Jackson, WY – Now in its sixth year, Jackson Hole’s family friendly WinterFest offers a variety of popular snow fun activities from Jan. 29 through Feb. 15, from ice skating and ski racing to winter horse events. And this year for the first time, festival-goers can also enjoy the thrill of sled dog teams mushing out of Town Square and through the streets of Jackson Snow King Mountain for the finish of the first stage of the Eukanuba Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, which enters its 21st year with a new title sponsor.
“Having the dog teams race through town is an exciting unique-to-Jackson event that brings locals and visitors alike out to enjoy our winter weather and the festivities. We’re thrilled to kick off WinterFest with the Eukanuba Stage Stop – adding another dimension of winter fun to our festival,” says Maureen Murphy, director of special events for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, which organizes WinterFest. “Also new this year, the Ski Joring competition moves to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to help celebrate the resort’s 50th anniversary.
Following a weekend of “going to the dogs,” Jackson’s Wild West spirit comes alive with two weekends of WinterFest horse events. The Feb. 6 and 7 Fourth Annual North American Ski Joring Championships – where skiers are pulled behind galloping horses at daring speeds on a course full of jumps and turns – will be held at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Teton Village. The event is sponsored by the Jackson Hole Shrine Club, as are the popular Cutter Races, which return to Melody Ranch Feb. 13 and 14. Horse-drawn chariots known as “cutters” glide through the snow for this 45th annual equine winter drag race as attendees enjoy tailgating and cheering on favorite teams. Both events benefit the Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital for Children.
Other WinterFest activities include a mix of Nordic and Alpine skiing events, from competitive to just-for-fun, as well as ice skating on Town Square, gallery walks and more. Visit www.jacksonholechamber.