SALT LAKE CITY, UT — October 23, 2025 — It’s where the Wild West meets winter sports. The high-adrenaline winter sport of skijoring, where a horse and rider pull a skier through a snow-packed obstacle course at full speed, is racing taking over the national stage with the debut of PRO Skijor, North America’s first professional skijoring series, and its inaugural Frontier Tour launching in 2026.

Each stop on the six-city circuit will deliver an all-day celebration of snow, speed, and Western spirit, complete with live music, local food trucks, and family-friendly fun. The season wraps in Salt Lake City with the 2026 Championship Weekend, where the best riders, skiers, and horses in the country will compete for the title and a serious cash purse. The schedule is below, and tickets for all events are available at PROSkijor.com.

Co-founded by Utah skijoring pioneers Brian Gardner and Joe Loveridge, the duo behind the popular Skijoring Utah events and longtime members of the skiing and equestrian communities, PRO Skijor is powered by a veteran team that includes Greg Lipstone (former talent agent at William Morris and ICM) Chris Castallo (an award-winning producer and executive with NBC, CBS, Verizon, and Amazon), and Ben Kim (former Chief Operating Officer of Playboy).

“We’d watched skijoring light up a few ski towns across the West, but Utah hadn’t seen it yet. Joe called and said, ‘This needs to be Utah’s sport – it’s who we are,’” laughs Gardner. “We rallied our ski buddies and our horse buddies, set up a course, and just went for it. It was a blast – and that first day sparked a movement we’re proud to share with more people every season. People love it.”

“It’s rodeo energy meets ski-town attitude,” adds Loveridge. “Every run is different, every crowd’s louder than the last,  and we can’t wait to bring that rush to fans across the Mountain West.”

“Skijoring is the perfect mix of horsepower, gravity, and grit,” says co-founder Lipstone. “We’re turning it into an event series built for both athletes and fans, something that feels epic, authentic, and unlike anything else in winter sports.”

“It’s the ultimate winter mash-up,” said co-founder Castallo. “You’ve got speed, snow, and adrenaline, but also live music, food, fashion, and the kind of energy that feels like a festival and a finals match all at once.”

THE FRONTIER TOUR EXPERIENCE

Each Frontier Tour stop will transform local fairgrounds and arenas into snow-packed playgrounds, complete with freestyle aerials, timed heats, and divisions ranging from first-timers to pros. Expect music, food, Western and ski-inspired vendors, and the kind of crowd energy that rivals a Friday-night rodeo.

Main tour divisions – competing for points, titles, and cash prizes – include:

• Pro-Open: Elite-level athletes.
• Sport: Intermediate-level athletes.
• Women’s: Women’s novice-to-intermediate level teams.
• Snowboard: Novice-to-Intermediate levels competing against other snowboarders only.
• All-Around: Cross Athletes in novice-to-intermediate levels, where teammates must make one run riding the horse and one run skiing.

PRO Skijor also welcomes competitors looking to participate for fun, with divisions such as:

• Novice Division: Open to all beginning-level participants.
• Century: Open to all novice-to-intermediate levels, where the combined age of the horseback rider and skier must equal 100 years or greater.
• Teen: Open to all novice-to-intermediate levels, with participants ages 13-17.
• Lil’ Buckaroo & Ponies Only: For children 12 and under, celebrating the sport’s generational appeal.

2026 FRONTIER TOUR SCHEDULE

“Skijoring’s already wild,” says longtime skier Stephanie Webber, “But turning it into a full-on series means I get to dial things in with my crew all season, stack points, and chase the finals – and have a blast doing it. I’m seriously stoked.”

Tickets for all events are available at PROSkijor.com, and follow @PROSkijor on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates.

ABOUT PRO SKIJOR

PRO Skijor is a new professional sports series dedicated to advancing competitive skijoring across North America. Founded by Utah skijoring pioneers Brian Gardner and Joe Loveridge, along with media executives Greg Lipstone and Chris Castallo, the league blends top-level competition with the heritage of the American West to forge a bold new chapter in winter sports. Skijoring, where a horse and rider pull a skier through a snow-packed course featuring jumps, gates, and obstacles, embodies PRO Skijor’s mission to unite sport, storytelling, and community for a new generation of fans.

