Skis, snowboards, UTVs: Oh my! SkiJor is back!

WALLACE — For those wondering why people could be seen being dragged behind motorized vehicles in downtown Wallace last weekend, don't worry, it's all part of the fun.

The 4th annual SkiJor event was held in Wallace last Saturday, with skiers and snowboarders being pulled on four-wheelers (instead of the traditional horses) down the only snow course in the middle of the historic downtown district.

Hosted by the Ski Wallace group, the 4th annual competition saw more than 2,000 attendees and 23 competitors take over the quaint town and turn it extreme.

"The mission of the nonprofit Ski Wallace Inc. is to promote winter events in Wallace. We want to show locals and tourists that Wallace has year-round attractions and amenities. We are all very dedicated to this mission and want to keep demonstrating that Wallace is here to stay," said Ski Wallace board member Greg Bosen.

SkiJor brought a sense of community to Wallace too, as a massive outpouring of 60 local businesses sponsored the event. Events such as this can be helpful during the slower winter months, where the number of tourists isn't as high as it would be in the summer — especially when it comes to events such as the Wallace Blues Fest or the Huckleberry Festival.

"Several business owners said that Saturday's business was comparable to the whole weekend of Blues Fest. Others told us that they had no idea how professional and successful this event was and will contribute more next year," Bosen said. "Every bar and restaurant was packed all day."

The Ski Wallace group continues to make improvements to the course every year, as well as an emphasis on safety. Contestants have had very minimal injuries over the past four years, with this year the only injury being a sprained finger.

"We have had minimal injuries because of the dedicated top-notch safety teams. We are very strict on safety. Next year, we hope to have better lights on the course," Bosen noted.

Members of Ski Wallace worked tirelessly and dug deep to make this year better than ever before. Stuart, Barbara and Nick Strother helped get a professional level of contestants, with the contestant traveling the furthest coming from New Hampshire. A promotion video created by Siobhan Curet was viewed 30,000-plus times which helped with publicity.

Volunteers also helped make SkiJor run as smoothly as possible. Ron and Shelli Neimi, as well as Ryan and Cecily Neimi were a huge volunteer help.

Professional action sports photographer Jess Spencer, from Breckinridge, Colo., was at the course taking photos, and Lofty Worx out of Sandpoint filmed drone footage.

The course was created by moving snow from behind city hall and returning it first thing Sunday morning. Fresh snow would make the designing process of the course more manageable, but the groomers association and Zanetti Brothers got the course perfect along with pro jump builders.

SkiJor 2021 winners are as follows with names and prizes listed:

1st Place — Ben Hojnoski, $1000 cash

2nd Place — Cole Karow, $500 cash

3rd Place — Brayden Bartlett, $250 cash

Johnson Gems spin-to-win, Asher Goodner, $100 cash

Fail the Feed best fail, Jack Powell, $100 store credit

Most creative, Nate Smith, $100 cash

H2E Superman front flip, Thomas Bacon, $100 cash

Cogs rail best trick, Brayden Bartlett, $50 bar tab

Sams Hammer, TJ Fitzgerald, $100 cash.

All the profits from the SkiJor go toward qualified historical projects to help preserve the area's history.