If you’re looking for a winter experience that combines the thrill of horse racing with the adrenaline of competitive skiing, mark your calendars for February 21-22, 2026. The Teton Valley Skijoring competition is returning to Driggs, Idaho, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting Driggs Idaho events February has to offer.
What is Skijoring?
Never heard of skijoring? You’re in for a treat. Skijoring (pronounced “skee-joring”) is a breathtaking winter sport where a horse and rider gallop at high speeds down a snow-covered course, pulling a skier behind them through a series of jumps, gates, and obstacles. The skier holds onto a tow rope attached to the saddle, carving turns and catching big air while the horse provides the horsepower—literally.
Originating in Scandinavia as a means of winter transportation, skijoring has evolved into a competitive sport that’s gaining popularity across the American West. Here in Teton Valley, we’ve embraced this unique sport, and our local competition has become one of the premier skijoring competition Idaho destinations on the professional circuit.
Event Details: Everything You Need to Know
When and Where
The 2026 Teton Valley Skijoring event takes place February 21-22 at the Teton County Fairgrounds, located at 1413 ID-33 in Driggs. Just five minutes from downtown and even closer to The Barn, the fairgrounds provide the perfect venue with plenty of parking and excellent viewing areas.
Gates typically open at 10:00 AM both days, with competitions running from 11:00 AM until late afternoon. We recommend arriving early to secure the best viewing spots and to soak in the festive atmosphere.
The Competition
This isn’t just a local exhibition—it’s part of the PRO Skijor 2026 Frontier Tour, featuring professional competitors from across the country. With a prize purse exceeding $30,000, you can expect to see some of the best skijoring athletes in North America competing for top honors.
The weekend features multiple divisions, including professional, semi-pro, and novice categories, ensuring there’s exciting action for spectators throughout both days. Competitors are judged on speed, style, and their ability to navigate the challenging course that includes jumps, slalom gates, and even rings that skiers attempt to spear with batons.
Best Viewing Spots at the Fairgrounds
The Teton County Fairgrounds offers several excellent vantage points for watching the action:
The Main Grandstand provides covered seating with a panoramic view of the entire course. This is the most comfortable option for families with young children or anyone who prefers to stay out of the direct sun.
The Finish Line Area is where the real excitement happens. This is where horses hit their top speeds and skiers often catch their biggest air. The energy here is electric, especially during the final rounds on Sunday afternoon.
The Infield allows spectators to get up close to the action between runs. You’ll see the horses being warmed up, equipment being prepped, and competitors mentally preparing for their runs. Just be sure to stay behind the safety barriers.
What to Bring to Teton Valley Skijoring
February in Driggs means winter conditions, and while the event is incredibly exciting, it’s also an outdoor winter sporting event. Here’s what we recommend packing:
Warm Layers: Temperatures can range from the single digits to the low 30s, and the wind at the fairgrounds can be brisk. Dress in layers so you can adjust as the day warms up.
Quality Footwear: Snow boots with good traction are essential. The fairgrounds can get muddy or icy depending on conditions.
Binoculars or a Camera with Zoom Lens: While you can see the action from anywhere, binoculars help you catch the expressions on the faces of competitors as they hit jumps at 40+ miles per hour.
Cash for Food and Merchandise: While many vendors accept cards, cash moves faster in line, and you’ll want to minimize time away from the action.
Chairs or Blankets: If you prefer the grandstand, portable chairs make the day more comfortable. For standing areas, a stadium seat or blanket can save your legs.
Where to Eat and Drink During the Event
One of the best parts of attending Teton Valley Skijoring is experiencing our local food scene. Here are our recommendations for fueling up during competition days:
Citizen 33 Brewery in downtown Driggs offers craft beers and hearty pub fare perfect for apres-skijoring. Their outdoor fire pit is ideal for warming up between events.
Tatanka Tavern serves up excellent comfort food with a local twist. Their bison burgers and hot sandwiches hit the spot after a cold day outside.
Forage Bistro is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale. Their farm-to-table approach showcases the best of Teton Valley ingredients.
Big Hole Bagels is your go-to for quick breakfast or lunch on the way to the fairgrounds. Grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee before the morning competitions begin.
Food vendors will also be on-site at the fairgrounds offering hot drinks, chili, and other warming fare, but we always recommend supporting our local restaurants when you have the chance.
Make a Weekend of It: Teton Valley in February
While the skijoring competition is the main event, there’s plenty more to do during your February visit to Driggs:
Hit the Slopes at Grand Targhee: Just 12 miles from Driggs, Grand Targhee Resort offers some of the best powder skiing in the region. With over 500 inches of annual snowfall, February conditions are typically exceptional.
Cross-Country Skiing: The Teton Valley has excellent Nordic skiing trails, including those at Teton Canyon and Alta.
Snowshoeing: Rent snowshoes locally and explore the winter wonderland on foot. The trails around Darby Canyon offer stunning views of the Tetons.
Relax and Unwind: After a day of excitement at the skijoring competition, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy vacation rental to warm up by the fire.
Book Your Stay at The Barn
If you’re planning to attend Teton Valley Skijoring 2026, The Barn offers the perfect home base for your winter adventure. Located just five minutes from the Teton County Fairgrounds, our 8-bedroom property sleeps up to 14 guests—ideal for groups of friends or families attending the competition together.
After a day of cheering on competitors at the skijoring competition Idaho has embraced as one of its premier winter events, you’ll appreciate returning to a spacious, comfortable home where you can cook together, relax by the fire, and plan your next day’s adventures. Our pet-friendly property means you can even bring your furry family members along (up to two dogs with a $75 pet fee).
February weekends in Driggs fill up quickly, especially during popular events like the Teton Valley Skijoring competition. Book your stay early to secure your spot for this unforgettable winter weekend.
More Teton Valley Adventures
In town for Skijoring? Make the most of your visit with these guided experiences:
- 🐕 Dog Sledding & Snowmobiling Combo — Full-day winter adventure through Teton backcountry
- 🦌 Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari — VIP guided safari through Grand Teton & the National Elk Refuge
