Learn About Dog Sledding

How Dog Sledding Became an Amazing Part of Alaskan Culture

Sarah · April 25, 2025 ·

Dog sledding is not just a tourist activity in Alaska; it’s an integral part of the state’s rich cultural history and is Alaska’s official state sport. From its early roots as a primary mode of transportation in harsh northern conditions to its modern-day status as an exciting adventure sport, dog sledding has left an indelible mark on Alaskan culture. Let’s explore how dog sledding evolved and became a symbol of resilience, tradition, and adventure.

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The Origins of Dog Sledding in Alaska

The history of dog sledding in Alaska is rooted in the traditions of indigenous peoples, long before European settlers arrived. The use of sled dogs dates back thousands of years, with native groups such as the Inuit, Chukchi, and Athabaskan peoples relying on them for transportation across the vast, snowy landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. These cultures depended on sled dogs to haul heavy loads, transport goods, and travel long distances between communities.

The dogs used by these indigenous peoples were specifically bred for endurance, strength, and the ability to withstand extreme cold. Many of the sled dogs in Alaska are descendants of these original breeds, including the Alaskan Husky, a working dog that was developed over time to meet the demands of dog sledding in harsh conditions.

The Rise of Dog Sledding for Transportation

As Russian and later American settlers began arriving in Alaska in the 19th century, they soon adopted dog sledding as a necessary form of transportation. With the harsh winter conditions and the vast distances between settlements, dog sledding became the most efficient way to move goods and people across the frozen terrain. Dogs, with their natural ability to endure cold and pull heavy loads, became the go-to option for travel across the snow-covered terrain.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, dog sledding had become an essential form of transportation for settlers, miners, trappers, and explorers. It was not uncommon for dog sled teams to transport mail, supplies, and even people across miles of snow and ice. The Iditarod Trail, which would later give rise to the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, has its origins in the 19th century as a network of established routes used by indigenous people and later formalized by settlers. These trails connected remote communities across Alaska, facilitating trade, mail delivery, and travel.

The Iditarod Trail became particularly prominent in the early 19th century as a winter transportation route for those living in isolated regions. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which is now globally recognized, was not founded until 1973. It was established to commemorate the Serum Run and to preserve the legacy of dog sledding in Alaska. The race, which spans over 1,000 miles, celebrates the endurance of sled dogs and their mushers, and it continues to highlight the historical role of dog sledding in Alaskan culture.

Dog Sledding in the 20th Century: From Work to Sport

In the early 1900s, dog sled racing began to gain widespread popularity, with events such as the All Alaska Sweepstakes, first held in 1908, serving as major attractions. The All Alaska Sweepstakes became one of the most prestigious sled dog races of its time, with mushers competing for large cash prizes. Races like this helped to elevate the status of dog sledding in Alaska from a utilitarian means of transportation to a highly competitive and respected sport. These races, along with other regional competitions, contributed to the growing recognition of dog sledding as both a tradition and an exciting form of entertainment.

The Serum Run and the Rise of Dog Sledding’s Legacy

In 1925, the legendary “Serum Run” (also known as the “Great Race of Mercy”) brought national attention to dog sledding. When a diphtheria outbreak threatened the town of Nome, sled dog teams raced across frozen tundra to deliver the life-saving antitoxin. The event demonstrated the strength and endurance of sled dogs, reinforcing their crucial role in Alaska’s history.

Travis Beals departs the 2018 Iditarod dog sled race from Willow, Alaska — Travis Beals sets off from Willow, Alaska, to begin the 2018 Iditarod dog sled race, one of the toughest and most prestigious sled dog races in the world.

The Resurgence of Dog Sledding as a Sport

With the introduction of motor vehicles, airplanes, and more modern infrastructure, the necessity of dog sledding for transportation gradually declined. However, in the mid-20th century, dog sledding experienced a resurgence as a competitive sport. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race, founded in 1973, reignited interest in the tradition of dog sledding and helped solidify its place as both a sport and a symbol of Alaskan heritage.

The Iditarod, which covers over 1,000 miles of Alaska’s wilderness, celebrates the skill and endurance of mushers and their dog teams. Established to preserve the legacy of sled dogs—a vital breed in the North—the race has become a testament to their strength and importance.

This transformation from practical transportation to sport allowed dog sledding to flourish in new ways, gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts and tourists eager to experience the thrill of the race and the beauty of Alaska’s wild landscape.

