The Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race location will change in La Ronge from Patterson Park to Riese Park. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

dog sleds

Canadian Challenge organizers hopeful for more snow in coming weeks

Jan 12, 2024 | 4:58 PM

There’s about five weeks left before the start of the 2024 Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race and organizers would like to see more snowfall before then.

“There hasn’t been a lot of snow,” said Canadian Challenge President Dan Kirkup.

“What we have so far has allowed our trail crew to go out and clear some trees and make sure we have a good path. We have been able to pack whatever little snow there has been and we are confident in the next few weeks we are going to get some more and we will have enough to safely race.”

Kirkup explained there is enough snow on the southern most section of the trail, but as it progresses northward, there are gaps in the open spaces where the snow hasn’t been able to accumulate because of the wind. He added the northern section of the trail is yet to be examined.

“I think it is possible to race, but it will be a little more challenging for the mushers to break properly and control the sled better if there isn’t enough snow,” Kirkup said.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“We need enough snow, so the musher has control of the sled. They can actually get it stopped properly. Dogs get tangled sometimes in the lines and they need to be able to put a hook in the snow to hold it, so the dogs don’t leave without them.”

There are currently 14 mushers registered in the 10-dog, 328-kilometre race starting in Missinipe and ending in La Ronge. There’s another 10 mushers in the eight-dog, 164-km race from La Ronge to Missinipe and another three mushers registered in the six-dog, 80-km race, also between La Ronge and Missinipe.

Kirkup believes those numbers will increase leading up to the deadline to register on Feb. 1. He said there have been a couple races in the United States that have cancelled due to a lack of snow, as well as other races that have been postponed or have altered their race trails.

Sponsorship for the Canadian Challenge remains strong and Kirkup said the 2024 edition will have a $25,000 purse, the same as the last two previous years. He stated one notable change is their location in La Ronge will now be at Riese Park instead of the traditional spot in Patterson Park.

Those interested in volunteering during the race are asked to watch out for upcoming information on how to do so. Details can be found online at the Canadian Challenge website.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com