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Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Wasatch County Senior Center
Address: 465 East 1200 South Heber City, Utah 84032
Format: Drop in. Review Alternatives, View Selected Alternative, Ask Questions

Deer Creek Reservoir Trail Feasibility Study Overview

UDOT is studying improvements to the unpaved trail on the west side of Deer Creek Reservoir in coordination with Wasatch County, Deer Creek State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Bureau of Reclamation, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, and nearby property owners. The study will look at options to create a 6.75-mile paved path between the Wasatch Mountain State Park and Deer Creek Dam trail heads. Also the study will explore ways to retain an unpaved option for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The effort will use a topographic survey and updated environmental review to guide future design and eventual construction.

The Utah Trail Network is being built to create a continuous system of paved, shared-use paths designed for walking, biking, and other non-motorized travel. These paths will link communities across Utah, like a highway system. They provide safe, comfortable, and reliable alternatives to driving. To learn more about the Utah Trail Network, please visit: https://utahtrailnetwork.udot.utah.gov/. The Deer Creek Reservoir Trail segment plays a key role, connecting the Heber Valley and Provo Canyon, that helps complete a major loop of trails that will eventually span the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back. Once constructed, this trail will improve local mobility and serve as a vital segment of Utah’s larger statewide network.

Study Map

The study area is the existing unpaved Deer Creek Reservoir Trail from the Wasatch State Park trail head to the Deer Creek dam trail head.

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UDOT is evaluating the placement of median barriers on U.S. Route 40 north of Heber City to improve safety between River Road and 1200 North.

The 42-inch-tall concrete barriers would separate traffic traveling in opposite directions, reducing the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes that occur when vehicles crossover into oncoming traffic or turn left at unsignalized locations. The barriers would consolidate left turns to specific intersections: University Avenue, Commons Boulevard, and Coyote Canyon Parkway.

A traffic signal at Coyote Canyon Parkway is scheduled for installation in summer 2025. The intersections at University Avenue and Commons Boulevard are identified in the corridor management plan as locations for future traffic signals. In areas with median barriers, travelers would need to turn right and perform a U-turn at the nearest intersection.

UDOT hosted an in-person public meeting on July 17th to provide historic crash data, share information about the safety benefits and operational improvements of the proposed median barriers, and gather input from the community. Visit the “Public Meeting” tab for meeting details.

Project Map

UDOT is proposing the installation of four segments of concrete median barrier on US-40 between River Road and 1200 North with planned breaks at the intersections of University Avenue, Commons Boulevard, and Coyote Canyon Parkway.

Project Timeline

During the summer of 2025, a traffic impact study in the area was completed and a public meeting was held July 17, 2025. The design of the safety improvements and the required environmental study would follow throughout the fall of 2025.

A community survey is open through July 31, 2025.

https://publicinput.com/c81385#tab-66583

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Please accept or decline (if you haven’t already) the invitation so we can prepare with the correct number of bicycles.  We will meet at the Summit Bike Share Station near the Summit County Health Department at 650 Round Valley Drive.  The route we will bicycle can be found here.

Summit Bike is kindly arranging for e-bikes for the group, Please bring your own helmet if desired, water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

The public is welcome to attend and provide feedback any time during the open house. There will not be a formal presentation.

Phoston Spur & Rail Trail Study

UDOT is conducting the Phoston Spur & Rail Trail Study, which aims to improve nonmotorized transportation connections in Summit and Wasatch Counties. By understanding the regional trail network and connectivity needs of the area, the study team will develop a preferred concept that meets local and state needs.

U.S. Route 40 Corridor Study

UDOT is conducting the U.S. Route 40 Corridor Study, which will identify long-term, holistic solutions to move people safely and efficiently throughout the corridor as the area continues to grow.

Open House

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Utah Film Studios
Second-Floor Annex 4001 Kearns Blvd Park City, UT 84060

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Heber Valley, Utah (May 8, 2025) — The 21st Annual Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival, presented by Purina Pro Plan, returns to the iconic Soldier Hollow Olympic venue in Wasatch Mountain State Park. Happening over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–26, 2025, this annual event is one of the premier sheepdog competitions in the world. The four-day event welcomes elite competitors from the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Wales, Ireland, and South Africa, along with thousands of spectators each day.