Today Alaska is Home to Many Prestigious Sled Dog Races

In addition to the iconic Iditarod, Alaska hosts several other prestigious dog sled races that highlight the skill and endurance of mushers and their dog teams. The Kuskokwim 300 takes place in the heart of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This challenging 300-mile race tests mushers with its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, offering a unique experience for both competitors and spectators.

Another notable race is the Copper Basin 300, which takes place in the remote and unforgiving Copper River Basin. Known for its tough conditions and deep snow, this race attracts some of the top mushers in the world, with its route covering over 300 miles of Alaskan wilderness.

The Kobuk 440, held in the northwestern part of the state, is a 440-mile race that follows ancient trade routes used by indigenous peoples. This race is famous for its scenic beauty and its challenge, as mushers navigate the windswept landscapes and harsh Arctic conditions. Each of these races, along with the Iditarod, plays an important role in preserving the tradition of dog sledding, fostering competition, and celebrating the unique bond between mushers and their sled dogs.

Dog Sledding as a Sport and Adventure Activity

Today, dog sledding is not only a way to connect with Alaska’s rich cultural heritage but also an exciting adventure that draws visitors from around the globe. Whether on glaciers, remote trails, or even in the heart of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations, people can experience firsthand the bond between mushers and their dogs in a way that honors the past while embracing the spirit of adventure.

The Cultural Significance of Dog Sledding

Dog sledding’s significance in Alaska goes beyond its practical uses; it is deeply embedded in the state’s identity. The sport embodies the resilience, strength, and independence that Alaskans are known for. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and indigenous peoples, who relied on sled dogs to survive and thrive in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

In modern times, dog sledding has become a symbol of the Alaskan way of life, honoring traditions that have been passed down for generations. It serves as a connection between the past and present, allowing people to experience the very same landscapes and challenges that the original mushers and their dogs faced centuries ago.

From Tradition to Thrill: Dog Sledding’s Role in Alaskan Identity

From its ancient roots as a practical mode of transportation to its transformation into a thrilling adventure sport, dog sledding has played an essential role in shaping Alaskan culture. It connects the past with the present, celebrating the bond between humans and dogs while honoring the resilience and spirit of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and early settlers. Today, whether as a sport, a tradition, or an unforgettable experience for visitors, dog sledding continues to be an enduring part of Alaska’s identity.

Everything You Need to Know About the Iditarod Sled Dog Race

Sarah · April 18, 2025 ·

What is the Iditarod Sled Dog Race?

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, often referred to simply as “The Iditarod,” is a legendary annual race that covers over 1,000 miles through the rugged wilderness of Alaska. Celebrated for its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and the bond between mushers and their teams, the Iditarod has become one of the most iconic events in the world of dog sledding. But what exactly is the Iditarod, and why does it capture the imagination of so many? Let’s dive into the history, significance, and thrilling adventure behind this celebrated race.

Iditarod Race Overview: Key Insights and Details

The Origins of the Iditarod: Preserving the Legacy of Sled Dogs

While the Iditarod is often linked to the famous 1925 Serum Run, this is a common myth that has been perpetuated over the years. The race was not created specifically to honor the Serum Run or the heroic sled dog teams that helped deliver the lifesaving diphtheria serum to Nome. Instead, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race was founded as a way to preserve and celebrate the tradition of dog sledding in Alaska, at a time when these methods of transportation were being overtaken by modern technology like airplanes and snow machines.

In the early 20th century, dog sledding was an essential part of life in Alaska, particularly in remote regions where motorized vehicles couldn’t reach. However, with the advent of faster and more efficient methods of transportation, the role of sled dogs began to fade. By the 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing concern that this unique part of Alaskan culture and history might be lost.

To combat this, the Iditarod race was conceived in the early 1970s as a way to honor the sled dogs and the mushers who had kept the tradition alive for so many years. It was also a way to demonstrate the enduring strength and resilience of both the dogs and their handlers. The inaugural Iditarod race took place in 1973, and it quickly became an annual event that not only revived interest in dog sledding but also brought worldwide attention to the sport and its importance in Alaskan heritage.

The race’s founders, including the famous musher Joe Redington Sr., sought to create an event that would highlight the rugged endurance of the dogs, while also ensuring that future generations would recognize and value the critical role sled dogs played in Alaska’s history. Over time, the Iditarod has grown into a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and adventure, reminding us of the bond between mushers and their dogs, and the harsh yet beautiful wilderness of Alaska.

