Skijor Weekend at The Fat Ox

Skijor weekend is one of Banff’s wildest winter traditions - a full-throttle mash-up of Western & Indigenous culture, fashion, horses, skiers, and unapologetic après energy. During SnowDays, Banff Avenue turns into a runway-meets-racecourse, drawing crowds from across Canada (and well beyond) for a weekend that feels a lot like The Calgary Stampede… just colder, louder, and somehow even more fun!

And this year we’re closer than ever to the action, bigger energy, and the heart of Skijor weekend happening right around you.

At The Fat Ox, we’re leaning all the way in.

Think fur, fringe, denim, cowboy hats, cold drinks, hot grills, and a patio that hums from morning to night. With the Skijor course moving down to the 200–300 block of Banff Avenue this year, we’re right in the heart of the action - front-row vibes, big energy, and the ultimate place to post up before, during, and after the madness.

Saturday: Where It All Goes Down

Saturday is peak Skijor chaos - and we’re here for every second of it!

Brunch runs from 10 AM to 12 PM to fuel you up early, because once midday hits, the party’s already rolling. From 12–4 PM, DJ Tenax takes over the patio, setting the tone while the Patio Bar keeps the drinks and shot-skis flowing.

Expect:

Custom hat burning by Afire Hat Burning

Pop-up tattoos by Banff Ave Tattoo

Banff Burger Club: Vol. 2 from 12–4 PM (last bar call at 4:30 PM)

SnowDays crowds, western glam fits, and a patio that does not sit quietly

Skijor jumping and racing heats run mid-afternoon (2-3:30 PM) just down the block, making The Fat Ox the perfect basecamp to catch the action & warm up.

As the sun dips and the boots get snowier, the night carries on just down the avenue at The Rose & Crown for the official After Party.

Sunday: Easygoing Après

Sunday keeps the good times rolling - just with a slightly slower swagger.

Join us for brunch from 10 AM to 12 PM, Banff Burger Club from 12 PM to 4:30 PM, and an outdoor patio bar perfect for soaking up the final SnowDays buzz.  It's laid-back, feel-good apres with room to breathe, sip, snack and recap the weekend's best moments.

Dinner service begins at 5 PM and runs late, making The Fat Ox the easiest (and tastiest) way to wrap up Skijor weekend.

Drinks, Partners & Patio Energy

We’ll be serving Skijor-worthy drink specials all weekend long with support from Labatt and Veuve Clicquot, plus plenty of décor, outdoor bar action, and winter-western flair to match the moment. If you were here last year, you already know the vibe - and if you weren’t, this is your year!

Fur. Cowboys. Horses. Skis. Après.

Skijor weekend only comes once a year, and it brings out Banff at its boldest - wild, welcoming, and made for winter. Dress the part, lean into the chaos, and we’ll see you on the patio!