Racing conditions at the Snow Farm were excellent last week for the independently-organised Kirsty Burn Classic, won by Darren Watson of Christchurch.
Mr Watson is looking to make it a double victory this week, despite deteriorating conditions.
Nor-west winds and rain closed all snow fields except Cardrona Alpine Resort yesterday but no racing had been planned for the day in any case.
The layday was spent resting (dogs) and playing pool (humans).
The races are scheduled to finish today, with results not expected to be announced until this evening.
A range of dog breeds have been putting in the hard yards, including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Pointers and Labradors.
Running dogs is an increasingly popular husband-and-wife activity, with nine partnered teams taking on Mr Watson, the overall winner of the sled dog festival for the past three years.
Mr Watson's wife, Yan, won the four-dog event at the Kirsty Burn Classic last week.
Todd Hessey from Lake Hawea, is the local favourite in this week's races.
