Sled Dog Racing & Satellite Phones

For generations, sled dogs have been known as one of the few reliable ways to traverse large distances over frozen landscapes. In frozen areas like Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, some places today are still only accessible by sled. Sled dog teams have contributed to mail delivery, supply runs, and exploration and were a major part of the gold rush in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Roald Amundsen relied on teams of sled dogs during his groundbreaking expedition to the North Pole. Undoubtedly, these hardy, fearless, and intelligent dogs are a part of history.

Today, sled dogs are celebrated every year with several races covering different trail lengths, team sizes, and more. The most famous long-distance sled dog race is the Iditarod, in which teams of 12-16 dogs traverse about 1,100 miles of untamed Alaskan terrain between Anchorage and Nome.

In 2017, Outfitter Satellite partnered with the Iditarod and Iridium to provide satellite phones to the officials involved in the race. As you can imagine, keeping in touch along the long, dangerous trail is both difficult and necessary. Participants in all sled dog races would be wise to bring a satellite phone, whether racing in the Iditarod, the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest, or even shorter or mid-distance races like Alaska Excursions 120 and others. Mid-distance races are held throughout the season and can satisfy entry requirements for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. If you're a musher seeking to qualify, get yourself an Iridium satellite phone so you'll have a call to safety right in your pocket and can focus on the race.

Why Iridium?

Iridium is distinct from other satellite phone networks because its coverage extends fully over the globe, including both the north and south poles. Its satellites surround the Earth in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. Iridium satellite phones are also the best to use in mountainous terrain due to the number of satellites ensuring that wherever you're located, one is frequently directly overhead.

Iridium satellite phones are also known for durability even in extreme conditions, making them ideal for inclement weather such as the frequent blizzards encountered during dog sled races. The compact size of the handsets makes them easy to carry even when you're loaded down with gear.

Outfitter Satellite has Iridium satellite phones available for sale or rental. Sled dog racing is a prime example of a sport where unexpected hazards are known to appear at any moment. A satellite phone is a necessary part of your safety gear if you're anywhere away from civilization— whether you're a musher, hiker, climber, or an adventurer of any type.

Feel free to contact us if you need to know more of the basics or want help choosing a satellite phone!