I love getting to experience dogsled musher culture, and the Open North American Dogsled Championships are the perfect way to see it up close. Held in Fairbanks in March, this event is not like the Itidarod, but is considered a sprint race. Three days of dogsled races with routes ranging from 20 to nearly 30 miles, these shorter mushing events are actually something that you can enjoy as a spectator. The Open North American Championship is such a cool, family-friend and very Alaskan event to experience.
Have you been to a dogsled competition? Do you know a musher that has participated in the Open North American Dogsled Championship? This is worth the effort if you can make it to Fairbanks for the last week of winter for this awesome event, you should make every effort. If you have any questions about this dogsled mushing event or other sled dog things, please leave a comment or send us a note. We are always happy to share more, especially if it means you get to support this wonderful Alaskan culture!
Highlights of the Open North American Dogsled Championship
For me, the best part of getting to be at the Open North American Dogsled Championships was seeing dogsled mushing in the real world. So many of our experiences with mushers and sled dogs are within a tourism setting so seeing the dogs and their mushers in competition mode was very different. The mood is still fun and energetic, but it’s on such a grand scale. The community is out supporting everyone in the Championships, the locals have tables with their handicrafts, furs and salmon out for purchase, and it’s just such a positive environment.
We don’t attend a lot of sporting events, but being at the Open North American Dogsled Championships reminded me what an uplifting, healthy competition environment is like. Add to all this the fun of hundreds of dogs and more fun events (we loved the snowshoe races) and it’s a unique, fun experience for everyone.
Tips for a Great Dogsled Race Experience in Fairbanks
Any sort of dog mushing event in Alaska is going to have a lot of energy, both from the dogs and the spectators. Be a part of it. If you have the opportunity to chat with event staff or dog team crew, do it and ask them questions! Sometimes this is best done after an event starts, but if you’re nice and early for the start, especially to an event like the Open North American Dogsled Championships, then you may be able to chat with the mushers. They have a lot to do before a race though, so be respectful of everyone’s space and time.
When you plan your day enjoying the dog sled races in Fairbanks, be sure that you’re cheering, not just at the start/finish line, but that you drive to one of the other viewing points along the racing route. Confirm that mushing trail being used for the race you’re attending and check it out on a map to see where the best place for viewing mid-race is. We were lucky to be able to visit Creamer’s Field for our midway point cheering and were able to watch the mushers emerge from the woods, corner into a straightaway and make it all the way to the bend of the trail. It’s a great spot to take in the Fairbanks dogsled race!
If you’re interested, the Open North American Dogsled Championship also has some side events that accompany it. We love the snowshoe races (OMG, I can’t do it) and the vendors. At the 2025 ONAC there was also the Alaska Trappers Association auction happening on property, which was cool to watch too.
Being Prepared for a Dogsled Racing Event
When you’re heading to a dogsled event, remember that you’re going to be in the cold cold cold. Even if you’re not mushing you need to dress warmly. The start of the Open North America Dogsled Championships is staggered so you will have quite a bit of time hanging out both before and during the start of the race. Be prepared for standing in the cold and sun, so warm clothes and sunglasses. Actually, I’ve found that I need sunblock for longer outdoor events in the snow.
I think a good camera is also helpful if you’re watching the Fairbanks dogsled race. ONAC has some great opportunities for getting sled dog and musher photos while they’re in action. Be ready with a telephoto lens, whether you’re at the start (stand far in front of the start line) or shooting photos from a midway point in the race.
Parking for Open North America Championship Dogsledding at ADMA
The Open North American Dogsled Championship in Fairbanks is held at the Alaska Dog Mushers Association property on the north side of the city. There is a lot of parking available if you’re early. If you’re arriving just before the start of the dogsled races you may have to park out on the street. Farmers Loop Road has broad shoulders though, and there are people directing traffic, so you should be able to find a spot safely and legally (pay attention to signs).
If you’re driving to a midway point for the Fairbanks dogsled races be sure to pay attention to traffic and signs as well. Creamer’s Field has several parking areas, so you should have no problem parking there if the mushers are passing through in their race. Remember, different race days use different trails, so check with the event staff to confirm where you should be viewing from.
Alaska Dog Mushers Association Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: Fairbanks dogsled races occur in March, condition dependent
- Event website: Alaska Dog Mushers Association
- Event spectator address: 925 Farmers Loop Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
Ethics of Dog Sledding and Sled Dog Operations
We are very careful about animal tourism of any sort and only share/write about operations and opportunities that we feel are ethical and sound. There’s often talk about dogsledding and concern that it’s not in the animals’ best interest or even, as PETA may say, is cruel. If you’ve ever met a sled dog or been to a sled dog farm or operation, then you know that’s not true. Sled dog mushers and their teams are some of the most caring, heartfelt people I’ve ever met. The way their dogs are treated is impeccable, often with the needs of the dogs being placed before that of the musher/sled dog owner.
If you see sled dogs before, during and after they’ve been training or racing, then you see the joy and purpose they find in dogsledding. They are so full of energy and excitement all through the process. Add to that the love and attention their mushers give them, and you’ll understand that dogsled culture is not cruel or unethical.
Things to do in Fairbanks
I feel like when people talk about visiting Alaska, Fairbanks is a last thought, but it shouldn’t be. I love this city, it’s people, it’s dogsled culture and the beautiful nature all around it. Fairbanks is THE winter destination in Alaska with ample dark sky space to watch the Northern Lights and endless outdoor opportunities, whether you’re looking for a mellow snowy escape or hardcore Alaskan adventures. In summer, Fairbanks is a great home base for visiting the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, spending days kayaking or fishing. It’s beautiful!
Ideas for Fairbanks activities:
Where to Stay in Fairbanks, Alaska
Keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Fairbanks that it is not a large city. It’s the second largest in Alaska, but it’s not huge. Hotel options are limited and when it comes to booking a luxury hotel stay, that’s not really a thing here. There are nice hotels and really cool lodges and vacation rentals, but white glove luxe ain’t happening. We’ve stayed in all kinds of Fairbanks accommodations, so have solid recommendations (below). I like being based downtown if we have a diverse, busy itinerary, but staying outside of town up in the hills is such a treat, it’s worth planning a night or two away from the city.
You’ll find that the cost of lodging in Fairbanks ranges wildly from season to season. In the summer, standard hotel rooms are not likely available for under $250 per night, with the average being well over $300 per night. In the winter you can get some awesome hotel deals as low as $125 per night. Just keep this in mind as you’re planning your visit to Fairbanks or anywhere in Alaska.
Here are our hotel picks in Fairbanks:
I hope you’re excited to experience the Fairbanks dogsled races at the Open North American Championships. Between the dogs, the amazing mushers and the community supporting them, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Fairbanks or other sled dog opportunities please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
