Great news from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort today. Here are two new press releases:
NEW 100 PASSENGER AERIAL TRAMWAY
for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
(Teton Village, Wyo., August 9, 2006) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) officials announced today their intention to enhance the legacy created over the last 40 years by committing to build a new 100 passenger, state of the art aerial tramway from the base in Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, a vertical rise of 4,139'. This lift will have the longest continual vertical rise of any ski lift in North America. It will replace the existing smaller aerial tram that will cease to operate October 1, 2006.
"I am very proud of our company leading this two and a half year process to a successful conclusion," stated Jerry Blann, JHMR President. "This outcome would not have been possible without our dedicated owners, the Kemmerer Family and our Board of Directors. They deserve recognition for their commitment to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton County and the State of Wyoming."
JHMR has contracted with Doppelmayr/CTEC to construct the new Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram and anticipates a scheduled opening December 2008. Preliminary discussions are taking place with the Forest Service regarding approvals required for the replacement of the tram. With an increased capacity of 100 passengers per cabin, the uphill capacity will increase to over 600 passengers an hour, pending Forest Service approval. Carney Architects, a local Jackson firm, is developing concepts for bottom and top terminal enclosures.
"We hope with this decision Jackson Hole will remain the truly unique place it is for all who love the mountains year round, like we do. When we bought the Resort we knew it needed investment and were prepared for that, but the tram replacement has taken a lot of deep thinking to resolve," stated John Kemmerer III, Owner JHMR. "Our family considers Jackson Hole Mountain Resort an integral part of this incredible community and we feel privileged to be able to leave such a legacy for years to come." Kemmerer added.
"The enormity of this project was obvious from the beginning. When we identified the need to decommission the existing tram we immediately began researching what could replace such a lift," continued Blann. "We studied many options and reduced them to a Tram or Bi-Cable Gondola. We all agreed the iconic nature of our "red box" was something to be treasured but we kept options open until the final and most recent decision. Ultimately the final analysis was financial. We are a small, family owned company with finite resources. This new tram will cost an estimated $25 million and so far we have had to plan on funding the entire project privately. In conjunction with the $14 million already committed to capital improvements this summer there will be a strain felt on our company resources, but we are steadfast in this decision thanks to the commitment from our owners. On our 40th Anniversary the company has reached a pinnacle of investment," stated Blann.
"The new tram will ultimately require additional improvements including a redevelopment of Nick Wilson's Café into a multi-purpose base lodge. The Kemmerer family's dedication to invest in JHMR core business on public lands for the enjoyment of this community and visiting guests is completely unique in the winter recreation industry." Blann added.
"This huge investment by JHMR ownership to build a new tram stands alone in our industry", stated Michael Berry, President National Ski Area Association. "The tram at Jackson Hole is iconic. It is recognized around the world as a lift that accesses some of the most spectacular terrain in North America. It is beloved by locals and sought after by destination visitors." added Berry.
While making improvements, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort remains committed to preserving the Old West. Entering our 40th season the same old-fashioned hospitality that welcomed yesterday's mavericks and outlaws, still welcomes today's skiers, snowboarders and vacationers. With the new Bridger Restaurant, new East Ridge Chair to the summit and a new 100 passenger tram in the near future, the legend continues. For more JHMR information please visit jacksonhole40.com
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT TURNS 40
(Teton Village, Wyo., August 9, 2006) - The Aerial Tram first opened to the public on July 31, 1966 and the winter of 1966 - 1967 recorded the inaugural season at Jackson Hole Ski Resort, operating the tram and three chairlifts on opening day. 40 years and millions of skier days later, we are proud to be considered among the top winter destinations in the world. To celebrate this milestone, JHMR has planned a year of festivities from July 31, 2006 through April 8, 2007, closing day of the winter season.
In honor of our 40th Anniversary, JHMR will be offering skiers and snowboarders $40 lift tickets during opening week of the season (a 55% discount off regular price tickets), a chance to win 4 special 40-day JHMR Passes, a spectacular black tie evening at the "Ruby Ball" in the Bridger Restaurant in February and numerous other specials throughout the resort all season long!
