A touch of Alaska and adventure

It is an impressive sight when the sled dog teams race past the crowds. A mixture of elegance, power, speed and the unrestrained will to race characterize the sled dogs, which can be admired at the races. This is the "desire to go", the desire to run, which the Swiss Sled Dog Sport Association SSV has written on its logo.

The Races

Races are held worldwide, which differ in sprint, medium distance and long distance races. The SSV organizes sprint races in Switzerland. The races are held and evaluated in different categories. The categories differ with regard to the number and breed of dogs and between sled, Jöring and Pulka. Women and men are also judged separately in the ski categories. The distances range between 6 and 18km depending on the category and the race location. The races are held in two runs (Saturday and Sunday) and the cumulated time decides the victory.

Attractive for spectators

Even if the sled dog sport in Switzerland is a marginal sport: For spectators especially with children, a sled dog race is a grandiose experience. In hardly any other sport is such close contact with the four-legged athletes possible. Sled dogs have been bred for centuries in such a way that they show no aggression towards humans and are very child-friendly. Thus it is possible to admire the animals during their time at the Stakeout (the dogs are tied to long chains during the rest breaks) and in most cases also to touch them. Many of them are real battle cuddlers and also enjoy being stroked by spectators.

If you would like to visit a sled dog race, please read the article "Visitors", which will provide you with all the necessary information.

Sled dog races are a fascinating experience for young and old. So that your visit becomes a positive experience, we would like to give you here some tips so that you can really enjoy the day.

Next to and on the trail

There are usually winter hiking trails along the course from where you can follow the race. The downhill runs are always spectacular, where the teams really get going. Often speeds of 40 km/h and more are reached. It is therefore worth staying not only in the start/finish area, but also visiting other parts of the track. Should you use the trail as a footpath due to a lack of alternatives, it is essential that you move along the edge of the route and never take an outside bend in a descent.

If you have small children with you, make sure that they cannot distract the teams by screaming or get onto the trail unnoticed. Never leave children unattended along the trail!

On the Stakeout

Most Musher are pleased about your interest in our sport and the dogs. Sled dogs are usually very human friendly and there are many real cuddly bears among them. Before you approach the dogs, please ask the musher if he allows you to do so. He will be happy to introduce you to the dogs and show you which ones you can pet without hesitation. Do not under any circumstances feed the dogs with food they have brought with them. Also at the Stakeout: Children must not be left unattended!

Your own dog

We recommend leaving your own dogs at home. Should you nevertheless bring your pet to the race, the following regulations apply for the benefit of your dog:

• It applies an absolute leash obligation, no matter how big or small the dog is and how well he obeys.
• Do not let your dog near the stakeouts and the teams.
• Keep a minimum distance of at least 5-10 m between your dog and the track.
• Barking dogs have lost nothing along the track.
• Do not stand with your dog in exposed places, e.g. outside in curves that can be seen from afar, where the teams will discover your dog from afar.
• The trail is not a walk. Use the winter hiking trails which run close to the trail. Visitor dogs have lost nothing on the racetrack. 

We thank you for adhering to our rules of conduct. They allow us an accident-free procedure and fair conditions for the teams.