Can't decide between a day in the saddle or a day on the slopes? Sam Mitchell solved that problem years ago: she does both at once. Mitchell is the founder of Skijor Canada, the organisation championing skijoring — a sport where a rider on horseback tows a skier at speed — across western Canada. She's also the latest face of the sport, appearing in Warren Miller Entertainment's new ski film, "Days Off," alongside host Katie Burrell.
Mitchell grew up in rural British Columbia and Alberta, surrounded by horses, and later picked up a taste for après-ski culture during time in Switzerland. When Alberta winters kept forcing her to choose between skiing and riding — a dilemma shared by plenty of her friends — skijoring offered the obvious answer. The sport itself is old: it originated in Scandinavia centuries ago, spread through Europe and the American West in the early 1900s, and has been enjoying a proper revival lately.
Mitchell's first event, in 2016, set the tone. Called SkijorDue — skijoring plus fondue — it asked for an entry fee of cheese and drew more than 60 people when she'd only expected about a dozen. The following year it opened to the public as a fundraiser for Prairie Skies Equine Assisted Therapy and pulled in 800 spectators. Skijor Canada was officially founded in 2017 and now runs competitions, exhibitions and community events across the region.
What sets the scene apart is how much of it happens off the course. Western fashion is a big part of the culture, with style awards for spectators and competitors alike — Mitchell suggests thrifting and upcycling vintage pieces as the way to nail the look. Food, music and hospitality are treated as seriously as the racing, and Mitchell is clear that the horses come first: their welfare and the skill needed to work with them underpin everything the organisation does.
For anyone tempted to try it, Mitchell's advice is refreshingly low-barrier. You don't need to show up with a full team — skiers bring one skill set, horse people another, and pairing up is part of the fun. Start slow under the guidance of experienced participants, and check out Skijor Canada's three-part YouTube series covering the fundamentals. Simply attending an event first is a great way in, whether as a future competitor, a volunteer, or just a well-dressed spectator.
"Days Off" is screening nationally from late October, so if you're curious about a winter sport that blends ranch life, ski culture and a very good party, this is your introduction. As Mitchell puts it, she's hoping people watch and think: that looks ridiculously fun, I want to go try that.
— Ski Magazine
