SLED DOG RACES!

    On January 26-27, Delta County will host the 7th annual sanctioned Grand Summit Challenge Sled Dog Races on Grand Mesa. At 10,300 ft, the sprints are the highest dog sled races in North America.
Displaying some of the best dog sledding teams in the sport, the Grand Mesa Summit Challenge Sled Dog Races are International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA) sanctioned, and typically feature more than 40 teams. From the traditional Huskies and Malamutes to Rottweilers and mixed breeds, all kinds of dogs pull mushers through miles of powdery snow. The mushers are almost as diverse, men and women of all skill levels representing various states.
    The competition features multiple races between four and 12 miles, with the number of dogs varying from one to eight. The challenge also includes a junior race and skijoring, a sport where one or two dogs pull a musher on cross-country skis.     Competitors in each race will vie for cash prizes.
When most people think of dog sledding, Alaska comes to mind. But Delta County is one of few places in the lower 48 to catch dog sleds in action.
Delta County tourism coordinator Kelli Hepler says it isn’t just the dogs who are howling with anticipation over this event. “This race brings a lot of excitement each year, and all the businesses in Delta County are making preparations to welcome the sled teams back and show visitors a good time.”
A region of many superlatives, Delta County also boasts the longest snowmobiling trail in the contiguous United States, the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail on Grand Mesa, giving race-goers their own chance to dash through the snow at top-dog speeds.
   Cozy spots to curl up for the night are nestled in the friendly towns of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia, which also feature some of the tastiest places to eat and most unique cultural activities.