Welcome Volunteers!
Volunteers Make CopperDog Possible
CopperDog is more than a race — it’s a community effort. From the starting line to the banquet hall, from trail crossings to finish chutes, every part of CopperDog depends on volunteers. Without their time, energy, and dedication, this event simply would not happen.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, but they share a common love for the Keweenaw, winter, and being part of something special. Whether you’re helping on the trail, working with dogs, supporting racers, assisting behind the scenes, or lending a hand indoors, your role directly contributes to the safety, success, and spirit of CopperDog.
No matter your experience level, there’s a place for you. Some roles are fast-paced and physical, others are calm and detail-focused — all are equally important. By volunteering, you become part of the CopperDog family and help create an event that brings our community together year after year.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our media sponsors TV6 and The Wolf for their continued support in helping us reach and recruit volunteers. We are also grateful to Todd Brassard, whose volunteer system will be in use once again this year and continues to play a vital role in organizing and supporting our volunteer efforts.
We look forward to your help in making CopperDog another successful year, including the move of CopperPull to Laurium on Saturday and Sunday.
Without volunteers, there is no CopperDog.
The Volunteer system is now open
Click here for the Volunteer System
A note from Krissy Tepsa our Volunteer Director
Hello CopperDog Volunteers!!
CopperDog Volunteer Registration is OPEN for our 2026 race that will be taking place on February 27th, February 28th and March 1st. We need YOUR help to pull this off again this year!
Here is a quick description of some of the jobs that require the most volunteers:
- Crossing Guards – Help to create a safe crossing where the trail intersects a road or snowmobile trail.
- Timers – Records times and bib numbers at crossing to track racers progress and make sure no one is off course.
- Bag Checkers – Checks items in a bag carried by mushers against a list of wilderness survival supplies.
- Snow Fence Installation (and Removal) / Banner Installation (and Banner Removal) – Carries, unrolls, and sets up snow fence along 5th Street in Calumet. Zip tie sponsor banners to the fencing along 5th Street.
- Snow Road Security Guards – Help to create safe crossings for pedestrians along 5th St during the start of the race.
- Dog Handlers- Helps lead dog teams up to or away from the start/finish at each checkpoint. This is a very physical job, particularly at the start on Friday night!
I’ll also be looking for Crossing Coordinators again this year so if you’re interested in being a coordinator please contact me to let me know.
What are the responsibilities of a Crossing Coordinator?
They are as follows:
- You are the point person to pick up and return the supplies for your crossing –
-bibs
-snow fence (if your crossing requires fencing)
-timing sheets (if your crossing has timers) - Provide me your cell phone number so I can easily reach you for updates and changes
Please note the Calumet 5th St. fencing will come down on Friday night as the race will finish in Laurium this year.
The CopperPull and CopperDash will return – but they will take place in Laurium as well near the Bicentennial/George Gipp Arena.
Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you all fill up our volunteer positions!
Thanks,
Krissy (Kovachich) Tepsa
(Krissy Tepsa – Volunteer Director)