Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race
Known as the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World," the annual
Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles
between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish
lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska,
this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is
some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail
constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as
potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes
place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending
on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter.
The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as
the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush
trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of
the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of
this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some
of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two
weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled
team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse
and features entries from all over the world, but all the
entries have one thing in common--they came to win!
If you find yourself in the great state of Alaska or in the
beautiful territory of the Yukon this February, do not miss an
opportunity to attend the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Individuals
of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique experience and will
remember seeing the running dogs, hearing the crunch of snow,
and feeling the overall air of excitement for years to come.
Whether you send off the competitors in the tiny town of
Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon territory or welcome the heroic
mushers and sled dogs into lovely downtown Fairbanks, Alaska,
there are many opportunities to see this race. Many of the
race's checkpoints are accessible by major roadways, allowing
visitors from all corners of the globe to experience this race
first hand. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at a major
dog sled race. This race requires a whole crew of individuals to
work diligently while the competitors fly over snow banks. From
veterinarians to care for the sled dogs to doctors to care for
the mushers to talented chefs to provide all competitors--both
animal and human--with quality food, it truly takes a village
for the event to get off the ground.
Make a trip to Alaska to experience the nonstop action and
excitement of the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Bring the entire
family to cheer on all the competitors and watch as one talented
musher and his (or her!) sled dog team crosses into Fairbanks
first to be declared victorious!