Race to the Sky

IMPORTANT UPDATE - JANUARY 22, 2024

It is with great disappointment that the Board has decided to cancel the 2024 Race to the Sky next month.

The lack of snow, no base to build from, predictions of no significant snow precipitation in the near forecast and above average temps were the reason for cancelling the race. It is a difficult decision and was not made without much deliberation and consideration for the care and safety of the teams.

This is only the third time the Race to the Sky has been cancelled in it’s 38 year history.

We thank all the volunteers, sponsors and teams for their support and look forward to you all joining us for the 2025 Race to the Sky.

Montana Sled Dog Board of Directors

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The Race to the Sky is an annual dogsled race that serves as a qualifier for the Iditarod. The race is run by Montana Sled Dog, Inc. which is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The organization is committed to preserving, commemorating, and documenting the historical and traditional use of sled dogs in Montana by offering a 350-mile, a 100-mile, and a Junior 100-mile dogsled race and educational opportunities.

The race was started to commemorate historic Camp Rimini War Dog Reception and Training Center where 850 sled dogs, 100 pack dogs, and 125 soldiers trained for the invasion of Norway in World War II. The training camp operated for nearly a year and a half before the Invasion of Norway was cancelled and the dogs were instead used to retrieve supplies and equipment from downed planes in Greenland, Baffinland, Labrador, and Alaska. In addition to supplies, these dogsled teams brought back wounded and fallen soldiers.

The Race to the Sky is a premier winter sporting event and brings hundreds of people together each year in Lincoln, Montana. The race takes off on Saturday at 2:00pm, but spectators will want to be there around 11:00 to see the dogs getting ready for the start of the race! The awards ceremony will take place on the following Tuesday afternoon at Hi-Country Trading Post (the same location as the start).