Skijoring in Banff?
Skijoring is a winter sport where a skier is pulled by a horse at full gallop down a snow-packed course, navigating jumps, gates, and obstacles — all while the crowd goes absolutely wild.
In Banff, skijoring takes place right on Banff Avenue, making it one of the only urban skijoring events in the world. Riders, skiers, and horses work together as a team, combining precision, speed, and courage in a fast-paced spectacle that feels equal parts sport and show.
The History of Skijoring (and How It Came to Banff)
Skijoring has ancient roots in Scandinavia, where people used skis and animals like dogs or reindeer to travel across snow. Horse-drawn skijoring became popular in Europe and Canada in the early 1900s, especially in mountain and ranching communities.
Banff embraced skijoring as part of its historic Winter Carnival, celebrating the region’s Western heritage and love of winter adventure. Today, skijoring is a signature event of SnowDays Festival in Banff, blending tradition with modern mountain culture.
When and Where Is Banff Skijoring 2026?
📅 Dates: January 17 & 18, 2026
📍 Location: Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend
Spectator viewing areas line Banff Avenue, with grandstands, big screens, instant replays, and live commentary so you don’t miss a single jump or wipeout.
SnowDays Festival & Weekend of Wonder
Banff Skijoring is part of the larger SnowDays Festival, which runs throughout late January and early February. Festival highlights include:
Ice carving competitions
Outdoor concerts
Snow sculpting
Family-friendly activities
Weekend of Wonder, featuring Indigenous culture, art, music, and education
Together, these events turn Banff into a full winter playground.
Where Else Can You Watch Skijoring?
While Banff is one of the most iconic locations, skijoring events also happen in:
Colorado
Montana
Wyoming
Idaho
Parts of Europe
That said, skijoring in Banff is unique thanks to its mountain backdrop, downtown setting, and festival energy — there’s nothing quite like it.
Why Banff Skijoring 2026 Is a Must-See Event
Banff Skijoring combines:
🐎 Western heritage
🎿 Extreme winter sport
🏔️ Iconic Rocky Mountain scenery
🧥 Creative winter fashion
🍻 Après-ski party culture
Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or planning a winter getaway, Banff Skijoring 2026 is one of the most exciting winter events in Banff — and one you don’t want to miss.
How Many People Attend Banff Skijoring?
Each year, thousands of spectators line Banff Avenue for skijoring weekend, making it one of the most popular winter events in Banff. Visitors come from all over Alberta, Canada, and beyond to experience the combination of elite athleticism, mountain scenery, and festival atmosphere.
SkijorStyle: What to Wear to Banff Skijoring
Fashion is half the fun at Banff Skijoring. Enter SkijorStyle — a bold mix of:
Western wear (cowboy hats, fringe, denim)
Retro ski outfits
Faux fur coats
Bright colours and vintage vibes
There’s even a SkijorStyle fashion competition, where participants show off their best western-meets-ski looks. The rule? The louder the outfit, the better.
Skijoring Parties & After Parties in Banff
Skijoring isn’t just a daytime event — it’s a full weekend celebration. During SnowDays, Banff comes alive with:
🎉 Skijoring Kickoff Parties
🍻 Après-ski and après-skijor events at local pubs
🎶 Live DJs and bands
🔥 Outdoor fire pits and winter patios
Popular spots often include Rose & Crown, Melissa’s, Elk & Oarsman, and other Banff nightlife favourites, many of which stream the event live during the day.