If you’re curious about what happens when skiing, horseback riding and adrenaline collide, the answer can be found this February in Driggs, a small town roughly 45 miles east of Rexburg.

The fourth annual Teton Valley Skijoring Grand Showdown returns to the Teton County Fairgrounds on February 21 – 22, inviting spectators to experience one of the fastest-growing winter sports in the West firsthand.

Skijoring pairs skiers with horses, as athletes are pulled at top speed through a course filled with jumps, sharp turns and gates.

The result is a high-energy blend of athleticism, precision, and Western tradition. What could be more Idaho than that?

“Last year was my first time going, but I’ll definitely be going back,” said Tayler Johnston, an accounting major in her third year at BYU-Idaho from Victor, Idaho. “I’ve never seen anything like it; it’s so fast and fun.” 

The Teton Valley course is part of the Pro Skijor Frontier Tour, a national series that brings some of the top skijoring athletes across the West.

What makes this event especially unique is that the entire course is built and operated by local volunteers. Donations and proceeds from the event go directly toward volunteer training, course maintenance, and ensuring the safety of both riders and horses.

The Grand Showdown’s popularity continues to grow each year. According to statistics found on the Teton Valley Skijoring website regarding past events, 94% of spectators return, along with 92% of competitors.

Additionally, 81% of attendees travel to Teton Valley specifically for the event, bringing visitors from as many as 35 states and Canada.

“As someone who has raced a lot of different courses, Driggs is really set apart by the community behind it,” said Richard Weber, a past winner of The Grand Showdown. “You can feel that this is a hometown event that competitors truly respect.”

The Teton Valley Skijoring Grand Showdown offers a one-of-a-kind spectacle that celebrates competition, community, and the spirit of the West.

For more information, visit The Grand Showdown website.