I am pretty sure by now I am sounding like a broken record skipping over and over again.  But Mother Nature has struck again, and not in a good way for fans of a popular outdoor sport.

via GIPHY

With the mild weather through the end of 2025 and to begin 2026, Montana hasn't seen the amounts of snow that we are used to this time of year.  It's been affecting things from ski resorts to ice fishing, and now it is canceling the Race to the Sky in Montana.

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Popular Dog Race in Montana Canceled for Lack of Snow

Through social media, the MT Race to the Sky has announced that the annual sled dog race has been canceled for 2026.  Organizers said that with the lack of snow, there isn't a possibility to safely have the race this year.

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In making the announcement, MT Race to the Sky stated that:

The safety of our mushers, dogs, volunteers, and supporters is always our top priority.  This winter’s trail conditions—bare ground, icy and rock‑hard sections, unseasonably warm temperatures, and no measurable snow in the forecast—left us without a safe or sustainable route for the race.

Organizers Saddened, But Looking Forward to Next Race in 2027

Despite the setback for this year, the organizers are looking ahead already for the 2027 season and the Race to the Sky.

Photo by Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup on Unsplash
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Organizers added that "We know how disappointing this is for everyone who trains, volunteers, sponsors, and follows the race each year. We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we look forward to coming back strong for the 2027 Race to the Sky".

For more information on the MT Race to the Sky, visit their website here.

2022 Iditarod Sled Dog Race Photos

The ceremonial start of the race has much more fanfare than the traditional restart the day after. Check out photos from the restart of the race from 2022.

Gallery Credit: JD Knight

2022 Can-Am Sled Dog Races

Images from the opening ceremonies and start of the 2022 Can-Am sled dog races in Fort Kent, ME. 62 teams, 560 dogs competed. Maine Gov. Janet Mills was on hand to send the teams off.

Gallery Credit: Jeff Clockedile

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge

With a 100 mile and 300 mile race option, contestants are in for a challenge with hard terrain and serious snowy climbs. The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is in its fourth year and will run from January 30th to February 3rd and starts in Cascade Idaho as part of the 2022 McCall Winter Carnival.

Gallery Credit: Nikki West, Photos by Melissa Shelby

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