Jackson Hole Shrine Club

The Jackson Hole Shrine Club is the local chapter of Shriners International, a fraternal philanthropic organization. Their mission supports Shriners Hospitals for Children (especially the Salt Lake City facility), funded primarily through Jackson-area events. The right fit for visitors is anyone interested in attending the club's signature public events: the winter Cutter Races and Ski Joring competitions, and the summer Shriners Rodeo. The wrong fit is anyone looking for an everyday tourist attraction; this is an organization with specific event windows, not a venue with regular hours.

Public events worth knowing about

Three signature events draw visitor attention. Winter Cutter Races: horse-drawn cutter (sleigh) racing on snow, fast and visceral, traditionally held at venues around the valley in February. Ski Joring competition: skier pulled by horse and rider through a course of jumps and gates, one of the more dramatic Western winter sports to watch. Shriners Rodeo: summer rodeo at the Teton County Fairgrounds, classic events plus parade. All three are real spectator-event experiences specific to the Jackson area.

Top Programs, Events & Community Impact of Jackson Hole Shrine Club

Buy tickets in advance for the popular events; they can sell out, especially the rodeo. Cutter Races and Ski Joring are outdoor winter events; dress for serious cold (waterproof boots, warm layers, hat, gloves). Rodeo is summer; sun protection and water. Confirm specific dates with the club or local event calendars; the schedule shifts year-to-year. Spectator entry typically supports the philanthropic mission directly.

Why these events matter beyond the fundraising

Two things. First, the Western sports are real, not staged for tourists. Cutter racing and ski joring have legitimate competitive history in this region; the events draw serious participants from across the West. Second, attending puts money behind kids' specialty hospital care. Shriners Hospitals provide free care to children regardless of family ability to pay; ticket and concession revenue funds that mission.

Where this gets tricky

Two practical things. First, this is event-driven, not a fixed venue. You need to time your visit to a specific event date. Second, weather closures are real for the winter events; cutter races and ski joring depend on snow conditions and can be postponed or moved on short notice.

Word to the wise

For the Cutter Races, get there early and find a position near the start or finish lines for the best view. Bring a thermos of something hot; standing in cold winter air for an afternoon of races without warm drinks is a long way to feel cold. For the rodeo, the Teton County Fairgrounds bring local energy that out-of-town rodeos lack; make a half-day of it including parade and dinner after.

The bottom line

For visitors timing a trip with one of the Shrine Club's signature events, the Cutter Races, Ski Joring, and Rodeo are real Western-sport experiences with money going to a worthwhile cause. Off-event windows, this is not a daily-attraction visit.

FAQ

When are the Cutter Races and Ski Joring events?

Typically February, weather-dependent. Confirm specific dates with the club's calendar each year.

When is the Shriners Rodeo?

Summer, at the Teton County Fairgrounds. Specific dates vary; check the rodeo calendar.

How can I support the cause?

Attend events, donate directly, or contact the club for volunteer or sponsorship opportunities.

Is the club open to tourist visits otherwise?

The club meets monthly at the Masonic Lodge. The events are the public-facing component; the meetings are member-focused.