The State of Mushing 2026: Why Differentiation Matters for the Future of Dog-Powered Sports

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Michele Forto shares a summary of the 2026 State of Mushing Letter from Robert Forto and the team at Mushing Magazine and the Team and Trail Foundation.

Each year during Iditarod season, this letter reflects on the direction of dog-powered sports and the evolving role of the media that documents it. This year’s message centers on a powerful idea: differentiation.

While many publications are shrinking or shifting entirely online, Mushing Magazine has chosen a different path by deepening its commitment to serious storytelling, field reporting, and preserving the history of the sport.

In this episode, Michele discusses:

Why print media still matters in the world of mushing
The transition of Mushing Magazine into the Team and Trail Foundation
How the sport is adapting to environmental change and shorter snow seasons
The rise of dryland disciplines like canicross and bikejoring
Why authentic storytelling still requires human journalists and photographers

The State of Mushing letter is both a reflection on the sport’s past and a roadmap for its future, grounded in leadership, endurance, and the traditions that make dog-powered sports unique.

If you care about sled dogs, racing, outdoor leadership, and the culture surrounding mushing, this episode offers an important perspective on where the sport is heading next.

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Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

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You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

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