Travis at the finish of the Ceremonial start of the 2018 Iditarod. Here he is loving on Blue and her aunt Gremlin. — Travis at the finish of the Ceremonial start of the 2018 Iditarod. Here he is loving on Blue, the youngest dog in the team, and her aunt Gremlin, one of the oldest dogs in the team.

Understanding an Iditarod Team: The Musher and Their Dogs

An Iditarod team is comprised of a musher and 16 sled dogs. Each dog plays a crucial role in the team’s performance, and together, they must work to navigate the challenging terrain and weather conditions over the course of the race.

The musher is the leader of the team, steering the sled, managing the dogs, and making key decisions about rest, pacing, and route choices. However, the real stars of the Iditarod are the dogs. These dogs, usually a breed known as the Alaskan Husky, are bred for endurance, speed, and strength. Each dog has a specific role depending on their size, experience, and personality—ranging from lead dogs, who set the pace and make turns, to wheel dogs, who help with the more physically demanding tasks of pulling the sled.

Iditarod Team Size Changes Throughout the Race

While a team can consist of up to 16 dogs, the number of dogs on the team can fluctuate as the race progresses. Mushers are allowed to send dogs home, but they cannot swap out dogs once the race has begun. This is an important part of the race and is centered around the well-being of the dogs. If a dog becomes injured, too tired, or is not performing at their best, the musher can choose to send the dog back to a checkpoint where they can be safely cared for.

Sending dogs home is a sign of responsible dog care and part of the musher’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of their team. It is important to note that sending a dog home does not mean they have failed; it means that the musher is taking the necessary steps to ensure their well-being. Mushers are highly attuned to the well-being of their dogs, watching for any signs that might indicate the need for rest or care. They make thoughtful, responsible decisions to ensure their dogs’ comfort and safety throughout the race. This emphasis on responsible dog care is a core value of the Iditarod, and it demonstrates the deep bond between mushers and their dogs.

Ultimately, while the Iditarod is a race, the health and safety of the sled dogs is always the top priority. By practicing good dog care—whether through ensuring proper rest, providing adequate food, or making the decision to send a dog home when necessary—mushers continue to uphold the values of respect and responsibility for the dogs that make the race possible.

The Musher’s Responsibility: Care and Feeding of the Dog Team

One of the unique aspects of the Iditarod is that the musher is solely responsible for the care, feeding, and well-being of their dog team throughout the race. Unlike events such as NASCAR, where pit crews handle the maintenance and support of race cars, the musher is both the driver and the caretaker for their dogs. This responsibility extends to every aspect of the dogs’ needs, from feeding them high-energy meals at checkpoints to ensuring they stay hydrated and rested.

Mushers must be intimately familiar with each dog’s individual needs, recognizing when a dog may need extra rest, attention, or care. They must also be able to make decisions about feeding schedules, the appropriate amount of food for each dog, and even the timing of breaks based on how the dogs are performing. The race is physically demanding for both the mushers and their dogs, and the musher’s ability to manage these elements plays a pivotal role in the success of the team.

The responsibility of caring for the team without the aid of a support crew emphasizes the deep bond between musher and dogs. This level of care ensures that the dogs remain in top condition for the rigors of the race, as the musher constantly assesses the health of the team and provides the necessary resources for them to continue forward. In a race as grueling as the Iditarod, where conditions can be unpredictable and challenging, this constant, hands-on care is vital to the success of the team.

When Does the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Take Place?

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual event that typically takes place in early March, with the official start occurring on the first Saturday of the month. The exact dates can vary slightly from year to year, but this timing is chosen to ensure that the race occurs during Alaska’s winter season, when the conditions are most conducive for dog sledding.

How Long Is The Iditarod Sled Dog Race Take Place?

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is approximately 1,000 miles long. It stretches across Alaska, from the starting point in Willow to the finish line in Nome. The exact distance can vary slightly depending on the route chosen each year, but it typically spans over 1,000 miles of challenging terrain.

Besides its starting point, the Iditarod is run completely off the road system, meaning the only way to access the race route is by air, dog sled, or snowmobile. The remote and isolated nature of the race adds to its difficulty, as mushers and their dog teams must navigate through unspoiled wilderness with only the minimal infrastructure of remote native villages to rely on. This makes the Iditarod not just a race of speed and endurance, but also a test of survival in some of the most challenging and untouched terrain in the world.

How Long Does the Iditarod Take?

The duration of the Iditarod depends on the weather conditions, the team’s ability, and the strategy employed by the musher. On average, the race lasts anywhere from 8 to 15 days. Teams must navigate over 1,000 miles of challenging terrain, so mushers must pace themselves and their dogs, with strategic rest periods at checkpoints along the way.

