SPECIAL EVENT: Intro to Skijoring

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Try Skijoring: The Ultimate Winter Adventure with Your Dog

Have you ever imagined gliding across the snow, powered by your enthusiastic pup? Skijoring—Norwegian for “ski driving”—is an exciting blend of cross-country skiing and dog sledding, perfect for active dogs and their humans. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or want to refine your skills, this event is designed to help you and your dog become a great team on the snow—alongside other dogs and handlers learning together.

Golden Dog Adventure Co. is partnering with Gunstock Mountain Resort again this year to offer an introductory skijoring lesson that will teach you everything you need to get started in a supportive group setting where both dogs and people benefit from shared experience, observation, and encouragement.

What to Expect:

• Learn the Basics
  Begin with a hands-on equipment demonstration, where you’ll see how to properly outfit your dog in a skijoring harness and connect via towline. Learning as a group allows you to see different dog builds, movement styles, and setups—helpful for understanding what works best for your dog.

• Guided Practice on a Groomed Figure-8 Course
  Work with an instructor as you and your dog learn to move together as a team. Watching other dogs take turns on the course can be incredibly valuable, especially for dogs new to the sport—many gain confidence simply by observing calm, focused dogs ahead of them. Our group format also allows for shared troubleshooting, encouragement, and real-time adjustments.

• Explore the Trails
  After the lesson, enjoy access to Gunstock’s beautifully groomed trails to practice and have fun at your own pace.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 7th | Snow Date: Sunday, March 8th (if conditions allow)
• Time: 1-hour group lesson at 11:00 AM (arrive early to get set up)
• Limited Spots: Only 10 human-dog teams for a personalized experience

Included:

• 1-hour group lesson with expert instruction, including skijoring harnesses for both dog and handler
• Trail pass for the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy Gunstock’s groomed trails after your lesson
• NEW: Pre-event preparation guide with recommended skijoring cues and commands to practice with your dog ahead of time
• NEW: Desensitization exercises to help dogs become comfortable with skis, poles, and snowshoes before event day
• NEW: Curated educational resources and video links covering skijoring basics and fundamentals
• On-site support with equipment setup, fit, and adjustments throughout the clinic
• Event-day comfort supplies including blankets, towels, water, bowls, and treats for dogs
• Group-learning environment that allows teams to observe, learn from one another, and build confidence together

What You Need:

• Participants should have a basic understanding of skiing. Expect to start on snowshoes first, especially in icy conditions, for safety reasons.
• Your own ski equipment is recommended. No metal-tipped skis for the safety of the dogs.
• Need rentals? Gunstock has cross-country ski packages (skis, poles, boots) available for an additional $26. If you need rentals, register first, then email woof@goldendognh.com with your boot size so we can reserve equipment for you.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the thrill of skijoring as part of a thoughtful, well-supported dog group—where learning happens not just through instruction, but through shared experience, observation, and connection. Spaces are limited, so register now and get ready to hit the trails with your adventure dog.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 3-4. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. Dogs must be comfortable waiting calmly around other dogs and people during the instructional portion of the clinic. Because skijoring involves close proximity, shared space, and a high-energy environment, it is not a good fit for dogs who are reactive to other dogs. This recommendation is based on professional guidance and observations from past clinics, and is made with the well-being of all dogs and handlers in mind. If you’re unsure whether this event is appropriate for your dog, we’re happy to help you decide. Please email woof@goldendognh.com with any questions or concerns before registering.

COST: Limited to 10 tickets.

• Members – $85/person & 1 dog (does not include rental of skis, poles and boots)
• Non-Members – $100/person & 1 dog (does not include rental of skis, poles and boots) – Not yet a member? Join for only $15/month and receive a month of benefits!
• For maximum happiness, only 1 dog/person please.
• NOTE: Guests are welcome to assist and observe but must pay $26 for a trail pass and $26 for rentals directly to Gunstock at check in.

Full refunds issued if cancellation received 1 week prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
Gunstock is located at 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. For detailed directions, visit their website. You will receive a confirmation email 24 hours prior to your session with additional details on where to meet.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.