#United States #Big Sky #skijoring #competitions

The 7th Annual Best in the West Showdown: A Thrilling Experience

The 7th Annual Best in the West Showdown took place from February 7th to 9th, 2025, in the picturesque Big Sky Town Center, attracting top skijoring teams from across North America. With a prize pool of $15,000, the competition was fierce, and the atmosphere electric, drawing in over 6,000 spectators during the three-day event. Hosted by prominent sponsors including Rentbiz and Lone Mountain Land Co., this year's showdown reached new milestones not just in terms of attendance but also in the sheer excitement it brought to skijoring enthusiasts.

The event was a feast for both competitors and spectators, highlighting the thrilling sport of skijoring, where horse-mounted riders pull skiers and snowboarders at blazing speeds through a meticulously designed course filled with tight gates, steep bank turns, and thrilling jumps. The growing popularity of skijoring was further enhanced by a live broadcast on the Cowboy Channel, allowing more fans to tune in and support their favorite teams.

The Open Ski Division highlighted some outstanding performances, with Richard Weber and Jim Ryan clinching the top spot after an impressive run that clocked in at 37.26 seconds. Their expertise in speed, line selection, and rope management made them masters of the course. Simultaneously, the Pro Snowboard Division saw a standout performance from Kurt Layton and his team, dominating the podium by securing all top three positions.

In the Switcharoo Division, a delightful father-daughter pair, Dennis and Phoebe Alverson, showcased their impressive coordination, finishing with a combined time of 45.71 seconds. Meanwhile, in the Junior Division, the dynamic duo of Sawyer Anderson and Kate Thompson displayed remarkable teamwork, earning their victory with a time of 50.74 seconds.

Beyond the competitions, attendees enjoyed captivating exhibitions during breaks. The Keith Sayers FMX team returned to wow the audience, showcasing breathtaking snowmobiling stunts that included jaw-dropping gap jumps performed by X-Games legends Brett Turcotte and Willie Elam. The energy in the venue was infectious as fans cheered on their favorite athletes performing incredible aerial tricks.

A new addition to this year’s event was the Slopestyle Expo, which featured pro skiers and snowboarders performing tricks off specially designed rails and jumps. Athletes such as Luke Price and Rhett Leuzinger wowed the crowd with their skills while being pulled by experienced wranglers from Jake's Horses.

Erik Morrison from the Big Sky Skijoring production team emphasized the event's goal of connecting the rich cultural history of skijoring with modern elements of freestyle skiing, ensuring a blend of tradition and contemporary excitement. This year's Expo was a perfect representation of that vision, with plans for it to become a staple in future Showdowns.

The journey of the Best in the West Showdown has transformed it into a highlight on the skijoring calendar. Record attendance and diverse programming showcase the community's commitment to promoting a vibrant skijoring culture here in Big Sky.

Justa Adams, the Executive Director of the Big Sky Skijoring Association, expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers. She stated, “The views, majestic horses, and thrilling skiers created an unforgettable experience for families and friends. We can't wait for next year!”

Competitors and spectators alike acknowledged the unique energy that filled the event this year, celebrating the communal spirit around skijoring. As expectations rise for the next year’s showdown, the Big Sky Skijoring Association is already working to enhance the event further by integrating innovative course designs that honor the mountains' rich cultural legacy. Big Sky Skijoring promotes the exhilarating sport of skijoring in Montana, and anticipation is high for what’s next!

For more information, visit Big Sky Skijoring's official website.