The Official vs. Ceremonial Start

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicks off with two distinct starts: the ceremonial start and the official start. While both are essential parts of the race, they serve different purposes and are celebrated in unique ways.

The Ceremonial Start: A Celebration of Alaska’s Heritage

The ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage, typically on the first Saturday of March. This event is a public celebration and an opportunity for the local community and fans from around the world to gather and witness the excitement of the race beginning. The ceremonial start is more of a festive parade than a competitive race.

During this start, each musher and their dog team line up in downtown Anchorage, where they are introduced to the crowd before making their way through the streets of the city. The dogs get a chance to stretch their legs and get used to the sights and sounds of the event, while spectators cheer on the teams. This event is not timed and does not count toward the official race clock. Instead, it serves as a way to showcase the sport of dog sledding, honor the history of the Iditarod, and generate excitement for the true race ahead.

While the ceremonial start offers a fantastic chance to see the teams up close, it is not a reflection of the grueling race conditions that will follow. Teams will usually travel a short distance, around 11 miles, before returning to Anchorage.

Today, race fans can bid to ride with a musher and their team as part of the “Iditarider” auction which is used as a fundraiser to help support the race.

The Iditarod Official Start in Willow

The official start takes place the following day in Willow, Alaska, located about 70 miles north of Anchorage. This is where the race truly begins.

The official start is when the clock starts ticking. Teams leave the starting line in 2-minute intervals. From this point on, the race is a serious test of endurance, with mushers navigating the challenging terrain, managing their dogs’ care, and working their way through checkpoints to reach the finish line in Nome.

Iditarod Race Routes

The Terrain: Navigating Alaska’s Rugged Wilderness

One of the defining features of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is the incredible variety of terrain it traverses as it winds its way across Alaska. From start to finish, the race covers over 1,000 miles of diverse landscapes, each presenting unique challenges that test both the dogs and the mushers.

The route begins in Willow, Alaska, and stretches all the way to Nome, passing through some of the most remote and rugged areas of the state. Mushers must navigate through forests, cross frozen rivers, and traverse the arctic tundra, all while contending with the harsh Alaskan climate. The race crosses both the Alaska Range and the Kuskokwim Mountains, with the mushers and their teams scaling steep climbs and navigating treacherous descents, sometimes in blizzard-like conditions. The Alaska Range, in particular, is a formidable challenge, as it stretches across the central part of the state and offers one of the toughest parts of the entire race.

In addition to mountains, mushers encounter vast stretches of arctic tundra, where the flat, open landscape makes for a grueling test of endurance. This is coupled with the challenge of navigating frozen rivers, which, while offering a relatively smooth path, can be unpredictable and difficult to cross. In the later stages of the race, mushers also navigate over sea ice along the Bering Sea coast, where the ice can shift and conditions change rapidly. This adds an extra layer of difficulty as the dogs and mushers need to be especially cautious of the terrain beneath their sleds.

The race also highlights the remoteness of Alaska’s wilderness. Unlike many other sporting events that are easily accessible by roads or highways, the Iditarod takes place in an area that is completely cut off from roads or infrastructure. There are no paved highways to follow—just the trail itself, marked with stakes and signage. The checkpoints, where mushers can rest and resupply, are often located in small, isolated communities, and the lack of direct access to these areas makes the race even more challenging. If something goes wrong, help can be hours or even days away.

This remoteness not only makes the race incredibly physically demanding but also serves as a testament to the perseverance and resilience of both mushers and their dog teams. The Iditarod is as much about navigating this rugged and often hostile environment as it is about speed and skill, with the terrain itself playing a central role in shaping the adventure of the race. It’s an event that pushes participants to their limits, while also allowing them to experience the wild, untamed beauty of Alaska in its purest form.

The Iditarod Alternates Between a Northern and Southern Route

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race traditionally alternates between two primary routes: the Northern Route and the Southern Route. This alternation occurs annually, with the Southern Route utilized in odd-numbered years and the Northern Route in even-numbered years. Both routes share the initial segment from Willow to Ophir, covering approximately 352 miles. At Ophir, they diverge:

Southern Route (Odd-Numbered Years): After Ophir, this route passes through the ghost town of Iditarod, followed by checkpoints in Shageluk, Anvik, Grayling, and Eagle Island before reuniting with the Northern Route at Kaltag.
Northern Route (Even-Numbered Years): Post-Ophir, this path leads through Cripple, Ruby, Galena, and Nulato, also converging with the Southern Route at Kaltag.