“The Soldier Hollow Classic is a signature event that highlights the unique spirit, heritage, and breathtaking beauty of Heber Valley,” said Dallin Koecher, Executive Director at Heber Valley Tourism, Chamber, and Economic Development. “It brings people together from around the world to celebrate skill, tradition, and community in one of Utah’s most scenic settings. We’re proud to support such an iconic experience year after year.”

The highlight of the event is the daily sheepdog trials starting at 8:00 am daily. Watch skilled dogs herd over 300 Rambouillet ewes on the Olympic hillside. The festival offers fun for all ages with educational demos, dog agility shows, police K9 demonstrations, spinners and weavers exhibits, wild birds and raptors shows, sheep shearing, duck herding, kid’s activities, live bagpipes, a variety of food and merchandise vendors, and the Bohemian Beer Garden hosted by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation.

Advance discount tickets are available online at soldierhollowclassic.com/tickets-2025. Full price tickets can also be purchased day of at the gate. Kids four and under are free.

For event details, schedule, and ticket information, visit: soldierhollowclassic.com. For answers to the most commonly asked questions, please visit: gohebervalley.com/blog-sheepdog-championship-qanda.

About the Soldier Hollow Classic

The Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival, founded in 2003, has grown into one of the world’s premier sheepdog trials, drawing competitors from 19 countries and over 13,000 spectators annually. Held at the historic Soldier Hollow venue in Heber Valley, Utah—site of the 2002 and upcoming 2034 Winter Olympic Games—the festival celebrates the remarkable partnership between skilled handlers and dogs, set against the stunning scenery of the Wasatch Mountains.

About Heber Valley
Heber Valley Tourism, Economic Development, and Chamber of Commerce work to expand local economic activity through tourism development, provide resources to strengthen existing businesses, recruit quality companies to the area, and promote Wasatch County as an excellent destination to live, learn, work, and play. Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, 20 minutes from Park City, Utah, and less than 30 minutes from Provo/Orem, Utah, the beautiful Heber Valley is a quick, convenient, and scenic destination. To learn more, visit gohebervalley.com.

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Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation’s Healthy Communities program is helping our community stay active by introducing exciting new physical activities. Learn about scholarship opportunities for their entry-level Kickers and Gliders program with Team Soldier Hollow, perfect for beginners eager to learn to ski.

More info at utaholympiclegacy.org or call 435-654-2002.

Healthy Heber Valley Program Season Pass Winter Spanish

Healthy Heber Valley Program Season Pass Winter English

The post Get out and play this Winter – right here in the Heber Valley! ❄️ appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.

Booths and activities:

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As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the community of Peace House is coming together to support survivors, advocate for change, and work towards ending domestic violence. On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Peace House, in collaboration with various community partners, is hosting a pivotal event: “Be the Light – Spark Change.”

A Community in Action

The event will feature a brief yet powerful walk through Heber City Park, symbolizing the collective journey toward a future free from domestic violence. This walk will culminate in inspiring remarks from Heber City Mayor Heidi Franco and Edwin Gianini from the Lauren McCluskey Foundation. Their words will emphasize the importance of community support and the crucial role each individual plays in creating a safer, more compassionate society.

Engage, Learn, and Connect

In addition to the walk, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various activities hosted by partner organizations committed to ending domestic violence. These organizations will provide valuable resources and information to help individuals recognize, prevent, and address domestic violence in their own lives and communities.

To keep the spirit of togetherness and celebration alive, delicious food will be provided by local favorites, Churro Wagon by the Border and Las Chatas. These culinary delights are sure to satisfy as participants connect with one another and learn how they can contribute to this vital cause.

A Call to Action

This event is entirely free and open to all, offering everyone in the community the chance to “Be the Light” and spark change. By joining forces, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and take meaningful steps toward ending domestic violence once and for all.

