Playful pups and mushers will descend on Falls Creek this weekend for the 7th annual Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic, with spectators able to get up close and cuddle the furry athletes.
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On Friday and Saturday a snowy Falls Creek will host the premier alpine sled dog race in Australia.
About 25 sled dog teams will run the five-kilometre course from Slalom Plaza.
Mushers and dogs will race through the aqueduct train, the Village Bowl and village streets before teams return to the plaza.
Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, Eurohounds and Alaskan Malamutes will compete for the coveted first place titles in teams of six, four, three and two dogs.
The finals are held on Saturday evening from 5.45pm in Slalom Plaza with teams racing through the streets of the alpine village.
Thousands of visitors are expected to line the racecourse to cheer for the mushers and dogs.
Teams have travelled from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, NSW and across Victoria.
National junior champion Aimee Stoeckel, 14, and previous national junior champion Joshua Winther, 16, will both compete.
Spectators hoping for canine cuddles or top tips from elite mushers are in luck with the event hosting a sled dog exhibition meet and greet.
People are invited to get up close and personal with the dogs and competitors.
The exhibition will run on Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the Slalom Plaza, Falls Creek.
The event is a National Open race, accredited by the Australian Sled Dog Sports Association.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