This alternating route system helps allows different communities to participate in the race each year without putting too much strain on these small interior villages.

Iditarod Adapting to Environmental Challenges

In recent years, environmental factors have necessitated creative adjustments to the race route:

2021 Gold Loop Trail: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional route was modified to the Gold Loop Trail.This loop began near Willow, extended to the Iditarod checkpoint, and included a turnaround at the ghost town of Flat before returning to Willow. This adjustment minimized interaction with communities and adhered to health guidelines.
2025 Fairbanks Start: A lack of snow in the Anchorage area led to the decision to start the 2025 race in Fairbanks. This change marked the fourth time the race has relocated to Fairbanks since 2004 due to insufficient snowpack. The altered route added over 100 miles, bringing the total distance to approximately 1,128 miles.

These adaptations underscore the race’s resilience and the organizers’ commitment to ensuring a safe and fair competition despite environmental challenges

Mandatory Rest in the Iditarod: A Key to Strategy and Dog Care

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is not just a test of speed, but also of strategy and endurance. While the race covers over 1,000 miles of rugged terrain, mushers must balance their desire to finish quickly with the need to take care of their dogs. To ensure the health and safety of the dog teams, there are mandatory rest periods built into the race, which serve as critical points for both the mushers and their dogs to recover and regroup.

180308 1X4956 — Travis Beals packs his sled by headlamp as he prepares to leave the Takotna checkpoint during his 24-hour layover on Thursday, March 8th during the 2018 Iditarod Sled Dog Race — Alaska Photo by Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com (C) 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

24-Hour Layover

Every musher must take a mandatory 24-hour layover during the race. This layover can be taken at any checkpoint the musher chooses, giving them flexibility in how they approach the race. The 24-hour rest period is essential for the dogs, as it allows them to recover from the intense physical exertion of the race. It also provides the musher with an opportunity to assess their dogs’ health and ensure that their team is ready for the next leg of the journey.

Strategically, the timing of this layover can be critical. Some mushers might choose to take the 24-hour layover early in the race, allowing the dogs to rest before more challenging sections. Others might wait until later, after more miles have been covered, in order to rest the dogs before the final push toward Nome.

The decision of when to take this layover is a significant part of the race strategy and can make a big difference in how well a team performs overall. Typically, mushers take their 24-hour layover about 300-400 miles into the race with McGrath, Takotna, and Ophir being the most popular checkpoints for this rest.

8-Hour Layover at the Yukon River

In addition to the 24-hour layover, mushers must also take a mandatory 8-hour layover at a checkpoint along the Yukon River. This rest period is crucial as it allows the dog team to recover from the demanding conditions of the trail. The Yukon River section of the race is often one of the most challenging, with extreme cold and long stretches of open land, so the 8-hour rest ensures that the dogs can stay healthy and strong.

The checkpoint on the Yukon River is typically in a remote location, and mushers will often stay with their dogs, making sure they are properly fed, watered, and rested before continuing on. This layover provides both mushers and dogs the necessary time to regroup in the middle of the race, before heading into the final, most demanding leg toward Nome.

8-Hour Layover at White Mountain

The final mandatory rest is another 8-hour layover at White Mountain, located just a few hundred miles from the finish line. By the time mushers reach White Mountain, they’ve covered hundreds of miles of difficult terrain, and the dogs need this time to rest before the final stretch to Nome. White Mountain is considered the last major checkpoint, and it’s the final opportunity for both the dogs and mushers to recover before pushing forward to the finish line.

Mushers typically use this time to check in with their dogs’ condition, make sure everyone is well-fed and hydrated, and assess their team’s readiness for the home stretch. The time spent here is critical for ensuring that the dogs can finish strong, and it’s another moment for the musher to make strategic decisions on the best pacing for the final leg of the race.

Travis Beals runs toward the Cripple checkpoint at sunset on Thursday March 10 during Iditarod 2016. Alaska. Photo by Jeff Schultz (C) 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Rest and Strategy

In the world of dog sled racing, particularly in the Iditarod, the way mushers manage their dogs’ rest and work cycles is a critical component of race strategy. Mushers face the difficult challenge of balancing speed with endurance, as the physical demands on their teams are immense. The core idea behind race strategy revolves around optimizing the dogs’ energy usage and ensuring they can maintain peak performance throughout the race, which stretches over 1,000 miles of rugged terrain.

