Dog Mushing

Throughout Alaska, sprint races, freight hauling, and long-distance endurance runs are held throughout the winter, with the majority running in late February and March, when longer days afford more enjoyment of the remaining winter snow. Men and women often compete in the same classes in the major races. For children, various racing classes are based on age, starting with the one-dog category for the youngest. The Interior sees a constant string of sled-dog races from November to March, culminating in the North American Open Sled-Dog Championship, which attracts international competitors.

Alaska Dog Mushers Association. The association, one of the oldest organizations of its kind in Alaska, holds many races at its Jeff Studdert Sled Dog Racegrounds. 925 Farmers Loop Rd., Mile 4, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99712. 907/457–6874; www.alaskadogmushers.com.

Paws for Adventure Sled Dog Tours. Paws offers everything from a quick ride to mushing immersion courses. Experience the joys of mushing—and snap plenty of photos—on a one-hour ride, or learn how to drive a team at the three-hour mushing school. The multiday trips include mushing school plus overnight mushing, camping, and stays at Tolovana Roadhouse. George Rd., at Herning Rd., on A Taste of Alaska Lodge property, Fairbanks, Alaska. 907/699–3960; www.pawsforadventure.com. From $75.

Yukon Quest International Sled-Dog Race. This endurance race held in February covers more than 1,000 miles between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, via Dawson and the Yukon River. Considered much tougher and, among mushers, more prestigious than the more famous Iditarod, the Quest goes through more remote lands, with fewer checkpoints. The starting point alternates between the two cities each year (Fairbanks gets even-numbered years). Fairbanks Yukon Quest office, 550 1st Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska, 99701. 907/452–7954; www.yukonquest.com.