Banff Avenue transforms into Skijoring course as 5,000 cheer on cowboys, skiers

Thousands flock to Banff to watch the Skijoring competition along Banff Avenue. Tyler Barrow reports.

Nothing says ‘snow day’ in Banff quite like a bit of skijoring -- in front of 5,000 rowdy fans.

Banff Avenue in the iconic national park was transformed into a weekend showcase for the weirdly western event, which blends cowboy culture and skiing and snowboarders, who are towed over jumps and rails in an Instagrammable mashup of horse riding, trick riding and ski stunts.

A crowd of around 5,000 attended both days this weekend to cheer on the performers as part of Banff’s SnowDays festival, which runs through Feb.2.

Kristina MacDonald, the director of experience development and events at Banff Lake Louise Tourism, said winter park visitors have warmed to the skijoring phenomenon.

“This event has grown in popularity over the years,” she said. “People love the vibe -- the town really gets behind it. You see people coming out in their retro ski gear playing up the skijor style.

“People want to be a part of this.”

She said the unconventional blend of ski scene and cowboy culture creates a sense of play in town.

“This is one of the most fun days of the year in Banff. what makes skijoring special is the vibe.

“There’s just no other atmosphere like it that I’ve experienced,” she said. “When you have the whole crowd into it, they’re all watching, all eyes on that skier and rider, and the crowd’s going wild for those tricks, and you see everyone dressed up -- you can’t get a vibe like this anywhere!”

The large crowds showing up to see skijoring and the ice sculptures and other events are helping to boost business at local shops in Banff, said one business owner.

“We love the activity,” said Fernando Alvarez, owner of Qiviuk Boutique in Banff. “We love seeing all of these crowds come into town enjoying their time here, having a winter activity that’s while it’s related to ski, it’s somewhat a little different.

“And of course, people dress up with their own furs, which we all support and believe (in), but it’s just a very nice live event that creates a lot of dynamic visits here.”

Alvarez said there were about 50 per cent more visitors this weekend than the usual January weekend brings in.

“These activities draw an additional attraction to them that is welcome and it’s needed,” Alvarez said.

Banff’s SnowDays festival continues in Banff and Lake Louise through Feb. 2. For more information, go here.

With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow