Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race

About Us

We are a non-profit organization located in Whitehorse, Yukon, and are registered and compliant with the Yukon Societies’ Act. As a registered non-profit, an elected Board of Directors that serves yearly terms, with updated bylaws and governing documents available upon request, governs us. Our financial statements are audited annually for accuracy and transparency. Our administration fees are covered through contribution agreements with government partners, and all of our sponsorship and fundraising efforts go directly into the organization and production of the Yukon Quest.

Core Values 

The Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) operates under these core values:

  • Always focusing on the mushers and their dogs
  • Maintaining financial responsibility
  • Operating with honesty and integrity
  • Keeping transparency throughout our business

 

Mission Statement 

Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) is a non-profit organization that organizes, markets, and produces the annual Yukon Quest dog sled races. Through our races, we promote exceptional standards of dog care and health and safety, as well as the highest levels of competition, to create the most immersive and engaging entertainment experience for our fans and supporters all around the world. Our mandate is to advance the sport of dog sledding with an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our human and canine athletes, as well as to promote the Yukon and the communities, organizations, and people within that make this iconic event a success.

Board of Directors

Katja Altherr

Born in Switzerland and living in Whitehorse since 2000, I have always had a passion for animals – I grew up with a dog and rode horses from a young age. Although I am not a musher, I have been running my own business since 2018 doing bodywork for horses and dogs and have had the pleasure of working with a handful of Yukon mushers, which grew a passion for the dog sledding world. I hope to bring my knowledge to the board and help with one of the greatest races!

Andrea Fischer

I love living and working in the forest. I grew up in the Kawartha Lakes area of southern Ontario, went to Sault Forestry College in northern Ontario, and then moved to the Yukon in 1993. I have been living on a trapline with my family and have been active with the Canadian Rangers since then. My husband and I have raised three children and a few cats and dogs. I’ve only had the opportunity to mush once, and it was fun! I joined the Quest Board to establish a working relationship with the Rangers, who break the trail for the Quest Race.

Carol Locke

Vice President
Hi my name is Carol locke. I am the Vice President of the Yukon Quest Board of Directors. I was born and grew up in a small Manitoba town called Macgregor. Currently I am a police officer with over 20 years of service. I transferred to the Whitehorse RCMP in the summer of 2013 with my husband and two dogs. I knew as soon as I arrived that I wanted to be involved with the Yukon Quest, and in February 2014, I volunteered at the Carmacks checkpoint. From then on, I was hooked. I have volunteered with the Yukon Quest every year since and plan to do so for many years to come. I have worked to make the Yukon Quest better every year with volunteering as the Checkpoint Manager in Pelly Crossing, helping at the start line in Whitehorse, and as of the late, managing the pre-race Vet Check. I am a dog lover and support all means to promote dog care. I enjoy hiking, camping, and travelling with my husband and two dogs. My two dogs are Husky-crosses named Tundra, who is thirteen years old, and our one-year-old pup named Camp. My goal is for the Yukon Quest to become the best dog sled race in the world that promotes exceptional dog care with the mushers that participate. I look forward to seeing you all on the trail!

Shelly Musyji

It was the Yukon Quest that drew Shelly to the Yukon from Quibell, Northwestern Ontario, in the spring of 2022. Arriving with two livestock guard dogs (pictured here with Echo) and six chickens in a truck box camper, Shelly put down roots very quickly and now lives with her partner on a 50-acre farm 10km south on the Yukon River from Dawson City and works in Human Resources for the City of Dawson. Shelly is currently building up her kennel and, in the meantime, is committed to helping the Yukon Quest maintain its status as a premier dog sled race. She looks forward to the Quest returning to Dawson in the near future and is excited to help as much as she can in her new role as a board member.

Aaron Peck

Aaron Peck, his wife Eva and 4 children reside in Grande Prairie Alberta. Aaron has been running sled dogs for 30 years with a primary focus on long distance races such as the Iditarod. Aaron has competed in the Iditarod 10x, and has also competed in the Yukon Quest 450 the last two years as well as other races like the Caledonia Classic 200 and the Canadian Challenge 320. Aaron has a passion for sharing the sport of dog mushing with others through his dog sled touring business Elevation Sled Dog Adventures. To learn more about Aaron and Elevation Sled Dogs visit www.elevationsleddogs.ca

Anne Tayler

President
Anne has been involved with the Quest, directly and indirectly, since 1992. She has served on the Board several times, handled for her partner, Frank Turner, for 13 years. Being a handler has given her a unique perspective on the race. Anne is committed to the re - development of the race, in a post - Covid world, and adapting the race to take into account changing communities, and changing conditions along the trail, including the varied impacts of climate change.

Frank Turner

Frank Turner has been involved in the Quest since its inception, working with other founders to develop the race in 1983 - 84. He ran the race 24 times, placing in the top 6 many times and winning in 1995, and receiving the Vet's Choice award twice. He served as a musher Rep in the past and now sits on the Board. He is committed to helping the Quest move forward, and to making the race exciting, fun for the mushers, and safe for all the dogs.
Subscribe to our newsletter:
Site by PR Services Ltd.