Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Issues Update On Winter Ops

On Monday 07 September Jackson Hole saw a fresh dusting of snow on their mountain, setting the stage for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) to open for the 2020/21 winter season.  

 Modified Mountain Winter Operations from Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is modifying many facets of their operations this winter to accommodate the need for physical distancing to reduce crowding and to keep everyone safe. Jackson Hole will be implementing the following:

• Reduced capacity in each of their restaurants, supplemented with heated tents and additional tables for dining.
• Reduced crowding in the base area through queue management and maze configurations, along with increased lift speeds when possible to move guests more rapidly uphill.
• Commencing with the holidays and continuing as long as necessary and when possible, JH will start the Teewinot, Sweetwater and Après Vous lifts at 8:30 a.m., subject to snow control efforts, so that our guests can move out of the base area earlier and enjoy more time on the snow.
• The Aerial Tram will operate but at a significantly reduced capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional access to Rendezvous Bowl and the backcountry, they will introduce a boot pack from the top of the Sublette lift.          

Daily Capacity Limits

JHMR has established a maximum daily capacity for guests at JHMR and will limit the number of tickets available for purchase each day to enable sufficient physical distancing in our base area, buildings and facilities to keep  guests safe. 

Advanced Ticket Purchasing

Starting on 5 October, tickets will be sold through an online advanced ticket purchasing system for day and afternoon tickets. Guests will be incentivised to purchase online before their visit and will receive a 10% discount with advanced purchases made outside 14 days or more and a 5% discount for purchases made within 7-14 days. Advanced purchasing also allows pre-arrival fulfillment, mailing and lodge delivery with the added convenience of direct-to-lift access. Same-day window and online ticket sales will be offered based on availability. If capacity limits are met for a specific day, tickets will no longer be available for purchase. To keep everyone safe, all day tickets will be associated with an individual to allow for contact tracing in the event of COVID-19 exposure using our radio frequency identification (RFID) lift ticket system.

Further details may be found in the FAQs section on www.jacksonhole.com/winter-faq.html. They will release additional information regarding  operations in October and will rely on their free app, JH Insider, as a critical tool to receive real-time updates regarding mountain operations. They will also be introducing SMS text notifications, an improved online store, QR codes for hands-free information, mobile payments and much more. They understand communication is key, so  will keep guests informed through as many channels as possible. 

“JHMR’s priority is to create an environment that protects the health and safety of their guests and employees with the baseline requirements to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing. JHMR is adopting the best practices and direction from the National Ski Areas Association, the CDC, Wyoming Department of Health, Teton County Health Department and St. John’s Health. They will further advise JHMR as they develop their  health and safety protocols, JHMR has engaged Dr. Paul Beaupré, CEO of Jackson’s St. John’s Health, to evaluate the operational plans to ensure compliance with all health guidance. “JHMR is being very thoughtful and deliberate in their plans to open the resort this winter. It remains the responsibility of the patrons to wear face coverings while in lift lines. Their plans should allow for a safe and successful ski season.”

JHMR will be open, safe and ready for guests this winter. Together with guests vigilance and compliance, JHMR will have another great season.