Together, let’s make a difference. Join us at Heber City Park on October 5th, and be part of a movement that will spark change and bring hope to those who need it most.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Heber City Park
Admission: FREE

For more information, please contact Peace House or visit our website. Let’s stand together and be the light in our community!

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Heber Valley, Utah, September 25, 2024  – In 2000, a dedicated group of volunteers in Heber Valley came together with a shared vision: to create a better future for their community. They established the Wasatch Community Foundation (WCF) with a guiding principle that continues to inspire: “From the community, for the community.” This mantra embodies WCF’s commitment to addressing local needs and supporting other nonprofits in their fundraising efforts.

For the past 24 years, the WCF has grown into one of the largest volunteer organizations in Heber Valley. As a thriving 501(c)(3), the foundation has become a beacon of community spirit and generosity. Through careful evaluation, the WCF Board of Directors supports local projects with funding, complementary programs, and volunteer efforts, touching countless lives. This collaborative approach has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding and thousands of volunteer hours dedicated to impactful causes right here in Wasatch County.

Building an Extraordinary Community

WCF’s mission is to build an extraordinary community by uniting resources and programs to enhance the well-being of Wasatch County residents. Guided by its five key pillars—Human Services, Health, Education, Recreation, and Arts—WCF strives to create a thriving, connected, and vibrant community where individuals of all ages can lead happy, healthy lives.

Annual Fundraising Event: A Night to Remember

The Annual Fundraising Event is one of the most anticipated evenings of the year for WCF and the Heber Valley community. Scheduled for October 10, 2024, at the picturesque Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah, the event will begin at 6 pm with dinner and a presentation focused on raising essential funds for the foundation’s key programs.

This event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of the community’s generosity and the impact of collective contributions. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate directly to WCF’s pillars, supporting vital initiatives such as youth sports programs, children’s health and dental clinics, the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner, mental health services, lifelong learning projects, and the STEP UP education program.

Join the Cause

Tickets for the Annual Fundraising Event are available for $150 each, with all proceeds directly benefiting community programs. By attending, you’ll be supporting essential services that make Heber Valley a better place for everyone. Tickets are available now at www.ourwcf.org.

If you can’t attend, you can still support the cause by making a donation to a pillar of your choice at www.ourwcf.org/donate.

The Wasatch Community Foundation is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when a community comes together with a common purpose. Their work embodies the spirit of giving and the belief that, together, we can build a brighter future for all. Join WCF in making Heber Valley an extraordinary place to live, work, and play. Your support makes all the difference.

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On Saturday, September 14, Liberty Sanctuary invites you to an unforgettable evening of Western charm, community spirit, and equine connection. From 4:00 to 8:00 pm, join us at our stunning ranch for Wine, Whiskey & The West, a celebration of the unique bond between humans and horses.

This event will feature an interactive session with natural horsemanship expert Ashley Dudas, who will demonstrate the profound Horse-Human Connection alongside Liberty’s very own rescue horses. Experience firsthand the grace, beauty, and intelligence of these incredible animals, many of whom have been saved from the slaughter pipeline and are on the journey to recovery and a new life.

What to Expect:

• Savor exquisite wines from Chester Wines, from Russian River Vineyards.
• Enjoy handcrafted whiskey from Sugarhouse Distillery.
• Nibble on delicious appetizers while listening to the soulful sounds of Tony Oros, performing live music around the campfire.
• Dress warmly in your best Western attire, and prepare for a memorable evening under the stars.

Tickets are $65 per person, with proceeds going directly to support Liberty Sanctuary’s mission of protecting America’s most vulnerable equines. Liberty Sanctuary is a leading nonprofit organization that rescues horses from the slaughter pipeline, providing them with comprehensive care, training, and adoption opportunities. Through our advocacy platform, SAFEACT.org, we’re working to pass the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE Act, HR. 3475), which is currently in Congress, aiming to ban the slaughter of cherished American horses.

Liberty Sanctuary’s efforts have been recognized nationwide, with features on ABC News, Fox News, NPR, and various Utah-based media outlets like Good Things Utah, Good Day Utah, and the Salt Lake Tribune.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support a vital cause while enjoying an evening of wine, whiskey, music, and horses. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, visit Liberty News.

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