Thundering hooves. Snow sparking beneath skis. Crisp air biting at cheeks. Fur and fringe whipped by the wind. Bodies lean forward, muscles tight, breath puffing in clouds as horse, rider and skier move as one. The trail beneath hums, adrenaline crackling with every stride. This is skijoring: a dance of speed, skill, and fearless energy.
The grit, the thrill and the authenticity of skijoring sticks with you, and it is what drives Alberta Boot Company's skijor-inspired fashion: layers that move, built for adventure, without slowing down the ride.
The History of Skijoring: From Scandinavia to Alberta
Skijoring began in the frozen landscapes of Scandinavia, where the Sami people strapped skis to their feet and harnessed reindeer to travel across snow and ice. By the early 1900s, it had evolved into a competitive winter sport, appearing at the Nordic Games in Stockholm and the Winter Olympics in Chamonix and St. Moritz. Equine skijoring added a new thrill, combining speed and partnership between the horse/rider pair and the skier.
Across Europe, equine skijoring became a winter tradition at events like White Turf in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, featuring horse racing on snow and chariot racing. American tourists brought the sport to the U.S., inspiring winter carnival races in Lake Placid, Steamboat Springs, and Dartmouth, New Hampshire. Snow-covered main streets became courses with gates, rings, and jumps, testing courage, speed and skill.
Skijoring in Alberta: A Century-Old Tradition
Before long, Alberta quickly made skijoring its own. Photos date back to the early 1900s and show racers carving trails in Banff, Alberta, and other communities across the province. Today, Alberta hosts some of Canada's most thrilling skijor events, attracting spectators from across the country and even overseas. The sport is as much a community celebration as it is a test of skill, a true winter spectacle in true Alberta style.
Alberta Boot Company is proud to sponsor both Skijor Canada and Skijor Alberta, supporting the sport and the competitors who bring energy and skill to the trails.
Skijor Fashion: Where Western Meets Winter
What does skijor style really look like?
It's western fashion at its core and built for cold winter months. It is meant to be worn outside for hours on end, standing in the cold, moving when needed, and staying comfortable from the first race to the last.
Skijor style blends Western staples with bold winter layers. Think cowboy boots, cowboy hats, denim and fringe ground the look in tradition, while fur, heavy knits, and winter outerwear bring the warmth needed for chilly days in the mountains or prairies.
How to Dress for Skijoring Events
Simply, there is no single way to dress for skijor. Some follow more traditional cowboy attire, others more alpine, but the best outfits incorporate it all! Practicality comes first, then personality. The colder it gets, the bolder the layers become.
Morris Kaye & Sons brings warmth through beautifully crafted furs, including but not limited to rabbit, lamb, mink and raccoon. These pieces are made for long, cold days outdoors, offering insulation without sacrificing movement or presence.
Tasha Polizzi draws on American West traditions, pairing faux-fur accents with colour, pattern, and Aztec designs. Her pieces add personality and heritage to skijor outfits, all while staying true to Western roots.
Skijor Style Accessories
Accessories like cowboy hats, earmuffs, statement belts and bold buckles, bolo ties and layered jewelry are where the look gets personal! This is not the place to blend in. This is the place to be seen.
Skijor style is not polished perfection. It's fearless, wild, and entirely intentional. Dress for the cold, dress for the day and dress like you belong exactly where you are.
