The annual Grand Park Dog Days of Winter is Returning to Winter Park this Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th.

If you are looking for an exciting and family-friendly event, we recommend taking a break from the slopes to watch the Dog Sledding and Skijoring this weekend.

The Events:

Saturday February 13, 2016

9:00am: 8-Dog Sled Races

10:30am: 6-Dog Sled Race and 2-Dog Skijor

12:00pm: 4-Dog Sled Race & 1-Dog Skijor

TBD: 3-Dog Junior & 3-4 Dog Sportsman Class

1:30-2:30pm: FREE Skijoring Clinic & Dogsled Demonstration

Sunday, February 14, 2016

9:00am: 8-Dog Sled Races

10:30am: 6-Dog Sled Race & 2-Dog Skijor

12:00pm: 4-Dog Sled Race & 1-Dog Skijor

TBD: 3-Dog Junior & 3-4 Dog Sportsman Class

Where to Park:

The Dog Days of Winter is held in the Grand Park Meadow. Pull in at the Shell Station and park wherever you find a free space. (The closer to the meadow, the better!)

What to Wear:

Wear layers and if it is sunny, bring sunglasses. You’ll want to be able to see the action!

What to Bring:

Bring a Camera – It’s not every day that you get to watch K9 athletes compete! Plus, a lot of the participants are willing to introduce you to their dogs and show off their sleds. You never know when a photo op might present itself.

– It’s not every day that you get to watch K9 athletes compete! Plus, a lot of the participants are willing to introduce you to their dogs and show off their sleds. You never know when a photo op might present itself. Folding Chair – If you plan on sitting and enjoying the races, bring your own folding chairs!

– If you plan on sitting and enjoying the races, bring your own folding chairs! Your Dog? – If you do decide to bring your dog, keep them in the parking lot area, or in your car, and away from the K9 athletes. The competing dogs are easily distracted by other dogs and perform the best when they don’t meet new dogs.

Ask Questions:

The members who compete in and help organize Grand Park Dog Days of Winter are advocates of their sport. They are happy to help educate people about all that goes into dog sledding and skijoring. It truly is a team sport with a foundation on humans and dogs who love to work together to compete. So ask away! The organizers and participants from the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club are happy to share their sport with you!

What Not to Expect:

Don’t expect to only see huskies competing. You’ll likely see a variety of breeds competing including German Wirehaired Pointers, Alaskan Malamutes, you might even see a Rottweiler competing!

Don’t expect the dogs to be hating their job. They LOVE what they do. It is amazing to see the passion the dogs have for their sport.

Don’t expect it to be an older sport. Dog sledding is a sport for all ages and genders. The Mushers and Skijorers you’ll watch and meet will range from high school students to retirees.

You’ll have to experience the rest for yourself!