2001 IFSS World Championships

The first World Championship for Skijoring and Pulka was held in Fairbanks, AK in February of 2001. Sanctioned by the International Federation of Sleddog Sports, the Olympic style event attracted national teams from Belgium, Canada, The Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Switzerland and the USA.

Races were held at Birch Hill Nordic venue, where trails for the 13k short and 23k long events were generously wide and impeccably groomed. Skijorers and Pulka competitors were treated to challenging climbs and exciting descents that twisted through exquisite stands of birch and pines. Without question the venue selected the fittest skiers and dogs over the three days of competition.

Spectators enjoyed the incredible speed and stamina of the world's fastest Nordic dogs, and marveled at the close teamwork displayed between dog and driver. Competitors were impressed with the organization and attention to detail, from course maps and schedules, to assigned parking places and live worldwide broadcast via the Web. Intriguing to all was the level of sportsmanship and camaraderie between competitors.

Congratulations to all competitors for striving to be the best, and a warm thank you to the Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association, Birch Hill Nordic venue, IFSS and Alaska Dog Musher's Association for hosting an outstanding first World Championship.

Special thanks to photographer Jack Kuntz for capturing the essence
of World Championship Skijoring and Pulka

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