Jackson Hole Announces Phased Opening For Summer Operations, Which Includes Gondola


As restrictions continue to ease across the country, ski mountains have started to announce their plans to get their summer operations underway. Adding to the mix is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which has announced a phased opening that will begin at the end of the month and will include a gondola for those looking for some high mountain sightseeing. As with other mountains, however, there will be some restrictions to stay compliant with COVID-19 guidelines.

"Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s (JHMR) concern for the health and human safety of all employees and visitors is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, standard summer operations are being adjusted to navigate the new norms of social distancing and safety protocols. JHMR shops, restaurants, and activities will have additional precautions and protocols in place this summer, which include enhanced cleaning of facilities, social distancing measures, hand sanitizer stations, and cloth face coverings for guest and employee interactions. Masks will be required for guests inside retail facilities and during activities where social distancing cannot be maintained. JHMR is committed to following all state and local health orders, and will be continuously adjusting operations and safety protocols to protect staff and guests." - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Press Release

The mountain's schedule for opening will run from the end of May to the first of July. Summertime operations will officially kick off on May 30th with the opening of Bridger Gondola for sightseeing trips, along with the Off-Piste Market for takeaway items and the General Store. Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, Rodeo, and the Resort Store off Jackson’s Town Square will be opening May 23. Later in June,  the mountain is planning to open more summer operations in Teton Village, including the Via Ferrata and Teewinot Chairlift to service the Jackson Hole Bike Park. Base area activities, like the climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and frisbee golf course, will be open as well as the Tin Can Cantina. Piste Mountain Bistro and The Deck are planned to open July 1. Off-Piste Market, Piste Mountain Bistro, and The Deck will be open with additional health precautions.

For those looking to get on the Aerial Tram this summer, you might be a little disappointed. The Aerial Tram will not be open this summer due to the COVID-19 guidelines. However, the downtime for the tram will not go to waste. Jackson Hole will be able to start an extensive maintenance project for the tram almost a full year ahead of time. “This maintenance is quite extensive — and work that we have been planning for some time. We were able to push up the schedule due to the current situation, and we will conduct recommended track rope slipping and bollard repair throughout this summer and fall,” stated Vice President of Operations Tim Mason. He went on to note, “All the work will be completed late fall well in advance of our normal winter operations.”

While there may be some out there that are disappointed that the mountain was not able to reopen for winter activities, this is still a great way to start the summer, especially with some of the uncertainties that are still floating around due to the outbreak. Take advantage of it and get back into the mountains any way that you can. If you are looking to take advantage of summertime at Jackson Hole and would like more information, be sure to follow the resort's social media pages and you can find more information on the website linked below.

Summer 2020 in Jackson Hole - Jackson Hole Resort

The plan for this summer is to open the Bridger Gondola for sightseeing, hiking, and Via Ferrata and Teewinot Chairlift to service the Jackson Hole Bike Park. Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, Rodeo and the General Store will all be open for the summer season.


Photo: The Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - Credit: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

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