Checkpoints

In 2024, Aurora Mountain Lodge at Lannavaara remains as the race base and as the ONLY checkpoint area. We kindly thank the whole team at Aurora Mountain Lodge for their significant contribution to the race and in making it a really great space for mushers, handlers and the race organisation to enjoy their time at Tobacco Trail.

Please note Due to reindeer in the area, we can only use the municipal snowmobile trail, so the race will turn go out and back on the same trail, with head-on passing. Please respect nature and keep your dogs under good control if you encounter reindeer!

The race trail makes 2-3 loops starting/finishing at Lannavaara (more details below).

LANNAVAARA

The village of Lannavaara is a 1.5 hour drive from Kiruna town/airport and will serve as our ‘race base’ as well as a checkpoint. Registration will take place at Aurora Mountain Lodge, where there is also accommodation available to rent for mushers/handlers very close to the main checkpoint. See ‘accommodation’ page for more information.

Kristallen, Lannavaara facilities – kristallen.com
 Guldvaskarvägen 4, 980 13, Lannavaara

Kristallen is Sweden’s leading educational centre for gemstones, gemology and jewellery making. It also has a fascinating shop with a large display of gemstones which is well worth a visit. Jenny at Kristallen is a keen supporter of the race and we are delighted to be partnering with them.

The long distance (300km race) Teams start at Aurora Mountain Lodge and the first stage is a loop following a trail to Sekkutoppa cabin along the Tobacco Trail (approx. 45km one-way) where there is a turn-around point to come back on the same trail back to Lannavaara (90km total). Stage 2 is a snowmobile trail leaving Lannavaara towards Sudjevaara, with a turn-around point on an open swamp area after approx. 42km, before following the same track back (total 85km). Stage 3 is along another snowmobile track towards Lainio, where there is a turnaround point after approx. 45km (returning along the same track – total 90km). Finish at Lannavaara. Total distance 265km.

Mandatory rest of 2-hours plus time adjustment is at Lannavaara 1. A further 6-hours mandatory rest can be taken at any checkpoint during the race. It is not allowed to drop a dog at the turn-around points, drop dogs at Lannavaara only. 


The mid distance (150km race) 
Teams start at Aurora Mountain Lodge and the first stage is a loop following a trail to Sekkutoppa cabin along the Tobacco Trail (approx. 45km one-way) where there is a turn-around point to come back on the same trail back to Lannavaara (90km total). Stage 2 is a snowmobile trail leaving Lannavaara towards Sudjevaara, with a turn-around point after approx. 28km, before following the same track back (total 56km). Finish at Lannavaara. Total distance 146km.

Mandatory 6 hours rest and time regulation at Lannavaara 1. It is not allowed to drop a dog at the turn-around points, drop dogs at Lannavaara only.

Checkpoints are control posts of the race. The musher must wear the bib number at all times, on the trail and at checkpoints. Handlers should wear a ‘handler’ bib while they are in the stake out area.

 

CHECKPOINT – LANNAVAARA

Mushers will receive straw and access to cold water for the dogs. Any dropped dogs will be taken care of handler. Mushers may receive help from their handlers braking, holding and steering the team to, and out from, marked checkpoint areas only. No other outside help is allowed, and handlers should stay behind the marked line whilst dog teams occupy the checkpoint area. The handler must rake the straw after its musher and team has left the checkpoint for the last time. Equipment and trash bags are provided by the organizer.

The race organisation reserves the right to withdraw its checkpoint officials after a reasonable amount of time has passed and the majority of teams have left the checkpoint area (teams will be told in advance if this is the case).