Hundreds of spectators at Dinner Plain enjoyed the best dog sledding event in years over the weekend.
Sunshine, clear skies and trails of firm packed snow provided perfect conditions for the annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog Sprint.
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamute together with hounds such as German Shorthair Pointers were in their element, towing their sled bound 'musher' through the course, weaving in the village and out into the alpine bushland.
Event organiser Vaughan Winther said competitors had come from across the country to compete.
"It was the strongest fields we've seen and best event we've had since 2019," he enthused.
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"We would have had 200 to 300 people watching at the start/finish line in the village and several hundred more on the course where it travels between the ski slope and toboggan run in the village.
"We had 90 entries across the various classes, with around 56 adult mushers, 17 mini-mushers (kids) and 165 dogs competing in events with teams of eight, six, four, three, and two dogs, as well as single racers.
"Teams of eight, six and four raced on a six kilometre course, teams of three and two dogs raced over four kilometres and social family and beginners had a 2.5km course."
Class winners were: 8 Dog, Colin McPhan (Vic); 6 Dog, Wayne Baker (QLD); 4 Dog, Scott Bennetts (Vic); 3 Dog, Mitchell Deahm (NSW); and 2 Dog, Zahra Goldsmith (SA).
Mr Winther said the support of major sponsors Alpine Shire Council (which manages the village) and Blackhawk Petcare, together with the trail and grooming assistance from Dinner Plain Services was pivotal to the success of the event.
"Based on this year's success, we're looking forward to another strong event next year," he said.
