On Sunday, February 5, The SportLab was out at Arrowhead Park hosting a skijoring clinic for cross-country skiers and their furry friends. If you have not tried this winter sport then you should grab your cross country skis, poles and your pooch and hit the trails. Skijoring – the name is derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring meaning ski driving – is a fun-filled family activity where the skier provides the power and the dog adds a little more momentum.
Sandrine Levrier, who calls herself a committed tourist, had skijoring on her list of fun activities to do but she needed the right pooch for the job. Once she found her connection with Clooney, a two-and-a-half year old dog, she made it a reality. “I saw the sport Skijoring and needed to try it! A friend of a friend knew Lowell Greib who introduced me to the sport. Now, I try to get up here as much as possible.”
Darla Coles and her son Eli, local residents already familiar with the sport, brought their dog Jacks out for a run. He was ready for it – Jacks used the first run as a warm up and, after a break, headed out for a second.
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- Sandrine Levrier and Clooney
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- The SportLab’s Lowell Greib (left) briefs skijoring first-timers on what they can expect with their dog Cheeko
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- Eli Coles gets a boost of speed from Jacks, a Viszla
If you missed the experience, don’t worry – The SportLab will be hosting two other dates at Arrowhead Park on Sunday, February 12 and Sunday March 5 from 1pm-4pm. Come on out and try Skijoring! Participants only need an Ontario Parks Ski Pass, cross country skis and poles, and their dog. Arrowhead Park has rentals for the cross-country equipment and The SportLab owners Lowell Greib and Kat Ahokas have family dogs if you are interested in trying it with an experienced pooch. The SportLab also has dog harnesses and skijoring belts for loan or purchase.
If you have any questions, contact The SportLab at 1-855-776-7852.
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