Sam Louters

Sam got his start in mushing at just eight years old with the family’s Alaskan Malamute, Star. Two years later, his family welcomed their first Alaskan Huskies—and their kennel has been growing ever since. Over the years, Sam has competed in races across Minnesota, including the mid-distance John Beargrease, and is excited for another great race season ahead. He’s grateful for the support of his family—his mom Lois, sister Annika, and brothers Mike and Levi—for all their help with the kennel and handling, as well as John Nielsen for his continued encouragement this season. A three-time Klondike competitor (2020, 2022, and 2023), Sam brings 14 years of mushing experience to the trails with his lead dog, Smoke. When he’s not running the team, you can usually find him out fishing and enjoying Minnesota’s great outdoors.