Skijoring involves one skier and up to three dogs. A
special harness for both you and your team is
recommended. The lead between you and your team is
similar to a large bungee, making the pull safer for both
you and your dogs. Skijoring is becoming increasingly
popular in the Pacific Northwest. Crystal Springs
Sno-Park is a popular staging area for both Skijorers and
Mushers.
Dog Sledding and Skijoring
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Believe it or not, Washington, Oregon, and
Idaho produce some pretty experienced Sled
Teams. Washington State hosts an Iditorad
qualifier every year (we will post the race
dates when we get them), and teams the
Central and Western Washington regions
often practice out at the Crystal Springs
Sno-Park. Treat the family to some wild and
very loud fun on any winter weekend by
showing up at the C.S. dog sled staging area!
CleElumTrails Pup Areas -
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A Special Permit parking area is available for mushers
and skijorers on the west side of the Crystal Springs Sno
Park. Dogs are also permitted at the Salmon la Sac Snow
Park where a non-motorized loop is groomed every
Monday and Friday. Crystal Springs offers approximately
3.5 non-motorized miles, groomed and open to dogs.
Salmon la Sac offers approximately 3 miles. Please note
that dogs are permitted on the over 500 miles of groomed
snowmobile trails. For the grooming schedule, please go
to the snowmobile page.
Support your hard
working Avalanche
dogs and
handlers. Join us
at the March 2nd
Fundraiser. More
info? Click away.
|
Getting Involved - Join the four paws
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Trails don't "just happen". A lot of work, time, and
volunteer efforts went in to making the Crystal Dog Trail
DP100 happen on the Cle Elum Ranger District. A
meeting between the Dog Powered Sports community and
the USFS is scheduled for March 15th, 2008. If you are
interested in more dog-powered, non-motorized
opportunities, you should consider attending. Please
contact Michael Johnson (mjdsledogn@centurytel.net) for
more information.
Brrrr... The Cle Elum Ranger District is recording sub-zero temperatures the last few
nights. That means the groomed dog sled area (DP100) will most likely be icy and firm.
Don't forget to check your pup's pads and toes (especially between the toes) after every
run. Sores, that look (and hurt) like open blisters can occur. They will need to be treated.
Also make certain your dog is receiving the proper hydration necessary for the work he or
she is doing. Mushers and Skijorers "bait" the water of their more finicky drinkers. You
can use baby food, broth, or plain old dog food to entice your friend to drink. Be especially
careful when picking out non-canine food. Many broths or baby foods contain onion, an
ingredient that dogs should never ingest. Offer your dog water after each run, but to avoid
heaving, don't let them gulp too much at one time. On especially cold days, I warm the
water with plain water from my thermos. Serve luke warm.
