The 2025 Iron Dog: The world's toughest snowmachine race kicks off Feb. 15

The 2,503-mile Iron Dog snowmachine race, the longest and toughest in the world, launches from Big Lake, Alaska, on Feb. 15, roaring into action in front of Susitna Brewing Company. This year’s field is stacked, featuring nine past Iron Dog champions, and the only thing more unforgiving than the competition is the course itself.

With recent cold snaps locking up open water and hardening the trail, riders will be battling fast, icy conditions, making this one of the most challenging races in years.

“Things are looking great,” Iron Dog Executive Director Mike Vasser said. “Mother Nature has blessed us over the last two and a half weeks, and things are looking fantastic.”

The Route: A Brutal Test of Endurance

A total of 33 Pro Class teams will depart Big Lake on Feb. 15, taking off in two-minute intervals starting at 10 a.m. Their journey will take them over the Alaska Range at Rainy Pass, down along the Yukon River, across Norton Sound, and up to the Red Dog Loop before reaching Nome for a mandatory layover.

Meanwhile, five Expedition Class teams—running the same route minus the Red Dog Loop—will meet Pro Class racers in Nome for a halfway/finisher banquet on Feb. 19.

After regrouping in Nome, the Pro Class riders will reverse course on Feb. 20, racing back toward Big Lake, with an expected finish on Feb. 22.

Follow the Action Live:

Each racer is equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing fans to follow their progress from home. Riders will check in at key locations, including Kotzebue, Skwentna, Nikolai, McGrath, Ruby, Galena, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Buckland, Selawik, Elim, White Mountain, and more as they power across Alaska's remote and rugged terrain. GPS tracking is available at: https://trackleaders.com/irondog25f.php

Adding to the excitement, the South Anchorage High School Media Team will provide live event coverage throughout the race. Live stream will be available at: https://www.irondog.org/race/watch

A Record-Breaking Field

The 2025 Pro Class lineup is bigger than ever, featuring 10 more teams than last year. Among them are three co-ed teams, including a father-daughter pair and a husband-and-wife team. Racers hail from across Alaska and the Lower 48.

With icy, fast trails, the race is primed for high speeds. Riders will have to be cautious on both their equipment and themselves.

“The biggest challenge this year will be taking care of your equipment,” Vasser said. “With everything being so cold, the trail is going to be as hard as a rock.”

The 2025 Iron Dog Raffle: Over $140,000 in prizes

This year’s Iron Dog Raffle is the biggest yet, offering over $140,000 in prizes.

Grand prize is a 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn truck, valued at $63,910. Second prize is a 2023 Polaris 165 Boost, valued at $23,300. Third prize is a Royal Cargo 20' Enclosed Trailer, valued at $23,000. Fourth prize is four round trip tickets on Alaska Airlines and $2,500 in cash, valued at $17,500. Fifth prize are two Magnum Pathfinder E-Bikes, valued at $4,600. Sixth prize is $2,500 in cash. Seventh prize is five nights of lodging and meals for four guests at Alpine Creek Lodge in Cantwell, valued at $2,500. Eighth prize is $2,500 in cash. Ninth prize is $1,500 KLIM gift certificate

Tickets are $60 each, or two or more for $50 each, and can be purchased online at raffle.irondog.org/2025. All proceeds support Iron Dog’s community programs.

More Than a Race: Giving Back to Alaska

Beyond the race, Iron Dog continues to invest in Alaska’s communities: Helmet Awareness Program – Providing nearly 3,000 helmets to rural Alaska youth for year-round safety; Make It Run Program – Teaching students small-engine mechanics, keeping snowmachines and ATVs running in remote areas; Kids Don’t Float – Distributing life jackets to communities across the state; Iron Pup Race Series – Encouraging youth participation in the sport while promoting safety, sportsmanship, and mechanical skills.

Additionally, Iron Dog covers transportation, lodging, and meals for the South Anchorage Media Team, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the event.

Get Ready for an Epic Race

With an all-star lineup, brutal conditions, and speeds expected to be higher than ever, the 2025 Iron Dog is set to be one for the record books.

“I wish all the racers good luck, ride safe and fast all at the same time,” Vasser said. “Hopefully we have a good race, and I think we’re going to.”

The public is encouraged to attend both the start and finish at Big Lake. A full schedule of events can be found at irondog.org/schedule-of-events