Dear Readers,

After a mild start to the winter, we finally got some below zero temperatures this week. It has been in the minus teens during the day and dipping down to the minus twenties overnight – not really that cold by Alaska standards, but cold enough. Just before the cold spell we got about a foot of fresh snow. With the early and abundant snow this year, the trails are in great shape – mushers and skiers alike are happy.

The racing season has begun. This past weekend the first mid-distance race of the season, the Sheep Mountain 150, took place. This race runs along the Glenn Highway, starting at about mile 113, at Sheep Mountain Lodge and going to Eureka. It’s a relatively young race, but by all accounts very well run. Many competitive mushers use it as an early training race or as an “experience” for young teams. Last year it was cancelled due to lack of snow cover, so they were pleased with conditions this year.

Happy Trails,
Kimi

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Here's the latest article from the Alaska site at BellaOnline.com.

The Yukon Quest
The Yukon Quest is the “other” premier long distance dog sled racing event. Each year in February, up to 50 mushers and dog teams depart from either Fairbanks, Alaska (even years) or Whitehorse, Yukon Territory (odd years) for a 1000 mile journey across rugged wilderness terrain.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59837.asp

Please visit alaska.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Alaska.