Maine Riders, Horses, and Skiers Brave the Cold in Growing Extreme Winter Sport

Skijoring competitions are gaining popularity in Maine, with events held in Bangor, Topsham, and Skowhegan.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Skijoring, an extreme winter sport where a skier is pulled behind a galloping horse, is growing in popularity in Maine. Dozens of competitors, some with little prior experience, raced along a 1,000-foot track at the Skijor Bangor event on Saturday, collecting rings and navigating jumps as spectators cheered them on. The sport, which originated in Norway, has spread to several events across Maine in recent years, with more planned in Topsham and Skowhegan in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Skijoring provides a unique winter activity that allows people to enjoy the outdoors and showcase their skills on skis and horseback. As a relatively new sport in Maine, it has sparked interest and excitement, drawing competitors and spectators alike to these events that highlight the state's snowy landscapes and adventurous spirit.

The details

At the Skijor Bangor event, 44 teams comprised of a horse, rider, and skier raced along a 1,000-foot track, navigating jumps and collecting hanging rings in a timed competition. Many of the competitors, like Kevin Kimball, were new to the sport, having only tried it a few times before. The event was organized by a team of 45 volunteers who prepared the track and jumps using snow from the nearby Bangor International Airport. Skijoring events have also been held in Skowhegan since 2019 and Topsham since 2022, with the Bangor event returning this year after a one-year hiatus.

  • The Skijor Bangor event took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The next skijoring events in Maine will be held in Topsham on February 7, 2026 and in Skowhegan on February 21, 2026.

The players

Kevin Kimball

A Westbrook, Maine resident who was competing in skijoring for only the fourth time, having only been on skis three times before.

Caitlin Rice

Kimball's partner who competed alongside him in the Skijor Bangor event, wearing matching American flag jumpsuits.

Jodi MacGregor

The organizer of the Skijor Bangor event, who has never skijored herself but loves to watch the sport.

Jay Brunjes

A competitor at the Skijor Bangor event, who was skijoring for the second time ever along with his wife Petra.

Marissa Lussier, Katie Okolita, and Emily Batt

Competitors from the Portland area who were also fairly new to the sport of skijoring.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, it's awesome. You go faster than you think you're going to go, and you have more control than you think you will, too.”

— Kevin Kimball

“It's very exciting. It's exhilarating. When you take two fairly extreme sports and put them into one, I think it doubles the fun.”

— Jodi MacGregor, Event Organizer

“They're prey animals, and you're literally putting something behind them, chasing them. I worked slowly to get him used to it, and he was now ready to tow [Emily Batt] behind him.”

— Katie Okolita, Competitor

“I hope skijoring will stay around for a long time – we need something to look forward to every winter.”

— Emily Batt, Competitor

What’s next

The next skijoring events in Maine will be held in Topsham on February 7, 2026 and in Skowhegan on February 21, 2026, providing more opportunities for competitors to participate in the growing extreme winter sport.

The takeaway

Skijoring has emerged as an exciting new winter activity in Maine, drawing both experienced and novice competitors who are eager to brave the cold and showcase their skills on skis and horseback. The sport's growing popularity reflects the state's adventurous spirit and desire for unique outdoor experiences during the long winter months.