Sled dog racers taking part in an Iditarod qualifier later this week can expect decent snowy conditions.

Organisers of the Race to the Sky event, which takes place in Montana between February 12th and 17th 2010, told the Helena Independent Record the ice should provide a good quality circuit.

The course covers 350 miles and has attracted 16 mushers this year, a few of whom are gearing up for the Last Great Race.

Mark Ibsen, Rick Larson and Chris Adkins are among the sled dog racers using the event as a chance to get their teams, dog harnesses and tactics in order ahead of the Iditarod.

Race organiser Pam Beckstrom told the news provider: "As long as it’s not melting, the snow should hold up pretty well."

Ibsen, Larson and Adkins are less than a month away from competing in the 1,000-mile Iditarod, which is the biggest event on the international mushing calendar.

Three-time winner Lance Mackey and Jeff King are among this year’s other entrants into the race, which kicks off in Anchorage on March 6th 2010.