Skijoring continues to grow in popularity across Alberta, with popular events held in Calgary and Banff this winter.
But beyond the horses and the freestyle skiing acrobatics, fashion has become one of its most noticeable features.
Fur coats, trapper hats, and vintage winter clothing are common at skijoring competitions, raising questions about why fur remains such a visible part of the look when it is facing criticism in mainstream fashion
Skijoring’s fashion roots
Understanding why fur is still part of the skijoring style helps explain how the sport began.
In frosty Scandinavian countries, skijoring developed as a way to travel in winter, with skiers pulled by horses or dogs across snow-covered land.
Clothing was chosen for warmth and durability, and fur was widely used because it worked in freezing, harsh conditions.
As the sport moved to North America, it shifted from practical transportation to public competition and entertainment.
Historical images from the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies show skijoring taking place in Banff as early as 1924 during SnowDays.
Skikoring fashion today
Today, fur is no longer primarily used for warmth at skijoring events, but continues to shape the sport’s aesthetic.
Many participants and spectators wear fur as part of a vintage or western-inspired style. Planning outfits has become part of race day preparation, adding a sense of fun and community.
Attitudes toward fur have shifted in the wider fashion world, with many major brands moving away from real fur.
Public conversations about animal welfare have also become more common.
The fur industry faces continuous scrutiny.
“Industrial fur farming is legal in Canada, despite horrific conditions for animals, serious environmental impact, and risks to public health,” according to animal rights advocacy organization Animal Justice.
Alexandra Pester, a staff lawyer at Animal Justice, says that wearing second-hand fur can be a problem.
“Reusing fur means that another animal is not going to die for that fur product. However, the issue really comes from the promotion of fur,” Pester said.
She also stresses that there are responsible ways to repurpose vintage fur.
People can donate old coats to wildlife sanctuaries and animal rescue organizations, where the fur can help keep animals warm — rather than contributing to the fashion industry.
Fur and Indigenous culture
For many Indigenous communities, fur holds cultural and historical significance, often connected to storytelling, tradition, and respect for the land.
“Our dances are based on storytelling, stories of warriors and hunting,” Annette Hobart, a Métis trapper who operates a trap line near Bonnyville, Alta., told the Alberta Energy Regulator. “The furs help tell the story of a life we once had. Being able to display and wear our furs is also about truth and reconciliation. It’s connecting us with our past.”
The future of skijoring fur
The end of the skijoring season offers a chance to think about what next year’s events could look like — including what people choose to wear.
Dressing up is part of the fun.
It adds to the atmosphere of the event.
But could the sport’s bold winter look evolve without real fur?
Could animal rights activists convince skijoring fans to give up the fur?