It’s 15 crazy seconds.
A rider on horseback travels about 30 miles an hour, pulling a skier over jumps.
“It’s like waterskiing behind a horse,” Silverton’s Pete Maisel said.
That’s skijoring.
About 1,500 people are expected to pack the small mountain town for this weekend’s Skijoring Festival. Races will be held Saturday and Sunday.
Because of scarce snow in recent weeks, Silverton had to collect enough to cover Blair Street for the event.
“It’s game on,” said Maisel, who brought the event to Silverton six years ago. “We’ve stockpiled snow for over a month.”
After starting on a shoestring budget, Maisel said, the tournament established a reputation. All the hotels and vacation rentals in Silverton were booked full weeks ago, he said.
Skijoring is a fast and furious sport to watch, said Laura DesPalmes, an event organizer. In addition to launching themselves over jumps, skiers have to negotiate turns and snag as many rings hanging from poles as they can.
The novice category is open to skiers who want to experience the thrill.
Two years ago, Chas VerMilyea, a Silverton resident, couldn’t resist the temptation.
“It’s an awesome rush to go that fast,” he said.
But he didn’t find it easy to get over the jumps and make the turns.
“It’s 15 seconds of absolute craziness,” he said.
Competitors and spectators can look forward to a more exciting course for novices this year because it’s integrated into the open course.
Organizers require competitors to be 18 or older and have experience on skis.
The open category attracts skijoring veterans with up to 20 years of experience.
Serious racers could take to the course four times: twice Saturday and twice Sunday. During one of each day’s races, competitors must randomly draw their partner.
About 20 teams are expected to compete for cowboy belt buckles and $5,000 in cash prices. The amount paid to the top racers depends on how many compete. Last year, the top rider and skier each won $600, DesPalmes said.
The event draws racers from across the region, she said.
Registration started Friday evening and will continue Saturday morning.
The activities in Silverton won’t stop when the skijoring ends.
Kendall Mountain Ski Area will be open for night skiing during the weekend, and there will be free salsa dancing lessons at 5 p.m. Sunday in the Silverton School gym.
mshinn@ durangoherald.com
If you go
Skijoring Festival: Races will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Blair Street in Silverton. Registration will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bent Elbow. The participation fee is $50 cash each day for horseback riders and skiers. The event is free to spectators. Dogs are not allowed.
