The trail, originally designed by Trail Master John Bates, offered several challenges, long, easy straight-aways and safety considerations along its entire length. With John's passing in 2007, Bill Windsor and Rodger Logan will be assuming the role of Trail Masters. The John Bates Memorial Trophy, presented to the Junior Class winner, has been established to commemorate John's passion for dog sledding, his contribution to our races and his unselfish devotion to our community.

The race trail is set exclusively on privately owned land. The trail starts and finishes at the Staging Area located just off Township Road 31.2A. The Staging Area features mushers' parking, volunteer parking, the Concession Tent, the Race Office and the Start and Finish Gates. It is readily accessible for foot travel off 15th Avenue directly east of Didsbury. Free Public Parking is provided directly south across Township Road 31.2A from the Staging Area.

Major changes in the trail route were incorporated for the 2010 edition of the races. Both the 2-mile, 4-mile and 6-mile trails are entirely on the south side of Highway 582. There is a short two-way traffic stretch (about 50 feet) on the 6-mile trail. This removes that long slow hill from the race trail completely which should result in much faster times for the 4-dog and 6-dog teams. This change allowed us to extend the Skijoring Class to the 4-mile trail and introduce a 2-mile Novice Skijoring Class. Additionally, virtually the entire 2-mile trail is visible from the Staging Area giving a greater degree of comfort for competitors in the Junior Class. We are very pleased with these changes.