The Yukon Quest has introduced a new trail route for the 2025 international dog-sledding race, which will run from Teslin to Faro.
Safety concerns about trails leading up to Dawson City have rendered the old routes unusable, according to a press release on Aug. 22.
Poor weather conditions during the 2024 race caused water to surface on the ice at McCabe Creek on race day.
The 2024 race faced issues when icy conditions forced a move of the start line to a location along the Takhini River Road, and officials prematurely ended the race by calling off the second half.
In 2025, dog-sledding teams will take off from Teslin on Feb. 2, racing about 425 miles (more than 680 kilometres) across trail networks through the Southern Lakes and Campbell regions.
Dog-sled teams will mush along the Teslin lakefront towards Johnson’s Crossing. Racers will then take the South Canol Highway to Ross River and follow the Dena Cho Trail towards Faro.
Racers have the option to complete a 175-mile race (more than 280 kilometres), turning back at Ross River to continue along the South Canol Highway back to Teslin. Racers on the full 425-mile course will make the return trip after reaching Faro.
“This is a very positive move for the safety of the trail breakers, the mushers and the dogs,” said Anne Tayler, president of the Yukon Quest.
Despite routes to Dawson not being feasible this year, the Yukon Quest hopes to establish a trail back to Dawson City for the 2026 race.
To achieve this, the release notes that the Yukon Quest will work with First Nations to identify safe trail options.
First Nations and communities along the 2025 routes have provided support to ensure racers can safely and respectfully navigate the land. According to the release, the race has received support from the Teslin Tlingit Council, Village of Teslin, Teslin Renewable Resource Council, Ross River Dena Council and the Town of Faro.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
