LAND O' LAKES - Land O'Lakes kicks off its 33rd annual Three Bear Sled Dog Race this weekend.

Thanks to mother nature and a hard working crew--the race trails are in great condition.

Jeff Lewison is a track Groomer for this race. He's glad to see snow in the forecast.

"We've had a hard time getting a good base in, we've been real fortunate to put on a few races. But they've been very marginal. This year, it seems a lot better with the last few snow falls in the last week and a half."

Samuel Otterpohl has been the Trail Boss since the mid 90s. He said snow is crucial to keep dogs and mushers safe.

"It's like a snowmobile trail. The more they run it, the more they pack it, the harder it gets. The dog's paws are small so they go through this a lot easier. So you don't want to get too punchy because it hurts the dogs."

Races start Saturday around 10 a.m. About five-hundred dogs are expected for the weekend.