Cutter Racing in Jackson Hole - History Jackson Hole

Cutter Racing in Jackson Hole

Cutter racing has a long history in Jackson Hole. For over 60 years, chariots have raced side by side along a straight-track of snow, mud, and ice. In 1971 the Shriner Club began hosting the event as an annual fundraiser to support the Shriners Hospital. While this event is now held outside of town, cutter races used to take place in the heart of Jackson along both Pearl St. and Broadway Ave. Below are a collection of historic photos highlighting the colorful history of this wild and exciting sport.

A cutter race in front of Jess Wort’s House on Pearl Avenue (now Pearl St., Downtown, Jackson) ca. 1940s.

A two-horse cutter passing by Kay’s Bluebird Café on corner of Broadway and Cache.

“Cutter racing down Broadway near Wort Hotel towards town square, ca. 1940s

Two cutter teams passing by Wagon Wheel Lodge.

Bryce Jasperson (left) and Theris Jenkins (right) participating in the cutter races in Jackson. The Ideal Lodge was located on the west side of town.”

Two teams competing in Cutter Races outside of town

Jim Braman (left) and Slim Lawrence (right) at the Cutter Races, 1974.

The Stagecoach Bar team takes 3rd place in the B Division at the Cutter Races.

Jackson Hole Shrine Club: http://jhshriners.org