Skijoring Adventures for Dogs and People in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley

Combine cross-country skiing and canine energy for a distinctly Minnesotan winter outing in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Skijoring offers an enjoyable way for dogs and their people to experience the outdoors together.

Winter Adventures

Skijoring

Dog lovers can try skijoring, a Norwegian-inspired winter sport in which a dog pulls a person along while they cross-country ski. The basic equipment is simple: a dog, skis—classic skis are preferable—and a pulling harness.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers an ideal setting for skijoring. Five designated trails are available, with lengths ranging from 1.1 – 2.2 km. Along the way, skiers can take in sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and Wirth Lake. Dogs must remain on the designated skijoring trails, and pet owners are required to clean up after them at all times.

Brookview

Brookview’s golf course presents a different winter experience from its summer operation as a fun, yet challenging, course. Once the snow arrives, the City grooms a one-mile, multi-use natural snow recreational trail that winds through the course. With traditional cross-country ski grooves, it makes a particularly good spot for beginners learning to skijor with a canine companion.

The trail opens when snow conditions are appropriate and remains maintained through late February. Solar LED lighting makes it possible to use the route after sunset.

After skiing, Three One Six Bar + Grill offers sweeping golf-course views, family-friendly food, and a full bar featuring craft brews. Guests can also warm up beside the outdoor fire pit with a cozy cocktail, including cinnamon hot cocoa made with jack fire and rumchata.

Ski Rentals

For ski rentals, Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park carries Rossignol rental skis for adults and children. Each rental comes with skis, boots, and poles, with daily, weekend, and weekly rental periods available.

Hooigaard’s also sells a strong range of cross-country and downhill skis, along with snowshoes, snowboards, and winter apparel. Skijoring dog harnesses are available as well.