The independent spirit of JHMR founders Paul McCollister, Alex Morley and partners lives on today as we remain a maverick in the winter sports industry. The founders showed enormous vision and tenacity in creating the Jackson Hole Ski Corp and we honor those men today. Under ownership of the Kemmerer family since 1992, JHMR has enjoyed unprecedented growth and thanks to their dedication and enduring personal commitment, we continue to thrive as a legend and a leader in the industry.
JHMR has created a commemorative website jacksonhole40.com that captures 40 years of Resort history in images and print along with a calendar of events for this 40th Year. Be sure to check in for updated news and festivities and join us for our year long birthday party!
WHAT'S NEW AT JACKSON HOLE?
Winter 2006/2007
East Ridge Chair to the Summit and Greater Lift Capacity
This winter skiers and riders will be able to access 100% of the mountain including Rendezvous Bowl, Corbet's Couloir and the backcountry gates via the Bridger Gondola and a series of chairlifts including the new East Ridge Chair to the summit.
The East Ridge Chair will rise 600 vertical feet from the top of the Sublette Chairlift to just below Corbet's Cabin on the summit. This temporary double chairlift will take skiers and snowboarders up Rendezvous Bowl this winter and until the new aerial tram opens December 2008.
In addition to construction of the East Ridge Chair, JHMR is adding capacity to the Bridger Gondola and Thunder Chair. The Bridger Gondola will have 18 more cabins and Thunder Chair will have 16 more chairs added. From the base, the Gondola will now offer an uphill capacity of 2400 skiers per hour (vs. 1800 previously), which will mean faster access from the base to the upper mountain this year.
$10m Stunning New On-Mountain Restaurant
Bridger Restaurant - Jackson Hole Raises the Bar to 9,095 Feet
Located at the top of the Bridger Gondola (Elevation 9,095'), the new Bridger Restaurant scheduled to open Christmas 2006 will have incredible valley views of Jackson Hole and the famed on-mountain Corbet's Couloir to the south.
The restaurant exterior will combine rock and wood reminiscent of the Bridger Center with its beautiful beam work and large windows. The rustic, yet modern interior will incorporate environmentally friendly recycled rubber flooring, lyptus wood, marmolium and granite.
The Bridger Restaurant will offer a large open plan servery, a 100 seat fine dining restaurant and bar, The Couloir, a "gourmet on the go" deli, Headwall Deli and a private dining room, The Cornice. A spacious south facing sundeck equipped with a professional grill will ensure diners can take in the rays while kicking back. (For the other 100 powder days heaters will be installed!!)
The servery will typically offer four different food styles such as Asian fusion, a carvery, a grill and a hand tossed salad and soup bar. The Couloir will feature a full lunch menu, waiter service and hostess seating. Sample items from the lunch menu in The Couloir include:
The Corbet's Cobb Salad
organic spinach, smoked turkey ***, avocado, scallion, applewood bacon, vine-ripened tomato,
crumbled goat cheese, thyme-yogurt vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom "Pot Pie" (vegetarian)
sweet potato, goat cheese, puff pastry
The 100% Angus Bridger Burger
with Vermont white cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, on a toasted Kaiser Roll
Another first will be on-mountain evening dining. The Couloir will allow guests the opportunity for dinner (Mid Jan 2007 onwards) followed by a star lit ride down the mountain on the Gondola. Live music, specialty drinks and spectacular sunsets will all add to this very romantic and unique new restaurant.
"Fresh ingredients, personal service, full bar, mountain chic and rustic elegance, the Bridger Restaurant will offer all these in the most incredible setting," stated Jerry Blann, JHMR President.
"We are very excited to be able to offer our guests this distinct level of service that has previously been unavailable on-mountain. The Bridger Restaurant will be fully accessible to skiers and non-skiers, provide new and exciting breakfast and evening options and alleviate the pressure on existing on-mountain dining facilities." Added Jerry Blann. "It is part of our long term capital investment plan to provide unparalleled guest service coupled with the best terrain in America."