The 2026 Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race returns to western Wyoming beginning January 30, continuing a long-standing winter tradition that brings professional sled dog racing and community celebration to towns across the state.
The race kicks off with a ceremonial start in Jackson, followed by daily competitive stages in Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and Lander, concluding on February 7. Each day features a different course, with cumulative time determining the overall winner.
The Lander area will be the site of Stages 6 and 7, with Stage 6 taking place on February 6, and Stage 7 on February 7. Both Stages will begin at the Louis Lake Road parking lot (Hwy 28 on South Pass). Bruce’s Bridge in Sinks Canyon will be the alternate start location, weather permitting.
While snow has been quite scarce here in the Lander area, Race Director Dan Carter has shared that they are still planning to run both Lander Stages from the South Pass / Louis Lake trailhead at this time.
“We have reports from Wyoming Trails that all but the first mile is in good shape,” Carter told County 10. “With several weeks before we are scheduled to run there, we are optimistic that it will be good to go. We will continue to monitor the trail conditions and will issue a press release if things change.”
The musher/dog team meet-and-greet in Lander will take place on February 6 from 5:30 — 7:30 pm., in Lander City Park. (Please park along Fremont Street or use the Parks & Rec Building parking lot, then walk to the area west of the playground.)
The 2026 event will host top professional mushers and sled dog teams from across the United States and internationally, competing for a total purse of $200,000, the largest in the Lower 48.
The Pedigree Stage Stop is free to the public and offers spectators close-up access to world-class teams, mushers, and race activities in each host community.
Complete schedules, participant updates, and spectator information are available here.