A popular Western extreme sport that combines the most daring horsemen, on the fastest horses pulling the bravest skiers through a harrowing snow course returns to the Wood River Valley this weekend. The Wood River Extreme Ski-Joring Association is sponsoring the state's first ski joring competition of the year, starting at noon Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12 and 13, at Silver Springs Ranch, south of Bellevue. Proceeds from this two-day event will benefit the Blaine County Senior Center in Hailey.
Ski-Joring, which resembles extreme water-skiing, is fast becoming one of the nation's hottest new winter sports, making the list of hot things to do in the Western states reported last month in USA Today. Organizers are aiming to see this sport now popular in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana in future X-games competitions.
Track builder Jobe Board said the wide open landscape of the Bellevue Triangle provides the perfect race layout and promises a course that will promote spectacular thrills, and probably some equally spectacular spills.
The Wood River Extreme Ski-Joring Association is a newly formed, non-profit organization that grew out of prior successful races held by the Smoky Mountain Ski Joring Association. It is recognized by the North American Ski-Joring Association.
Though the organization is new this year, the board of directors is not green to the sport. Headed by locals Steve Mills, Tyler Peterson, Pete Bloomfield and Board, "the association is running on all cylinders," said Peterson. "We are really excited about taking this sport to an all new level."
Peterson said the sport has grown its reputation as legitimate as well as fun, and is drawing heavy hitters like skier Glen Plake, who was pulled in a race in Whitefish, Mont., by Peterson last year.
"When you have a skier of his caliber behind you, you have to give him a run to remember," Peterson said.
But the fifth generation Idahoan is especially proud that the games will go to helping a worthy cause, the Blaine County Senior Center.
"They made us the community we are, and we need to thank them for it," Peterson said.
There are divisions for men and women, girls and boys of all ages and abilities, even pee-wees. Registration fees start at $25 and range up to $110 for both days.
Riders and racers interested in participating in this year's local games, can begin registering now online, or receive a registration by mail to be mailed back prior to the race. All registration must be complete prior to race day.
Spectators are invited to bring chairs and their leashed dogs and tailgate, but barbecue and chili and Coors Light will be available for purchase. After race events will be held at the Silver Dollar in Bellevue with the U-Turn Band entertaining for a nominal cover charge.
To find the event, on Saturday, Feb. 12, or Sunday, Feb. 13, take Gannett Road or Highway 75 south to get to the ranch south of Bellevue, which is located off Baseline Road on Price Lane. Race whistle blows at noon. Parking costs $5 per car.
The association has launched a web site where you can register, find maps or other information, just visit www.WRESJA.com or by emailing Dallyup7@aol.com. Or call Peterson at 208-720-0329 for more details.
Ski-Joring may have had its roots in Europe, but it has a quintessential Old West flavor. It is fast becoming one of the nation's hottest new winter sports. Photo by Willy Cook
