Skijoring (from the Norwegian “skikjoring,” meaning ski driving) is a winter dog sport where a skier is pulled by one to three dogs connected through a bungee towline attached to a waist or hip belt. The skier uses classic cross-country skiing technique to assist the dogs, making it a true partnership between human and canine.
The sport can be practiced recreationally on groomed trails or competitively in organized races. Competitive skijoring races typically cover distances from 5 to 30 kilometers and are timed events where the fastest team wins. Dogs wear a pulling harness designed to distribute force comfortably, and the bungee section of the towline absorbs sudden jerks to protect both skier and dog.
Skijoring is one of the most accessible mushing sports because it requires only one or two dogs and relatively simple equipment. Many mushers use it as off-season cross-training for their sled dog teams, while others pursue it as a standalone discipline. Breeds commonly used include Alaskan huskies, German shorthaired pointers, and other high-energy working breeds.