The Voyageurs Classic Sled Dog Race uses scenic routes that traverses varied terrain including forests, brooks, lakes, fields and populated areas. The distance, terrain, and variable weather make these races challenging. Drivers will have to exercise good judgment in pacing themselves and their teams. The course is run on all snowmobile trails and the course markings for the event include the markings associated with the snowmobile trails. The trails in use will be presented at the musher meeting.
10 Dog Pro
The 10-dog Pro Class will start in Northome and will run north and then east through Effie. The route continues south through Bigfork and on to the Marcell checkpoint at Richie’s Marcell Inn where a minimum of four hours plus differential must be taken out of the seven hour (plus differential) total mandatory layover. Mileage from the start to the Marcell checkpoint is 70 miles. The route continues to the west from Marcell for 35 miles to Barney’s Resort. This is a wilderness checkpoint and any remaining rest time must be taken here. The route then continues west for 35 miles to the finish in Northome. The total mileage for the 10-Dog Pro Class is 140 miles.
8 Dog Pro
The 8-Dog Pro class will start in Northome and run north and east to Effie, then south to finish in Bigfork. The total mileage for the 8-Dog Pro class is 60 miles.
Trophy Class
The Trophy class will start in Northome and run south to the Squaw Lake checkpoint for a two hour (plus differential) layover and return north to finish in Northome. The total mileage for the Trophy Class is 44 miles.
Recreation Class
The Recreational Class will start in Northome and run south to finish in Squaw Lake. The total mileage for the Recreational Class is 22 miles.
Checkpoint Information & Directional Map
Northome -
Vet Check & Race Start |
Squaw Lake Community Center -
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The Squaw Lake checkpoint will be the finish for the Recreational Class race and the layover area for the Trophy Class race. Cold water will be available at the Squaw Lake Community Center. Food for purchase as well as a place to get out of the cold will also be available at this checkpoint. |
Bigfork - |
Effie - |
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The Bigfork checkpoint is an observation checkpoint for the 10-dog Pro Class only. You will be required to sign in. Time taken here is considered trail time. |
The Effie checkpoint is an observation and dog drop checkpoint. You will be required to sign in. Handlers must be present to receive dropped dogs. Time taken here is considered trail time. |
Marcel Community Center - |
Barney’s Resort - |
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The Marcell checkpoint is located 70 miles from the start. Teams will be corralled and all food and equipment will need to be hauled to your team by your handlers. Straw and cold water will be provided. Handlers can give unlimited care for the dogs and musher. Teams cannot be left unattended at any time. The checkpoint is at Richie’s Marcell Inn and the corral area for the teams is a quiet space away from the actual checkpoint. The checkpoint will have food available to purchase, a place to get out of the cold, and a separate quiet area for mushers to use for naps. |
The Barney’s Resort checkpoint is 105 miles from the start, 35 miles from the Marcell checkpoint, and 35 miles from the finish. This is a wilderness checkpoint. Teams will be taken care of by the MUSHER ONLY – NO HANDLERS OR DOG TRUCKS allowed. Straw, cold water, and a place to get out of the cold will be provided. Musher must bring all gear and food for this checkpoint in the sled upon leaving the Marcell checkpoint. Dropped dogs will be brought to the finish in Northome. The race will provide a dog truck for all dropped dogs. Mushers MUST leave food, dish, and a drop chain for EACH dog that is dropped at this checkpoint. If you scratch, every effort will be made to contact your handlers to get them to Barney’s to assist you. |
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