HEBER CITY, Utah - The annual skijoring competition, a thrilling winter sport that combines skiing and horseback riding, faced significant challenges this year due to unusually warm temperatures. Skijoring, which involves a skier being pulled by a horse over a course marked by jumps and obstacles, typically requires a solid base of snow, but this winter has presented an unexpected twist for organizers and competitors alike. Brian Gardner, a co-founder of Skijoring Utah, expressed the difficulties posed by this winter’s unpredictable weather. "The winter has thrown us a curveball this year. I know everybody understands that," Gardner remarked, highlighting the challenges faced in creating the ideal conditions for the event. Traditionally held inside the rodeo arena, this year’s competition was forced to adapt due to the presence of 12 to 18 inches of mud caused by warmer temperatures. This situation raised safety concerns regarding the horses, prompting organizers to make a swift decision to relocate the course to the parking lot of the Heber Valley. "That was a real safety concern, especially for the horses running. And so, short notice, we had to make a hard decision to move out of the arena and actually build the course here in the parking lot," Gardner explained. Despite having snowmaking equipment available, the reality of warmer temperatures rendered it ineffective. The team had to monitor overnight temperatures closely, waiting for the mercury to drop low enough to allow for snowmaking. "We just really watched those overnight temperatures, and as they dropped low enough, we were just ready to go. We really only had about four nights here in Heber to get this snow made," Gardner added, reflecting on the urgency of the situation. Competitors like Bryan Coll, who hails from New York and has participated in the event for the past three seasons, remained determined to compete despite the unfavorable conditions. "The conditions, they are what they are, and everybody's got to race on the same thing, so it's not like there's an edge for anybody," Coll stated. He noted that skiing in slush presents its own set of challenges, as maintaining an edge on the skis is difficult. "We're just skiing slush. You can't hold an edge as well, so there's some of that to figure out, but otherwise, we're just going out there and sending it," Coll added with a sense of camaraderie among the competitors. This year marks a significant expansion for the skijoring tour, as organizers aim to include additional states in the competition. However, the weather remains a primary concern for future events. Gardner expressed a cautious optimism, stating, "We are nervous about the weather. We will religiously watch the temperatures, and anytime we dip below 25 degrees, you'll see us out all night blowing snow and getting ready for that event." His commitment to ensuring a successful event is palpable. Coll injected a bit of humor into the situation, joking, "I have no worries. They'll get snow on the ground if they've got to ship it in from Alaska." This lightheartedness reflects the spirit of the skijoring community, which is determined to carry on despite the challenges. The Heber Valley skijoring event has deep roots in the community, having started a decade ago. Gardner reminisced, saying, "When we started the event 10 years ago, it was here in the Heber Valley. It's always just felt like home, and it will always feel like home, and what a beautiful place to have it." The dedication to preserving this cherished tradition in the face of adversity underscores the strong sense of community surrounding the event. Looking ahead, there are two more tour stops scheduled in Utah. The next competitions are set to take place at the Logan Cache County Fairgrounds from January 30 to 31, followed by the Championship Weekend at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City on February 27 to 28. For those interested in learning more about skijoring and upcoming events, more information can be found on their official website. As the skijoring competition adapts to the challenges posed by warmer temperatures, it continues to showcase the resilience and passion of both the organizers and participants. The spirit of adventure and competition remains strong, ensuring that this unique sport will continue to thrive in the Heber Valley and beyond, regardless of the weather conditions.