WYOMING – Due to adverse weather conditions around South Pass, the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race has moved the second stage from near Lander to the Upper Green River trail system outside of Cora.

The move was made to preserve mileage of the 225-mile race that stretches across seven stages in Wyoming and Idaho.

“South Pass trail reports indicate several low snowpack stretches on south facing wind-blown slopes. A concerning ½-mile of low snow conditions at the 9,500-foot Blue Ridge summit created safety concerns for racers to control their teams as they approach the turnaround point of the race course,” race organizers released in a statement.

Because of dry conditions, the pivot to the Upper Green River was made out of an abundance of safety. Conditions at Louis Lake and 1,000-foot-lower elevations are fine but the top of the ridge where the race gains mileage, as well as its turnaround point, are “unmanageable,” as race organizers described it.

Race director Dan Carter personally extended reluctance to leave the South Pass area, which has been a constant stop in the race.

“The City of Lander, Wyoming, has hosted the Stage Stop Sled Dog Race every year since its inception in 1996,” Carter said. “We greatly appreciate the understanding of the Lander supporters and community and look forward to racing in Lander in 2023.”

Stages two and three will both now be outside of Pinedale. Stage two will be Jan. 30 and Stage three is scheduled for the following day. Stage four, on Feb. 1, will be outside Big Piney and Marbleton.