SALT LAKE CITY – On Saturday, downtown Salt Lake City transformed into a winter wonderland as thousands of spectators gathered for the annual Winter Roundup, an exciting event that showcased the unique sport of skijoring. This thrilling spectacle featured 45 truckloads of snow, imported from Solitude Mountain Resort, which turned West Temple into a snowy course, much to the delight of attendees. Skijoring, a sport that combines skiing and horseback riding, involves skiers being pulled by horses over a course laden with jumps and obstacles. "Think about waterskiing, but instead of a boat pulling you, it’s a horse on snow," explained Ryan Mack, a representative from Visit Salt Lake. The event not only captivated local residents but also attracted visitors from across the region, illustrating the appeal of this unique winter sport. The snow used for the event was not the fresh powder typical of Utah's ski resorts. Instead, it was "parking lot snow" that was scooped up and transported for the event, a clever use of snow that would otherwise go to waste. Mack elaborated, "We kind of just clean up their dirty snow and bring it down here for our event." The borrowed snow was expertly groomed to create a proper course for the skijoring demonstrations, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators. Local food truck worker Trent Snyder expressed his astonishment at the transformation of the urban landscape. "I didn’t think they could do it. I didn’t know it was a thing," he remarked, highlighting the innovative efforts of the event's organizers. For many attendees, the Winter Roundup served as a delightful escape from the usual winter bleakness. Salt Lake City residents Lisa and Darryl McCune were particularly excited to see the snow in person. "It’s exciting to be here. We just came to see the snow. We haven’t seen any at our place, so we’re just thrilled to see it brown and melty or not," they said, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by many who were eager for a taste of winter magic. The event also drew visitors from outside Utah, with Ken and Jamie Holt traveling from Lander, Wyoming, specifically to participate in the Winter Roundup. "You know, they’ve been advertising, and the PBR is tonight, and downtown Salt Lake has a lot to offer, and we wanted to watch this. We have horses and ride up in the mountains a lot, and we wanted to come and see what it’s all about," Ken Holt noted. Their journey underscores the event's broader appeal, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from neighboring states. Mack highlighted Salt Lake City’s unique geographic advantages, stating, "We like to call ourselves America’s mountain city. The proximity from the airport to downtown to the mountains, it’s incredible. There’s no other place we think like this in the country. It’s a great time to visit Salt Lake." This positioning enhances the city's reputation as a prime destination for outdoor activities, particularly in the winter months. The Winter Roundup was organized by Visit Salt Lake in collaboration with the Days of '47 organization, aiming to create a festive atmosphere that blends winter sports with the cultural richness of the region. Mack described the event as the "Winter version of the Days of 47," alluding to the annual celebration of Utah's pioneer heritage. Beyond skijoring, the Winter Roundup featured a variety of winter and western activities, including cowboy poetry performances, further enriching the experience for attendees. The blending of winter sports with local culture provided a unique and engaging atmosphere, catering to diverse interests and creating a sense of community. As the day came to a close, organizers began encouraging attendees to mark their calendars for next year’s Winter Roundup, with hopes of continuing to grow the event and draw even larger crowds. The success of this year’s event demonstrates the potential for winter activities in urban settings, fostering a sense of community while showcasing the thrilling experiences that winter sports have to offer. As Salt Lake City continues to embrace its identity as a winter sports hub, events like the Winter Roundup will play a crucial role in attracting visitors and celebrating the joys of the season.