With lots of open space, crystal‑clear air, and a landscape that invites you to explore, Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The state is also rich in culture, so there are many cool places to visit.

Answering the Call of the Wild:
Dog Sledding in Montana

Updated: January 28, 2026

If reading The Call of the Wild has ever made you want to hitch up a team of huskies and shout “mush,” you can do just that in Montana. Imagine gliding through snow‑covered backcountry while a team of sled dogs pulls you down the trail. The only sounds are the panting of the dogs and the swish of the sled runners. Driving a team as you and the dogs move together as one is an unforgettable experience.

If steering a dozen excited huskies feels a little overwhelming, you can always cheer from the sidelines. Montana is home to several major dog sled races, including the 350‑mile Race to the Sky, ranked among the top sled‑dog races in the world. This competition is a serious test of endurance for both the mushers and their teams.

Race to the Sky begins at Camp Rimini just outside Helena. Camp Rimini was established in 1942 as a military training center for sled dogs and handlers in case troops needed to operate in snowy Norway during World War II. The modern race follows a long, winding route through places such as Deer Lodge, Lincoln, Ovando, and Seeley Lake before finishing near Lincoln at the Hi‑Country Beef Snacks archway. The challenging terrain and winter weather make it one of the most demanding sled‑dog races anywhere.

For such a race, mushers put their teams together very carefully. The best sled dogs have quick, efficient gaits and surprising strength for their size; many weigh only around 50 pounds but can pull incredible loads. Each dog has a specific job and position in the team. Leaders set the pace and follow the trail, wheel dogs provide powerful pulling near the sled, swing dogs help steer the team around turns, and team dogs add strength and endurance between them.

Training a dog team to work together takes months of practice, and preparing for a race as tough as Race to the Sky requires careful planning. Feeding is one of the biggest jobs. While a typical pet dog might need about 1,000 calories a day, a racing sled dog can burn and eat up to 10,000 calories daily. Mushers often feed frequent snacks and small meals, such as salmon steaks or meat patties, along the trail, plus larger meals at checkpoints to keep the dogs fueled.

Dog sled racing is hard work, but it also offers an amazing way to experience Montana’s winter. Whether you spend an afternoon on the runners behind a team or watch mushers and dogs tackle Race to the Sky from the sidelines, the dogs’ energy and Montana’s snowy landscapes will quickly win you over.

Updated: January 28, 2026