Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend
March 1-3, 2024
At Leadville Ski Joring and Crystal Carnival Weekend, see the unique sport of ski joring and join mountain bike and Nordic ski races, a paintball biathlon, and umpteen other kinds of winter fun!
What Is Ski Joring?
Leadville Ski Joring is an action-packed sport where a horse and rider race down snow-packed Harrison Avenue in Leadville’s downtown, pulling a skier who’s holding onto a rope. As the horse gallops, the skier flies over jumps and spears rings set up along certain parts of the course. It’s a thrilling event to watch or join!
See what the New York Times had to say about this thrilling event in The Wild West, On Skis.
You can ride your horse or ski, bid on a team at the Calcutta auction, or line up on Harrison Avenue to watch the excitement! Kids can get in on the action, too, and try ski joring behind a snowmobile.
Watch Ski Joring
Leadville Ski Joring is free to watch! For everyone’s safety, no dogs or drones are allowed.
Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3
9 a.m.
Calcutta (6th & Harrison Ave.)
Noon – 3 p.m.
Leadville ski joring – National anthem at noon, then Open division, Sport division, Snowmobile division. Awards are presented right after ski joring at the Elks Club (123 W. 5th St.).
Join Weekend Races & Events!
Every bit as fun as ski joring is the Crystal Carnival part of the weekend, with unique events guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Friday, March 1
7 p.m.
Nordic ski down Leadville’s main street before the horses do! In the Harrison Nordic Knockout Sprints, you can ski the avenue under the lights.
Saturday, March 2
7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Enjoy pancakes, eggs, and sausage at the Elks Annual Ski Joring Pancake Breakfast (123 W. 5th St.).
6 p.m.
Ride the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series – Mineral Belt Mayhem, a fat tire bike ride after dark on the 11-mile Mineral Belt trail ringing this historic mining town.
Sunday, March 3
7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Enjoy pancakes, eggs, and sausage at the Elks Annual Ski Joring Pancake Breakfast (123 W. 5th St.).
All Weekend
Check out all our bars and saloons for special celebrations.
Below, enjoy the pictures in our Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Instagram gallery. Coming to the event? Tag us at @VisitLeadville so that we can feature your shots!
Even More Winter Sports
Not ready to race? You can still round out your weekend with winter activities galore. At 10,152′, the nation’s highest incorporated city has the best outdoor fun.
- Downhill Skiing: Family-friendly Ski Cooper has all-natural snow, short lift-lines, and full-day lift tickets at affordable prices.
- Fatbiking, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Snowmobiling: Explore nearly 100 miles of groomed winter trails near Leadville and at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center.
Leadville Ski Joring photos by Mark LaRowe Photography. Mineral Belt Mayhem photos by Justin Talbot Photography and Spencer Stanek.