One key difference in approach is whether a musher chooses to run long, steady runs at slower paces or shorter, faster runs between checkpoints. Teams that run at a slower pace over longer distances typically need less rest, as their dogs are working at a sustainable energy level that doesn’t require significant recovery time. These dogs, while traveling further each time, are using their energy more efficiently and are generally less fatigued at the end of the run.

On the other hand, teams that push their dogs at faster speeds over shorter distances tend to require more rest between runs. While they may cover less ground, the faster pace consumes more energy, leading to a greater need for recovery before continuing the race. This strategy may seem effective in getting a team to the next checkpoint more quickly, but it can lead to longer total rest times, potentially hindering the team’s performance in the long haul.

In the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift toward faster, shorter runs in an effort to gain an advantage in the race. Mushers are opting for speedier paces in a bid to cover more ground, even if it means taking more frequent or longer rests. This approach contrasts with the more traditional method championed by mushers like John Baker, who won the 2011 Iditarod with a slow and steady strategy. Baker’s record for the fastest time on the southern route still stands, showcasing that the steady pace and more consistent rest periods can be more effective over the course of the race, despite the shift toward faster-paced strategies.

Why Mushers Give Their Sled Dogs Straw

Sarah · February 6, 2024 ·

Mushers give their sled dogs straw primarily for bedding during rest stops in races and training sessions, as well as in their outdoor kennels. Straw serves several important purposes in ensuring the dogs’ comfort, health, and well-being, especially in cold weather conditions. Here are the key reasons why straw is favored:

Insulation and Warmth

Thermal Insulation: Straw is an excellent insulator. When dogs lie down on straw, their body heat is trapped in the air pockets within the straw, helping to keep them warm in freezing conditions.
Barrier from Cold Ground: Laying straw on the snow or ice provides a protective barrier that prevents body heat from being lost to the ground, which can be a significant risk in cold weather.

Comfort

Soft Bedding: Straw is relatively soft and can be fluffed up to create a comfortable bed that conforms to the dog’s body, providing support and comfort during rest periods.
Dry Resting Area: Straw can help wick away moisture from the dogs’ bodies and the ground, keeping them drier and more comfortable while resting.

Health and Hygiene

Cleanliness: Straw can be easily replaced, ensuring that dogs have a clean and dry place to rest. This is important for maintaining the dogs’ health, as it reduces the risk of skin infections and other health issues related to damp and dirty resting areas.
Reduced Exposure to Allergens: Compared to other bedding materials like hay, straw typically has fewer seeds and other particles that can cause allergic reactions in dogs.

Practicality and Accessibility

Availability: Straw is widely available in most regions where dog sledding is practiced, making it a convenient choice for mushers.
Cost-Effective: It is relatively inexpensive, especially in agricultural areas, which makes it an economical choice for bedding material.
Portability: Straw is lightweight and can be easily transported, which is essential for mushers who travel for races or training. During long-distance races like the Iditarod, mushers carry bales of straw on their sleds to create bedding for their dogs at checkpoints.

Sled dogs rest on straw during the 2016 Iditarod in the McGrath Checkpoint

Environmental Considerations

Biodegradable: Straw is a natural, biodegradable material that can be left on the trail without causing environmental harm, assuming local guidelines and race rules are followed regarding litter and environmental impact.

Usage in Races and Training

In the context of sled dog racing and training, mushers often carry bales of straw on their sleds to use at checkpoints or rest stops along the trail. Creating a comfortable, insulated bed for their dogs is a critical part of caring for their team, helping to ensure the dogs can rest effectively and maintain their health throughout the race or training session.

The use of straw for sled dogs by mushers is a practice grounded in ensuring the animals’ warmth, comfort, and overall well-being, especially in the demanding and often harsh conditions of dog sledding.

How Mushers Get Home After Finishing The Iditarod

Sarah · March 20, 2019 ·

After teams find themselves in Nome, Alaska celebrating their momentous achievement of finishing the Iditarod, they must then work on scheduling their own return trip. Generally, after arriving in Nome mushers are quick to make arrangements — if they haven’t done so already — for themselves and their dogs. Nothing feels quite as nice as your own bed for you and for your dogs!

What you don’t see from the live web feed after a dog team arrives under the burled arch in Nome, is where the teams go. The teams travel a few blocks further to a temporary dog lot that is set up during the race. This area is called the Nome Dog Lot. At the Nome dog lot, there is a dedicated crew of volunteers who stay with the dogs, in rotating shifts, 24/7 to help watch over the dogs when the mushers or their handlers can’t be there. That being said, care for the dogs themselves is done entirely by the mushers and their handlers.

