After 31 years of ownership, the Kemmerer family have announced its intent to sell Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR).
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is continually praised as one of the best in North America with the Kemmerer family owning JHMR since 1992. Their passion, dedication and commitment turned the Resort into a world-class destination. As the Kemmerers watched the consolidation of the ski industry, their highest priority was maintaining JHMR’s status as an independent, family-owned Resort.
Owners Jay, Connie and Betty Kemmerer said they have found the perfect buyers: Teton County residents, close Kemmerer family friends and JHMR Board Members Eric Macy, Mike Corbat, their families and a small, select group of co-investors.
“The time has come to transition ownership of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. We take great pride in what JHMR has become and what it represents to the Jackson Hole community and the state of Wyoming,” said Jay Kemmerer.
“It is of utmost importance to me that the next ownership maintains the integrity and character of the mountain that we have worked so hard to build over the past three decades. There is no better fit for this ownership transition than Eric and Mike and their families, who share the same vision for the future of JHMR and its importance to our great community. I’m excited and proud to pass along this iconic, family-run ski resort to these two strong Jackson Hole families.”
In a statement on the resort website they said during three decades of ownership the Kemmerers reached many proud milestones and were grateful for all the help they have received during this time.
“My family and I would like to thank Paul McCollister for providing us with an incredible platform to work with, Jerry Blann for 23 years of partnering with us in growing the Resort with accomplishments such as the Resort Master Plan and the Teton Village Master Plan, Mary Kate Buckley for five years of wonderful strategic leadership including expertly guiding our Resort through the COVID-19 pandemic and all our amazing former and current JHMR employees.”
Under Jay’s leadership as chairman, the Kemmerers have invested over $300 million in capital improvements, and their efforts to improve the Resort and the experience at JHMR for employees, guests and the community will have an everlasting impact. Jay’s vision to make JHMR a world-class resort led to many important milestones, including:
- Replaced or built new every lift at JHMR, with Sublette being the final lift to be replaced in 2024
- Constructed a new $31 million Aerial Tram in 2008 during the financial crisis
- Built the Bridger Gondola and the Bridger Center in the winter of 1997/1998
- Helped with the creation of the Teton Village Master Plan, which was approved in 1998
- Encouraged the establishment of Jackson Hole Air to support direct flights to Jackson, now available from 13 destinations
- Purchased the Stilson property and subdivided it into Stilson Residences and the Stilson Transit Center
- Built Sweetwater Gondola in 2017 to service Solitude Station, which was built in 2018/2019 and is regarded as the premiere learning center in the West for the Mountain Sports School
- Championed Resort leadership in the development of the new Mountain Master Plan in 1996
- In 2019, switched to 100% green energy, making it the largest resort in North America to run on green power
- Consistently invested in employee housing throughout Teton County
New Owner Eric Macy
“Mike and I are honored to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of this world-class ski resort,” said JHMR Board Member and new owner Eric Macy. “We want to thank everyone at JHMR in advance for their support as we begin this next stage and are committed to our ownership for decades. We appreciate all the hardworking employees and members of the Jackson Hole community who have played an integral part in building JHMR into the ski mountain we know and love today. It is our privilege to continue cultivating an authentic resort experience that is treasured by locals and visitors alike. We look forward to many amazing winter and summer seasons to come.”
New Owner Mike Corbat
“Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s legendary runs, couloirs and iconic features have provided the quintessential ski mountain experience for decades. Coupled with an enthusiastic skier base and a dedicated community, JHMR defines what it means to be a best-in-class ski resort. We will work hard to preserve the cherished aspects of the ski mountain and continue building on the mountain’s storied tradition,” said JHMR Board Member and new owner Mike Corbat. “We are excited to partner with the mountain’s exceptional team to continue developing JHMR’s best-in-class guest experience and unique brand.”
The Mountain
Set in the breath-taking Grand Tetons, this resort spans two mountains, Apres Vous and Rendezvous. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known as “The Big One” because of its vertical rise and monumental terrain, and while the hero of this resort is the hair-raising extreme riding there’s a big emphasis on intermediate and beginner options. At the bottom of Apres Mountain, newbies will learn on gentle tapering slopes and smooth groomed runs. Intermediate skiers and boarders have 40% of the terrain to revel in.
Trails off the Bridger Gondola are long with fun challenges for those pushing out of their comfort zone. Thigh burning runs from top to bottom are abundant at Rendezvous Bowl and dynamite riders will devour the famous Corbet’s Couloir – not for the feint hearted! Over 12 metres of sweet dry powder makes for an epic day hitting the chutes, tree runs and back country wilderness.
Stay in the village for town, either way there’s a big selection of accommodation to suit every traveller. There’s ample wining and dining, relaxing and re-energising plus eating and entertaining escapades, and if that’s not enough, take a snowmobile ride into Yellowstone National Park.