Seasonal Events - Sled Dog Races

Sled Dog Races on Grand Mesa Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the second internationally sanctioned sled dog race and skijoring competition on Grand Mesa, along with four annual “Cedaredge Challenge” races. Professional, gold-medal winning mushers, as well as internationally known skijorers, highly praised the beautiful trails prepared and groomed by the Delta SnoKruisers. The courses, while beautiful to look at, are also extremely challenging for the drivers because of the turns through the wooded areas. The fact that the terrain is not too steep, provides a chance for the drivers to display their abilities in assisting their dogs to perform at their maximum. Not just the racers have a great time, but the spectators who come to the top of the mountain will have a wonderful experience watching these amazing dogs, plus enjoy the friendly atmosphere amongst the mushers. Grand Mesa is a very unique location for such events because the high elevation (almost 11,000 feet where the races take place) usually insures good snow. Much to our favor, there are few, if any, places where you’ll find such a large, fairly flat terrain at that elevation. These conditions are ideal for a great course. The Chamber will be hosting its fifth annual “Cedaredge Challenge” Sled Dog Race December 5 & 6, 2009, and our third internationally sanctioned race in February, 2010. Following the tremendous success of past races, the Chamber has plans to expand the events with a greater number of competitors and spectators. Hopefully, the word will spread, and sled dog racing on Grand Mesa will be a winter event you won’t want to miss.