When a musher and their team arrives at the dog lot, they are quickly directed by the volunteer crew as to where they will park their sled and unhook their team. Usually, a musher has a handler present in Nome who will help them with their team. The handler will have set up kennels for the dogs who have finished and will have also added straw to them so that the dogs will have a nice warm place to stay. The straw adds insulation to the kennels which serve, in part, as a windbreak. The handler will also bring a musher’s drop bags over. Experienced handlers will often have a hot meal waiting not only for the dogs but also for the musher!

Fidget relaxing after the finish of the 2018 Iditarod

All teams that arrive are inspected by a veterinarian as the musher and their help unharness the team and begin rubbing them down. If the musher has finished in the top 20 of Iditarod then the musher will have a panel of veterinarians over to inspect each dog. The musher will have to take each dog for a small walk in front of a committee who will carefully evaluate the gait of the dog. This is partially how the Leonhard Sepphala Humanitarian Award is given out. How a team finishes the race is almost as important as how the perform. A dog team should come into Nome looking strong and well hydrated. This evaluation is part of a larger evaluation of mushers and their care on the trail.

Most mushers feed their dogs several small snacks at the finish line consisting of fish or beef. Once the team is settled and the vet check is complete, they will get a nice big meal. Teams who have finished in the prize money for Iditarod must then wait for the Iditarod drug testing panel to come and collect urine from their dogs. This can be anywhere from the time a team finishes up until four hours after the team crosses the finish ilne. The reason the drug tester may take so long is that often the dog team needs to eat and drink before they are able to easily provide a urine sample. During this time a representative from the team must remain with the dog team.

At the earliest possible time available, a musher will make arrangements to fly their team out of Nome. Local freight carriers such as Northern Air Cargo and Alaska Airlines provide “back-haul” shipping out of Nome. Because so many supplies routinely have to go into the small town for it to survive, many planes go back empty.

travis beals sarah stokey iditarod 2018 nome — Travis and Sarah at the Finish of the 2018 Iditarod

This is great news for mushers because ultimately, it means it is relatively inexpensive for the dogs to get shipped home. Alaska airlines charge a flat rate of $425 to ship up to sixteen dogs and a sled back. Northern Air Cargo charges by weight — if you have a smaller team that has finished, choosing Northern Air Cargo may be a better option. We’ve worked with both carriers in the past and have been very happy with how they have taken care of us and our dogs. Believe it or not, it’s cheaper to fly the dogs back than it is to fly the humans back!

Mushers generally stay in Nome until the finishing banquet. For top placing teams, this can be 4 or 5 days so many mushers elect to send their dogs home as soon as possible. This is done because the living arrangements in Nome are temporary. The dogs will recover better sleeping in their own dog house away from the distraction of dozens of other teams. Generally, a musher running the race has a crew of people back home willing and able to take care of their team. These people have generally been involved with the care of the team for the entirety of the training season. Until the dogs depart, mushers are constantly caring for their dogs, feeding them, rubbing them down, and taking them for walks so they can stretch out.

Any musher who has finished the race will receive $1049 check to help with these expenses. Generally, this is enough to cover flying the dogs, the dog sled, and any other equipment back as well as pay for the musher’s return flight. Many mushers joke that without this check, they’d have to mush back home!

Shipping Sled Dogs back from Nome after finishing the Iditarod — A worker at Northern Air Cargo helps wrap a pallet of airline kennels containing our sled dogs for safe transit out of Nome

The dogs are generally shipped home in airline kennels, one dog per kennel. The kennels are generally stacked on pallets and syran wrap is used outside the kennels to keep them to the pallets to help prevent the dogs from moving in flight. Generally, four dog crates are put on each pallet, two on the bottom and two on top before the syran wrap goes around the outside of the kennels. This is done in such a way as to not impact ventilation but to ensure that the kennels are properly secured to the pallet and to each other.

Our sled dogs are loaded up and ready to head home

The Finishing Banquet is a time for celebration. Special awards such as the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award and other prizes, both those won along the trail and those voted on by judges and mushers, are handed out too. It is a fun event where mushers get to congratulate one another on finishing the race and enjoy the camaraderie of the mushing community.

The finishing banquet ends early in the evening. Most mushers, who have now been away from home for a minimum of 3 weeks, are eager to return home and hop on the earliest flight out of Nome which is directly after the banquet. Other mushers, stay for a few more days and continue to enjoy the post-Iditarod festivities.

Once home, most mushers and there dogs relax and start the planning process for next year’s race.

