Alaska News

Alaska mushing season gearing up despite sparse snow cover

Despite a below-average snowfall and frigid temperatures in much of Alaska, the sled dog racing season is getting set to kick into high gear. Here are some upcoming races in 2012 and 2013; to find more information, just click the links to be taken to the individual race sites. Race dates and locations may be subject to change. At least one race -- the Sheep Mountain 150 -- that was supposed to take place on Dec. 15 and 16 was already canceled due to lack of snow.

  • Top of the World 350: December 27-31, Tok
  • Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial: January 5, Knik Lake
  • Copper Basin 300: January 12, Glennallen
  • Kuskokwim 300: January 8, Bethel
  • Don Bowers Memorial 100/200/300: January 18, Willow
  • Northern Lights 300: January 25, Big Lake
  • Tustumena 200: January 26, Kasilof
  • Yukon Quest: February 2, Whitehorse
  • Denali Doubles: February 7-9, Cantwell
  • Paul Johnson Memorial Norton Sound 450: February 6, Unalakleet
  • Iditarod: March 2, Anchorage
  • Kobuk 440: April 11, Kotzebue

This list was compiled by Helen Hegener, who is an author and a documentary filmmaker specializing in distance sled dog races and the men, women and dogs who run them. This post originally appeared on her website, Northern Light Media. It has been republished with permission. Race date changes or additions can be emailed to helenhegener(at)gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT