What happens at a sled dog race?
Give yourself plenty of time to get to Frog Lake - HWY 26 can become congested with ski resort traffic as early as 8am.
Typically larger teams will stay in the lot the evening before the race or arrive early in the morning. Teams are expected to park in the same spot as the previous day, so if you show up early on the second day of the race and are asked to move your vehicle, this is a bio-security measure to ensure dog teams don’t get sick.
Restrooms are usually available on site, but bring enough layers to stay comfortable as well as a means to warm back up if you get cold (e.g. hand warmers or heavy blankets).
A driver’s meeting occurs before the race which allows all of the participants to ask questions about the course, receive information about spotters and trail conditions, and learn their starting times.
A starting chute will be marked with flags and have timers and volunteers staged within. Spectators can stand to either side of the flags, but should not enter the chute for any reason as it poses a safety concern.
Near the starting chute is a large board with start times, course maps and participant times recorded as the race progresses.
Volunteers will call start times in the parking lot and help teams get to the starting chute.
A countdown is verbally called out by the timers, and then the team will charge out onto the trail.
Depending on the length of the course as well as the number of dogs, runs may take as long as 90 minutes to finish or as little time as 6 minutes.
Large teams will go out first - approximately 9am.
Larger teams running mid-distance lengths (14 Miles) may take between 60-90 minutes to finish a course. These teams are inspiring for children and adults alike to watch, but there is a long period of time that passes between start and finish.
Smaller teams leave when all of the larger teams have finished (skijor, 2-dog and 4-dog). These teams will finish in 10-30 minutes, depending on length of the course, and present the most photo opportunities at the start and finish line within the closest succession.
Please leave dogs at home unless you are participating
Races are LOUD and there are a LOT of dogs present - sometimes upwards of 200 in a parking lot!
This environment is overwhelming for pet dogs and can pose a serious safety risk if they are unfamiliar with the excitement of the event.
To learn how to join us with your dog at the race, please check out our pull clinic or getting started pages.
Can I pet the dogs?
Absolutely!
But please ask before petting any of the dogs.
We love to share our dogs with spectators, but some of our dogs are uncomfortable with strangers or may be rehabilitated rescues who need space - especially at an exciting race event!
Do not pet dogs while they are in the chute getting ready to go or waiting for their turn to enter the chute. They are excited to do their job and will be much happier to receive your attention when they are all done with their run.
What should I bring?
Sno Park Permit, which can be purchased at any of the following vendors.
A full tank of gas - there is no heated lodge at Frog Lake, so you’ll need to idle your vehicle to warm back up between teams.
Blankets, hand warmers, change of socks and long underwear - the usual snow safety check list.
Chains or traction tires, which are often required during winter travel on Mt. Hood.
Food and drink - there are no food vendors available at the Frog Lake Sno Park and the nearest restaurants are in Government Camp about 10 minutes away.
Camping Chairs if you would be more comfortable sitting in the chute.
Ear protection - Dog teams are LOUD when they are in the chute, and may be a sensory overload for some individuals.
How do I find races near me?
We recommend referencing Sled Dog Central Race Schedule for the West Coast.
There is a race available almost every weekend between Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and California.
2024 Races with Dates & Locations
(Cancelled Due to Severe Cold) ̶J̶a̶n̶u̶a̶r̶y̶ ̶1̶4̶-̶1̶5̶t̶h̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶4̶,̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶D̶a̶r̶b̶y̶,̶ ̶M̶T̶ ̶-̶ ̶D̶a̶r̶b̶y̶ ̶D̶o̶g̶ ̶(̶S̶p̶r̶i̶n̶t̶ ̶+̶ ̶S̶k̶i̶j̶o̶r̶)̶
(Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow) January 18-21 2024, in Joseph, OR - Eagle Cap Extreme (Iditarod Qualifier + Distance + Stage Mid-distance)
January 20-21 2024, in West Yellowstone, MT - Wildfire Defense Series Race 1 Fun Run (Open Sprint + Large Pro Team + 6-Dog Plus Rec Classes)
(Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow) January 24-February 1 2024, in McCall, ID - Idaho Sled Dog Challenge (Iditarod Qualifier + Distance + Stage Mid-distance)
(Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow) January 27-28 2024, in Mt. Hood, OR - Frog Lake (Sprint + Skijor)
(Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow) February 3-4 2024, in Priest Lake, ID - Priest Lake Sled Dog Race and IFSS World Cup (Sprint + Skijor)
February 7-9 2024, in West Yellowstone, MT - 2024 Yellowstone Special (Open Sprint + Large Pro Team)
(Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow) February 9-13th 2024, in Lincoln, MT - Race to the Sky (Iditarod Qualifier + Distance)
February 9-11, 2024 in Chester, CA - Chester Winterfest (Sprint + Skijor)
February 16-17, 2023 in Ashton, ID - American Dog Derby (Open Sprint + Large Pro Team + Sprint + Skijor)
February 24-25 2024 in Diamond Lake, OR - Diamond Lake (Sprint + Skijor)
February 24-25 2024, in Olney, MT - Flathead Classic (Sprint + Skijor)
March 1-3 2024, in Bend, OR - Bachelor Butte (Sprint + Skijor + Stage Mid-distance)