The Role of Tourism in Racing the Iditarod

Sarah · April 18, 2018 ·

The role of Alaska Tourism in Racing the Iditarod — The Role of Tourism in Racing the Iditarod. Original Photo by Kalani Woodlock

It seems strange to think that a little over a month ago, we were in Nome completing a 1,000-mile journey with our dogs. While we work on organizing Travis’ stories from the trail we thought we’d write about the migratory lives that many in the mushing world live in order to fund this crazy lifestyle.

Dog sledding in Alaska is not a cheap sport to participate in and running Iditarod, makes dog sledding much more expensive. Racing a 1,000-mile endurance race requires lots of additional training which in turn requires the dogs to eat a lot more food and go through lots of booties. We go through approximately 6,000 booties over the course of a training season. Our dog food bill is more than our mortgage, utility payment, and truck payment combined! On the low end of the scale, mushers spender approximately $30,000 dollars to train and race a team capable of reaching the finish line in Nome. Lots more, if you plan on running competitively. Of course, regardless of what is said by animal right’s activists, the financials of racing Iditarod do not make sense. Teams finishing in the top 20 are, at best, breaking even. We participate in the Iditarod because we love traveling the trail with our dogs: nothing is more remarkable than going on a 1,000 mile journey with your best friends!

Although many mushers hope for large sponsorships to materialize to offset the heavy financial burden running an Iditarod kennel entails, the majority of Iditarod mushers and their handlers have to figure out how to finance the high cost of running dogs on their own. Many mushers look to Alaska’s booming tourism economy to make their winter dreams a reality. Alaska dog sledding tours help turn many mushers’ Iditarod dreams into realities.

Because the tourism industry allows mushers to continue to work with our dogs, it is heavily favorited by dog mushers. Mushers pursue dog sledding because they love to be around dogs and working in tourism allows this. Other popular occupations for Iditarod racers include construction as well as fishing which are also seasonal occupations here in Alaska.

For our kennel and our Iditarod ambitions, we rely on tourism. We operate two different dog sled tours out of our hometown of Seward, Alaska. At our kennel, we operate a dog sled tour that focuses on providing hands-on experiences to small groups of guests. Our goal is to share our passion for dog mushing and also to educate the public on dog sled racing and sled dog care. The tour includes a fun dog sled ride on a wheeled car through wooded trails where we perform a one-of-a-kind lead dog demonstration, showing off our dogs’ training and intelligence. We love this tour because it focuses on training new lead dogs and takes our guests “behind the scenes” to show how we use positive reinforcement to teach our sled dogs our dog mushing commands.

We also offer a dog sled tour up on Godwin glacier for those seeking a winter-like experience and wanting to experience Alaska dog sledding on snow in the summer. Guests take a helicopter ride up to Godwin glacier, mush for two miles, and enjoy the amazing scenery. It’s really incredible how you can go from a summer landscape to a winter landscape in just a short helicopter ride! Alaska’s beauty constantly amazes us and this tour has been described as “life-changing” and “the trip of a lifetime!” Our dogs certainly enjoy getting to go on a winter vacation and we frequently rotate the dogs between our kennel and our remote glacier camp.

Our tour operation gives us lots of freedom not only in how our tours are conducted but also in how our dogs are cared for. For us, our livelihood also allows us to work with our dogs day in and day out which has major training benefits. We believe our summer dog sled tours really help us as a competitive racing kennel as we can continue to work with dogs and train lead dogs, work on developing young talent, and building a cohesive team. Tourism is also a really great way to introduce people to our sport and teach visitors all about how we care for our sled dogs.

With this to look forward to after returning home from Nome, we slowly began packing up our Willow residence. It almost seemed like we couldn’t leave Willow quick enough — the snow in Willow was melting and after having been gone from Seward for over 6 months, we were ready to return home. So we began the long arduous process of moving.

The process has taken weeks and is slowly coming to an end with the final dogs arriving in Seward. We couldn’t be happier in returning home: our local community has supported us in every conceivable way — from throwing fundraisers, to recommending our tours, to even helping prepare our food drops.

We are excited for summer to begin and for the opportunities that await us. We look forward to meeting new friends and sharing our passion for mushing with our guests. In between, we will enjoy the sunshine, barbeques, gardening, and friends that only home can offer.

We are so grateful for all the support our kennel receives from visitors to Alaska. Thanks for helping turn our dream into a reality and allowing us to live this wonderful lifestyle with our dogs.

Bring on the summer! We can’t wait!