The 2009 Advance Pet Foods Sled Dog Challenge, Australia's only sled dog race on snow, is being held over the weekend of 8th & 9th August at Dinner Plain, 8km east of Mt Hotham.

This annual event attracts Australia's finest mushers (drivers) & sled dog teams as well as international competitors from Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Around 350 dogs will race for victory, dodging and weaving their way through Dinner Plain's stunning terrain & snow gum lined ski trails in pursuit of the fastest time.

Pitting their athleticism and courage against each other and elements of difficult terrain, possible blizzards, snow, ice and fog, teams set out from the Village at 9am each day. Race organiser & experienced musher, Rob Stevens comments "More than any other race it tests the depth of the relationship between the Musher and their dogs. In this particular environment one is totally dependent on their dogs, particularly their lead dogs, they need to be both fast and responsive to voice commands, whilst also guiding the team out of potential difficulty."

Pending Snow conditions and competitor interest one of the weekend's attractions will be the thrilling weight-pull, which will be held on Saturday afternoon. A single dog will compete by pulling a freight sled over distances of 8-10 meters in the fastest possible time.

The Advance Pet Foods Sled Dog Challenge is only open to experienced Mushers, who must have competed in at least 3 dirt based races, be familiar with and have a good knowledge of sled dog rules and be greater than 15 years of age.

The most common breeds of dogs raced are Siberian Huskies, which are quick on their feet, and Alaskan Malamutes, which are renowned for their endurance, however other breeds may also compete.