Winter Excitement Kicks Off With Skijor Bangor’s Big Event

"A horse and rider pulling a skier or snowboarder on a thousand foot track going roughly 35 miles and hour over jumps and gates and grabbing rings."

That's how Skijor Bangor organizer and owner/operator Jodi MacGregor describes the sport of Skijor and why folks find it to be such a draw.

While this is only the second year of holding a Skijor event in the Bangor area, Topsham and Skowhegan have been holding events for many years now.

Read More: It's Like Apline Meets Equine: Skijor Bangor Coming In March

Since brining the event to the Queen City in 2024, the popularity and interest surrounding Skijor has definitely increased, MacGregor says.

All 3 Maine Skijor events are now listed on the Skijor USA site, which is a huge honor.

"We're getting recognized nationally. The state of Maine is getting recognized nationally."

"Skijor Bangor has picked up a lot of new members who have been interested in it and I'm getting a lot of people from out of state, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, who are inquiring about it. "

MacGregor, says the Bangor Skijor event is the first event in a Maine Skijor Triple Crown this year.

"We're the first leg on January 31st. Topsham is the second leg on February 7th. And Skowhegan will wrap it up on February 21st."

While each event is it's own entity, and the prizes for each event varry, MacGregor says participants do not have to compete in each one individually (although many choose to) to win the overall event Triple Crown title, which Skowhegan will be putting on at the end of the season.

"It's based on the highest points. There's a little twist to it. Technically, obviously, your chances are better if you hit all 3."

While this is only the second year of holding a Skijor event in the Bangor area, Topsham and Skowhegan have been holding events for many years now. MacGregor says since brining the event to the Queen City in 2024, the popularity and interest surrounding Skijor has definitely increased.

Bangor local Liz Leavitt attended the first Skijor Bangor event and loved it!

"It was so fun, I wouldn't dream of missing the fun this year!"

MacGregor says the 2026 Skijor Bangor event will take place on Saturday January 31st at the Bangor Raceway behind the Cross Insurance Center. Festivities will kick off at 10 AM.

Admission will be cash only at the date.

The Skijor Bangor Facebook says contestants have until Saturday January 17th to register.

MacGregor says the expects a large crowd this year, like they had their first year of operation.

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"We had a pretty packed house. It was definitely successful. We filled the grandstand and have plenty of competitors that first year. I suspect this year will be the same."

And snow should not be a problem this year, as one of their event sponsors, Bangor International Airport, has plenty, on standby, for them to use, should they need it.

"I have a stockpile of snow, again, at the airport. We have plenty of snow piled up there, and piles already on the infield to use, too, if necessary, so we have plenty of snow."

MacGregor this year there will be some vendors on hand, along with some items that will be raffled off.

She expects the crowds to be full, once again, and reminds everyone to dress warmly when heading out the this year's Skijor Bangor event.

"It's a totally outdoor event, so dress warm and have fun."

Here's a look at what professional skijoring looks like!