Minocqua Winter Park Bark

Mark your calendars for the Winter Park Bark Skijor Race! 

Experienced and novice participants are welcome! This 5k (one lap) and 10k (two lap) race can be completed with a one dog or two dog team. The race will have solo interval and awards will be given to top three finishers in each race. As a “freestyle” race, skiers can choose between skate or classic techniques, but all skiers will be competing against each other in one single category. 

We are excited to bring back this fan-favorite race and look forward to seeing all our 4-legged friends, and their skiers, this March!

All racers must attend a mandatory pre-race meeting in the Chalet at 9:00 am on Sunday, March 2nd. 

Price Schedule

Race Day Schedule

8:00 am - Chalet Opens

9:00 am - Racer Meeting

10:00 am - First race starts (10k 2-dog race). 

TBD - 10k 1 dog team

 TBD - 5k 2 dog team

 TBD - 5k 1 dog team

 All races will be run to completion, so times for subsequent race starts will be determined by how many participants there are. Please listen for ongoing announcements during race day for updates!

Race Format

All races will be held with solo interval starts. The amount of time between each start will depend on the total number of racers in each event. The order of the start is chosen through random lottery however, you can self seed within that order if you are not comfortable with your start position. More details will be given at the pre-race meeting.

Racer Giveaway Item / Post Race Celebration

The first 25 racers receive a commemorative bandana and homemade dog treats from the Star Academy. Additional dog treats are provided courtesy of Minocqua Caribou Coffee. Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony for the top three overall in each race. These will be mixed (skier) gender categories. All racers will receive a ticket for a complementary hot meal and beverage (beer and n/a options).

Race Rules and Regulations

Equipment

• Nordic skate or classic skis equipment shall be used by the skier
• Skijoring teams shall be attached via harness and towline (min length: 7 feet, max length: 12 feet) to a skijoring belt in a safe and secure manner (skier must be hands free of the line).
• Towline shall never be connected to the dog’s collar during the race.
• Towline must include a release mechanism accessible by the skier and have a shock absorber section.  
• A neckline is required for a 2 dog team unless run in single file.
• Helmets are encouraged.

Passing

• Skiers must yell, “Trail” to ensure safety and remain courteous to other racers if there is a need to pass.
• Skijor team being passed must stop poling to ensure safety of the passing team.
• Skijoring team being passed must control dogs, if necessary reel in line and hold dogs harnesses to prevent interference with the passing team.

Starting/Finishing

• The tips of the skijorer’s skis shall determine the starting point of the team.
• Each team is encouraged to have their own handler.
• All skijorers must attend a mandatory meeting at 9:00am on Sunday morning prior to the start of the race.
• Start order shall be determined by class (2 dogs teams first, then 1 dog teams) and random drawing. If a racer is uncomfortable with their start position, they may re-seed themselves further back in the order.

Other Information

• Dogs must be vaccinated for Rabies and owners must have a copy of dogs vaccine certificate available for submission.
• Dogs must be treated humanely at all times.
• For the safety of all spectators and participants dogs must be controlled at all times.  No loose dogs permitted at the event.
• All dog injuries must be reported immediately to the Race Marshal.
• All skijorers are responsible for picking up after their dogs before, during, and after the race.
• Dogs are not allowed inside the Chalet
• Skijoring is not allowed on the trails following the race. Leashed dogs are welcome on the snowshoe trails.