Snowy conditions for mushers heading to Aviemore

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow – that’s the hope of over 1,000 sled dogs and 200 mushers heading for Aviemore to take part in the 2015 Royal Canin and Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain 32 Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

This year’s event takes place this weekend on forest trails around Loch Morlich at Glenmore.

Organiser Mark Squires said: “With competitors ranging in age from just eight to over 60, there’s something for everyone to see at this great family event, which attracts over 3,000 spectators annually."

The rally features teams of between two and eight sled dogs pulling sleds at up to 25 miles an hour over a challenging, four-mile track.

Taking part will be Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs.

Mr Squires explained: “If we have ideal condition there will be plenty of snow for teams to pull their driver – called the musher – around the course on a sled.

"If not, the musher will use a three-wheeled rig that looks a bit like a tricycle without a seat."

Racing starts at 9.15 am both days and looks set to take place on the snow.

Mr Squires said: "Spectators are very welcome to come along and watch the race, meet the mushers and dogs and learn about the sport and the different breeds that take part but we ask that all dogs are kept on leads."

Jack Mackay, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Inverness, said; "We are pleased to work with the club to organise this great event.

"It's a magnificent spectacle, watching these beautiful, hard working dogs give it their all makes for an exciting day out for all the family.”

Just a dozen teams ran in the first rally in 1984. With 200 teams racing this year, the event is now one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world, bringing very welcome income to the tourist industry, shops and restaurants of Aviemore.

Mr Jonathan Gatenby, Aviemore Business Association spokesman, said: “This long-standing event has become a highlight of the winter season and it is a great spectacle for the visitors to the area.

"The event is a welcome boost to the local economy and we calculate that it brings in over £400,000 to local shops, restaurants and hotels.”

Gemma Duffield from sponsors Royal Canin added: “The stamina, speed and sheer enthusiasm of these dogs is amazing to watch.

"They have to be incredibly fit – and that’s where the right nutrition comes in, because it gives their bodies the fuel to cope with an intensely demanding activity.”

This is the biggest event in the UK’s sled dog race calendar and teams will arrive from as far as the Isle of Wight, 600 miles south.

Both dogs and musher have to be fit and the health and safety of the dogs is top priority.

“We closely monitor trail conditions, temperature and humidity to make sure everything is right for the dogs,” said Mr Squires.

“And we always have a vet on standby during the racing. Many of the dogs running at the rally will also be competing at the Kennel Club’s Crufts Dog Show in March."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.