Jackson Hole WinterFest Outdoor Festival Mushes Out of Jackson Town Square with New Sled Dog Race Start
Jackson Hole, Wyo. (PRWEB) December 15, 2015 -- Now in its sixth year, Jackson Hole’s 2016 WinterFest will kick off with the Friday-night start of Wyoming’s annual stage stop sled dog race on Jan. 29. The family-friendly winter festival offers a variety of popular snow fun activities, Jan. 29 – Feb. 15, from ice skating and ski racing to winter horse events. And new for 2016, festivalgoers can also enjoy the thrill of sled dog teams mushing out of Town Square and through the streets of Jackson, Wyo., to Snow King Mountain. For the first time, this first Wyoming stage of the EUKANUBA™ Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, which enters its 21st year with a new title sponsor, doubles as the WinterFest opening event.
“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 for 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 family-friendly events benefit the Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital for Children.
Other Jackson Hole WinterFest activities include a mix of Nordic and Alpine skiing events from competitive to just-for-fun, as well as ice skating on Jackson Town Square, gallery walks and much more. Visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/winterfest.php for a full schedule of activities.
About Jackson Hole WinterFest:
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is served by major airlines including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels may be found at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com. For additional information on Jackson Hole events including the annual WinterFest, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316 or email info(at)jacksonholechamber(dot)com.
Media Contact: Amy Stark, WordenGroup Public Relations, amy(at)wordenpr(dot)com, 307.734.5335
Darla Worden, WordenGroup, http://www.wordenpr.com, +1 303.777.7667, [email protected]
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