Iditarod Musher Profile

Heather Siirtola, 31, was born and raised in North Dakota and later moved to Steamboat, Colorado to find sled dogs. She ran sled tours at Red Runner Dog Tours and ran a few short races and "was hooked." In September of 2003, she moved to Alaska to handle for Jerry Sousa and Kathleen Holden. After three years of being with them, she acquired her own dogs from their yard. She says, "I enjoy the lifestyle of running dogs. I like the different challenges it brings. After doing the 2007 and 2008 Iditarods I just couldn't sit this one out. I have become ‘addicted' to the experience the Iditarod has given to my dogs and me. My dogs are my best friends. There is nothing better to me than spending time with them on the trail." Heather is a waitress and tour guide. She enjoys four wheeling and hiking.