After 31 years of ownership, the Kemmerer family announced its intent to sell Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). The family bought the resort in 1992, and its passion, dedication and commitment turned the venue 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 (pictured) 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,” Jay Kemmerer continued. “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.”
During more than three decades of ownership, the Kemmerers reached milestones and are grateful for all the help they received. Jay Kemmerer
“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,” Jay Kemmerer said.
Under Jay Kemmerer’s leadership as chairman, the Kemmerers invested more than $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. Among the milestones during the Kemmerers’ ownership are:
- Replaced or built new every lift at JHMR, with Sublette being the final lift to be replaced in 2024
- Constructed a $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
- Supported Jerry Blann in the formation of the Teton Village Association, followed by the Teton Village Resort District several years later
- 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 percent green energy, making it the largest resort in North America to run on green power
- Consistently invested in employee housing throughout Teton County
- In 2021, began managing capacity at JHMR to elevate the guest and employee experience, with many ski areas subsequently following JHMR’s lead
Beyond driving the successful evolution of JHMR, the Kemmerer family has a history of steadfast support in the local Jackson community and the state of Wyoming. They have made significant, ongoing contributions to entities such as St. John’s Health, Teton County Search and Rescue, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Friends of Pathways, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Teton Science School and the University of Wyoming — among many others.
Following the transition to the new ownership, Jay Kemmerer will remain involved in JHMR as a part of the new ownership group and as a board and executive committee member, providing his expertise and insight and helping to guide the strategic direction of the resort.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals and is anticipated to close by end-of-year 2023. Financial details of the private transaction will not be disclosed.
