Competitor Q&A

Who can compete?
Anyone with a passion for horses, skiing, or snowboarding - first-timers to seasoned pros. We welcome new participants.  Enter a single event just for fun or join the Frontier Tour to chase season points and the Championship Finals.

Do I have to join the Tour to race?
No. Tour membership is optional. You can enter any stop without joining the Tour and still win that event’s buckles, prizes, and cash payouts in your division. Tour membership is only needed for season points, rankings, and Championship Finals eligibility.

What’s a PRO Card and why would I get one?
Your PRO Card is your Tour membership. It signals you intend to compete in 2+ qualifying events and want results tracked for the season. Points are recorded to your registered team when you start a Tour race in a points-eligible division.

Which divisions earn Tour points?
PRO, Sport, Women’s, All-Around (Switch-a-Roo), Snowboard.
Other divisions (e.g., Novice, Century, Teen, Lil’ Buckaroo) may be offered locally but do not earn Tour points.

Can I race just one event and still win prizes?
Yes. Single-event teams (not in the Tour) can win that stop’s buckles, prizes, and cash. Tour membership is only required to accrue season points and pursue Finals.

How many Tour events are there?
Five qualifying events lead to the Championship Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of February.

Do we have to attend all five Tour events?
No. Enter as many as you can; more starts typically mean more points and a stronger shot at the team leaderboard.

How are points awarded?
Tour teams earn base start points for entering a points-eligible division at each stop, plus placement points for finish. Points stack across events to determine team standings by division.

If we need to change a teammate or horse mid-season, do our points carry?
Yes - points attach to the registered team (team name/ID) within a division, not to individual athletes. Substitutions (horse, skier, or rider) are allowed by request at least 24 hours before the race and must be approved by PRO Skijor officials. Approvals are generally limited to injury, health/sickness, or other extenuating circumstances. Once approved, the team’s points remain with the team.

How does All-Around (Switch-a-Roo) work with team points?
Teams swap roles per format, but points still accrue to the registered team in All-Around. Any mid-season personnel changes follow the same substitution approval process as #9.

Can we enter multiple divisions or submit multiple entries?
Yes, subject to running limits (per-horse and per-athlete caps). Each entry is a separate registered team for that division; points do not transfer between teams or divisions.

What are running limits?
Each stop sets maximum runs per horse and entries per athlete per day/weekend. See the stop’s Rules & Regulations for exact caps and scheduling notes.

What tack/rope/equipment is required?
Typical setup: western saddle with breast collar; bell/splint boots recommended. Standard ropes are 33 ft (straight) 3/8″+ diameter, no handles or knots. Some events may provide ropes; but recommended that teams bring their own regulation ropes.

How do we attach the rope?
To the saddle horn or via a secure attachment behind the saddle fixed to the primary rigging rings, with the pull point ~4 inches from the cantle (carabiner included). 

What skis or boards should we use?
Slalom-type race skis and snowboards, tuned for racing with sharp edges for quick edge-to-edge turns, are recommended.

What are courses like?
Varied layouts (straight, L-turn, U-shape), typically 600–1200 ft with breakaway gates (red right/blue left), 3–6 ft jumps, and occasional ring grabs for skier and rider.

How is scoring/timing handled?
Usually one run per day per entry over two days (local variations possible). Fastest combined time wins. Standard penalties: +2s per missed gate and +2s per missed/dropped ring.

What is the rerun policy?
Reruns may be granted for timing failure, interference, or course obstruction at the judges’/race director’s discretion. Follow posted race rules.

What are the safety requirements?
Helmets are required for skiers/snowboarders and strongly recommended for riders. Comply with posted rules for tack, ropes, start procedures, and conduct.

How are start orders set?
By draw or published seeding (sometimes using prior results). Start lists and call times are posted online/on-site.

Can minors compete?
Yes, in applicable divisions with guardian consent/waiver and per each stop’s age rules. Youth/non-points divisions may be offered locally.

Is there official practice?
Most stops do not host formal practices. Warm-ups and daily briefings cover procedures and course notes.

How do we register and when do entries close?
Register online for each event you’ll enter. If pursuing season points, also secure your PRO Card. Entry windows and caps vary - register early.

What is the refund or transfer policy?
Varies by stop. Some allow substitutions (per #9) before check-in and limited refunds before deadlines. See the event’s entry page and rules.

How do teams qualify for the Championship Finals?
Top point-earning teams by division after the five qualifiers receive Finals invitations. Ties are broken per official tiebreakers (e.g., highest single-event finish, next-best, participation count).

Can we volunteer or help off the course?
Absolutely. Volunteers are vital (course crew, gates, timing, etc.). See the event page for roles.

Where can we read the full Rules & Points?
On the PRO Skijor site: Rules & Regulations (eligibility, multiple/cross-division entries, running limits, safety, reruns) and Points System (values, examples, strategy).