snowy TRAILS and wagging TAILS

Throughout the season, catch sprint races at the Jeff Studdert Race Grounds, culminating with the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race in March. In February, watch the start of the Yukon Quest Alaska, a series of races through Interior Alaska.

Long before snowmobiles, ATVs and bush planes made winter travel easy in the remote wilderness, intrepid Alaska Natives partnered with man’s best friend to navigate the snow-covered terrain by having them pull a skinless kayak frame on runners. Later, explorers and prospectors who came to the North relied heavily on dog teams to get around.

Today’s sleds and sled dogs look a bit different than those of centuries ago but the excitement for Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing is greater than ever. Visit a working kennel, meet these charming, four-legged athletes and hear captivating tales of the trail from a veteran musher.

Cheer on dogs and mushers at a local sprint race or take a 30-minute ride in the basket of a dog sled. Learn to drive a team of your own at a half-day mushing school or during an overnight guided tour under the northern lights. Highenergy and adorable, Alaska’s sled dogs will steal your heart.