February 12, 2010 - February 17, 2010

Covering 350 miles through the backcountry of the Blackfoot and Clearwater valleys, Montana's premier winter sporting event is the Race to the Sky. The race celebrates its 25th year February 12-17. This is one of the most challenging and beautiful sled dog races in the world. It is an unusual test of physical power, mental toughness, teamwork, and the special bond between man and animal. This family-friendly event is chockful of activities, drawing thousands of spectators and many dozens of volunteers. Race activities and public services are available this year in Helena, Butte, Lincoln, Ovando and Seeley Lake.

Sled dogs are a storied part of Montana traditions. Native Americans hitched up their dog to help pull travois laden with supplies. Early settlers looked forward to the delivery of mail and supplies by sled dogs. A military training was established at Camp Rimini near Helena during World War II to prepare for a possible invastion of Norway to take on the German occupiers. Today, sled dogs are used primarily for recreation and competitive races.

Between 20 and 36 dog sled teams participate in this Iditarod-qualifying race.

All ages

Outdoor Activity

Schedule of Events for 2010

Race to the Sky
Schedule of Events—February 12-17, 2010

Friday, January 29 (Helena)

6:00 p.m.-11:30 Cool Dog Ball & Microbrew Review, Civic Center, Helena

Friday, February 12 (All Friday events take place in Helena)
10:00-noon School visits
noon-3:00 p.m. Vet Check, Front steps of Capitol
noon-5:00 p.m. Mushing Art Show, Capitol Rotunda
12:30 p.m. Governor Welcomes Mushers
6:00-9:00 p.m. Musher Dinner & Dance, Elks Club
(Purchase a ride at Saturday Official Start, Camp Rimini)

Saturday, February 13,
Camp Rimini and Butte
10:00 a.m. Official Start at Camp Rimini for 350 Mile Race, near Helena
10:00 a.m. Sled Dog Rides for general public, Butte – Location to be announced
3:00-4:00 p.m. Junior Vet Check, Butte
4:00 -10:00 p.m. Arrival of teams at Elk Park (Butte) for first leg of race

Sunday, February 14,
Hi Country Snack Foods, Lincoln

10:00 a.m. Start of Junior Race to the Sky, Hi Country Snack Foods, Lincoln
10:00 a.m. Sled Dog rides for the General Public - all Day - Lincoln

Noon Restart (continuous part) 350 Mile Race, Hi Country Snack Foods

Monday, February 15,
Seeley Lake Checkpoint, Seeley Lake
1:00 a.m.-noon First Junior team crosses the finish line
3:00 p.m. Junior Awards Ceremony (could vary/after last musher finishes)

Checkpoints, February 13-17

Earliest dates to view teams at checkpoints: Official Start Camp Rimini (Feb. 13), near Helena; Butte (Elk Park) (Feb. 13), Hi Country Snack Foods, Lincoln (Feb. 14); White Tail Ranch, Ovando (Feb. 14); Seeley Lake Community Center, Seeley Lake (Feb. 15-16); Wilderness Checkpoint, Condon (Feb. 15-16) Seeley Lake Community Center, Seeley Lake (Feb. 15-16) and Hi Country Snack Foods Finish, Lincoln (Feb. 16-17). All checkpoints accessible by car. Race cutoff is Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. MST.

Wednesday, February 17
5:00 p.m. Official cut-off time, Hi Country Snack Foods, Lincoln (all teams must finish by then)
6:00 p.m. 25th Silver Anniversary Awards Ceremony & Dinner, Helena, Montana