Minocqua Winter Park Bark Skijor Race

Sunday, March 2, 2025

We are proud to announce the return of the 5km/10km Winter Park Bark Skijor race on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 am.

From Newfies to Yorkies, all shapes and sizes are welcome! The race is open to experienced and novice participants. As a “Freestyle” race, both skate and classic skis are allowed.

On This Page

Race Course / Format Race Day Schedule Race Rules and Regulations Racer Giveaway Item Post Race Celebration Volunteer Sponsors

Registration

Online registration is now open! Click the link below to get signed up. Please not that all racers must be present at the pre-race meeting at the Chalet on Sunday, March 2nd at 9:00am.

Event	Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2024	Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2024	Jan 1 – March 1, 2025	March 2, 2025
5k – One Dog Team	$30	$35	$40	$45
5k – Two Dog Team	$30	$35	$40	$45
10K – One Dog Team	$30	$35	$40	$45
10K – Two Dog Team	$30	$35	$40	$45

Race Course / Format

The race course is held on easy trails on the east side of the park: Silver Strider, Tower Rd, and XC Express. Course will be marked with directional signs and v-board.

Race start will be located near the intersection of Red Pine and Silver Strider. Please walk the ski trail down to the start area.

Please not that all racers must be present at the pre-race meeting at the Chalet on Sunday, March 2nd at 9:00 am.

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.

Race Day Schedule

8:00 am – Chalet Opens

9:15 am Mandatory Racer Meeting

10:00 am – First Race Starts (10k 2 dog team)

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 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.

Racer Giveaway Item

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.

Post Race Celebration

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).

Volunteer

Indoor and outdoor volunteer positions are available. Click the link to see available positions.

Volunteer Sign Up