What is Ski-Jor?

Ski-jor is a winter sport where cross-country skiing is combined with dog sledding. The same harness and belt used for canicross is still used, however the line is longer. Instead of running behind the dogs, you cross-country ski.! You do not have to use cross-country ski's though. When we were in the Jura there was the potential to use all sorts of different equipment. It all really depended on the speed at which you wish to travel.

Different types of Skijor

Recreational:-
This is mainly people who only skijor when on holiday and they use their pet dog. This group are probably not of a competitive nature and do the sport purely for fun.

Sprint Racing:-
The name alone suggest speed. The skis used will be light weight skating cross country skis - possibly 3/4 edged to give a bit more control and skating style cross country boots to give more stability. This sport is not for the feint hearted, it is fast and occasionally hairy. However it is usually over relatively short distances.

Distance Racing:-
Again the name suggest that this type of racing is over longer distances. This is most definitely not for the casual skijorer, knowledge of outback winter survival is paramount. Careful planning is required to ensure you have the correct food and equipment. Distances vary from as little as 20 miles to well over 300

Backwoods:-
This is the type of Skijor we choose to do. You will need wider skis to help keep you on top of the deeper snow. The pace is much slower especially if you have to break into deep snow. You may have someone walking out front, on snow shoes, to break the snow for the dogs. . The whole idea of this sport is to be well away from civilization. If you get into difficulties you need to know what you are doing and must plan for problems carrying essential survival equipment. Also let someone know where you are going and the time you are expected back. On the positive side you will find a peace like no other and may be blessed with a reward not seen by typical alpine tourists- ... wildlife !!

The choice is there for each to choose what ever suits them best.

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Summer Training.

With London Region Nordic Ski Club

or contact, Iain Ballentine "iainxc@yahoo.co.uk"

Cani-Cross Cross Country Running

Once the temperature has dropped, late on a summer evening, we are out with the dogs but we use shorter distances, since they are running with a fur coat on. We also run with our Nordic Walking Poles, this helps get a good rhythm and elongates the stride ready for skiing.

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Winter Action

Visiting France

Advice Page

Joering in the Jura

During the dogs first year we kept the exercise quiet in order to give their bones time to develop. We used the time to get the dogs trained with the correct terminology for pulling. It was interesting, I was very frustrated by local sled dog clubs, which would not let me join because I did not have a recognised sled dog. So I had to purchase books and learn for myself. Ski Spot Run seemed to be the easiest one to read and has been very informative.

We organised the passports for the dogs, which was an experience in its self (see the advice page); We now have returned from our first trip abroad. Please follow the link to see the photographs and information about the area.

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