Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring. This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be!
Ski joring is a heart-pounding sport that combines skiing with the raw power of horseback riding. A skier holds onto a rope while being pulled by a galloping horse down snow-packed Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Leadville. As the horse races down the street, the skier soars over jumps, through gates and spears rings with a baton along the course. Time penalties are added for missed obstacles or dropped rings, and teams compete for cash prizes, the fastest time wins. It’s a spectacle like no other and an absolute must-see!
The Leadville Ski Joring event has been held annually since 1949 and is recognized as one of the premier skijoring events in the country. Now entering its 78th year, Leadville Ski Joring remains the most traditional and authentic competition in Colorado, widely regarded as the heart and soul of the sport.
Want a sneak peek? The New York Times has even covered this thrilling event in The Wild West, On Skis, be sure to check out what they had to say.
Photo by Laura Domingue
In 2026, as Leadville joins the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood, Ski Joring stands as a vivid expression of the town’s enduring frontier spirit.
What began in 1949, when Tom Schroeder and “Mugs” Ossman returned from Steamboat Springs determined to make the sport faster, bolder, and unmistakably Leadville it was never meant to be a reenactment of Western history. It was its evolution.
Rooted in horsemanship, mountain resilience, and hard-earned grit, the competition still thunders down Harrison Avenue, connecting Colorado’s territorial beginnings, its statehood story, and the broader sweep of the American frontier in one living, breathing celebration.
How to Get Involved
Participate in the Calcutta Auction
Held at 9:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the announcer stand—this is your chance to bid on a competing team!
Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast
Start your morning at the Elks Lodge (123 5th Street) beginning at 8 a.m., or explore one of the many local restaurants along Harrison Avenue.
Watch the High-Flying Action
Line up along Harrison Avenue to see horses thunder down the course at high noon. We recommend arriving early!
Kids’ Snowmobile Ski Joring Let the kids join the fun by trying ski joring behind a snowmobile! This takes place Saturday around 3 p.m., after the main event concludes. Register during the main event at the starting line (8th and Harrison).
Compete in the Event
Ride your horse or ski in the competition! Registration is held at the Elks Lodge: Friday night for Saturday’s competition, Saturday night (immediately following the awards ceremony) for Sunday’s competition Please note: No pre-registration is available for the 2026 event. Click here to learn more about competing!
Photo: Howie Stern
Watch Ski Joring Live!
This action-packed event is free to attend and open to the public, making it one of winter’s most exciting spectator experiences. For everyone’s safety, please note that dogs and drones are not permitted at the event.
As event details may evolve, be sure to visit the official website, Leadville Ski Joring, at leadvilleskijoring.com closer to the event date for the most up-to-date schedule and information.
We strongly recommend arriving early, as Harrison Avenue fills up quickly with spectators eager to catch the high-flying action. There is no dedicated event parking, so please plan to use street parking or nearby public parking lots.
9:30 a.m.: Calcutta Auction at Announcer Stand on Harrison Avenue
11:45am Opening with the National Anthem
High Noon First horse runs divisions go in order: Open, Sport, and Novice
Awards Ceremony: Following racing at the Elks Club (123 W. 5th St.)
Kids will also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of ski joring behind a snowmobile on Saturday after the main racing concludes.
Photo by Laura Domingue
Top Spots & Deals for the Weekend in Leadville
Whether you’re in town for the races, the festivities, or just a mountain getaway, here are the best places to eat, shop, warm up, and play this weekend in Leadville.
Leadville Elks Lodge
Elks Lodge – Open to the Public
Start your morning right with a hearty pancake breakfast served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8:00am.
Stick around for the racers’ awards ceremony and live with Smelted Hearts music starting at 8:00pm
Need to warm up during the event? Stop by the historic Tabor Opera House on Saturday only between 11am and 4ppm for a warming station and screening of Ice Cowboys in the theater.
While you’re there, browse their close-out sales and Western-themed finds, including:
Inflatable stick ponies
Neon bandanas and bandana headbands
Sheriff badges
You’ll also find great gift items like:
Love Your Lips vanilla lip balm – $3
Assorted socks – $5 per pair
Coffee mugs, wine tumblers and beer koozies
And more unique treasures
A little warmth and a little shopping make the perfect combination.
After the races conclude on Saturday, keep the adrenaline going with Cloud City Wheelers’ Winter Mountain Bike Series – Mineral Belt Mayhem.
Riders will start and finish on Harrison Avenue in front of Cycles of Life, traveling clockwise around the 11.6-mile Mineral Belt Trail, with a little singletrack thrown in for good measure.
Saturday, March 7th at 6:00pm. Bundle up, bring your lights, and cheer on the riders as they tackle this winter endurance challenge.
Harrison Avenue Leadville’s charming main street is the perfect place to browse local shops, warm up with a delicious meal or hot beverage, and soak in the festive weekend atmosphere. From unique gifts to cozy cafés, there’s something waiting around every corner.
Buchi Cafe Cubano
Take in Some History
The Healy House & Dexter Cabin will have their exhibition hall featuring Victorian Spirits – an original exhibit about Victorian death and funerary customs and Spiritualism and their gift shop are open Friday – Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM Tours are available by appointment only. Call ahead at 719-486-0487 to reserve your tour time.
The Tabor Home will be open for visits Friday through Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Visit Silver Baron Horce Tabor and his first wife Augusta’s historic home.
The National Mining Museum is offering pay what you can for Ski Joring weekend. Our standard admission fee is replaced by each group paying what they choose for admission. Open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm (last entry 3:15pm) and Sunday from 10am to 3pm (last entry 2:15pm).
Healy House & Dexter Cabin
Patios, Leadville-Style
Take advantage of Colorado sunshine and mountain views with these inviting outdoor spaces:
Treeline Kitchen Head up to the rooftop patio for sweeping views and a front-row seat to the action. Treeline is opening early for the event and offering food and drink specials throughout the weekend.
Buchi Cafe Cubano Soak up the sun with a Cuban coffee and a freshly pressed panini on Buchi’s spacious patio. It’s the perfect spot to refuel—whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go.
Make the most of your weekend: eat well, shop local, explore history, and celebrate big.
Be sure to keep an eye on our event calendar for even more ways to join the fun, sometimes the best plans are the last-minute ones.
Photo @allingoodlight
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