More than 350 sled dogs will compete this weekend at the 26th annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge.
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The strongest mushers, or dog team drivers, and the fittest sled dog teams from Australia and New Zealand will attempt to achieve their fastest times as they dodge and weave through Dinner Plain's terrain.
Race organiser Robert Stevens said more than any other race, it tests "the depth of the connection between the musher and their dogs".
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"In this particular environment one is totally dependent on their dogs, particularly their lead dogs - they need to be fast on their feet, intelligent and responsive to voice commands, whilst guiding the entire team through possible hazards," he said.
One of the draw-card weekend attractions is the six and eight dog class, which is being held across both days, and takes 10 people to hold back the team while they are waiting for the clock to begin.
The teams will take off from Dinner Plain Alpine Village from 9am Saturday and Sunday and will have to compete with a mountain of snow which is continuing to fall.
The event is open to experienced mushers only, who must qualify by competing in at least three dry land races and be over 15 years of age.
The most common breeds of dogs that compete over the weekend are Siberian huskies, which are quick on their feet, and Alaskan malamutes, which are renowned for their endurance.
Other breeds have also been known to compete.
Spectators are being reminded to leave their dogs at home that aren't competing.
For more information about the race visit sleddogchallenge.com