Owners

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) thrives as one of the only independently-owned premier ski resorts thanks to the Kemmerer Family, whose enduring commitment to Wyoming is intertwined in the State's history.

Jay Kemmerer, Connie Kemmerer, and Betty Kemmerer Gray's ties to Wyoming date back to the turn of the century, when their great grandfather founded a southwest Wyoming town that today bears the family name. The family's business interests in coal mining and banking started in 1897 and prospered through the 1900s.

In 1992 Jay re-invested in Wyoming and purchased Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for his family and later in 1997 acquired a historic guest ranch in Dubois, WY called the CM Ranch. The Kemmerers have maintained the rustic character of the CM Ranch, inspiring families to return to vacation year after year.

The new Jackson Hole Tram, unveiled in 2008

Under their ownership, JHMR has enjoyed unprecedented growth, with more than $110 million dedicated to capital improvement to the Resort. The decision to replace the iconic aerial Tram with a state of the art new Tram in 2008 only serves to solidify the Kemmerers' commitment to the rich history of Jackson Hole and the State of Wyoming.

From his residence in Jackson Hole, Jay balances his varied duties as chairman of the Kemmerer Resources Corp. while maintaining a focused vision for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. As chairman, he provides oversight and strategic direction for the Resort.

Among his numerous industry and community affiliations, he is a current trustee of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation. He remains active with the Hearts for Honduras Foundation, a church affiliated organization to help the poor in the community of La Entrada, Honduras. He also founded the Harding Land Trust Inc. and is currently emeritus trustee. He oversees a 1,200 acre golf course development called Comanche Trace in Kerrville, Texas, and is undertaking a 610 acre real estate project in Santa Fe, New Mexico called Monte Soreno. In Jackson, he is a former Board member for the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Spring Gulch Preserve.

Connie, who lives full time in Jackson Hole, is a member of the Board of Directors of JHMR and also the Director of Special Projects for the Resort. Her commitment to protect the integrity of Resort's Old West image is clearly evident in the Resort store in downtown Jackson, the Bridger Center, Cody House in Teton Village, the Bridger Restaurant and Casper Restaurant on the mountain. Another of her passions is assisting the Jackson community with Wellness. In 2003 she established the Teton Wellness Institute which helps people make healthy lifestyle choices by inspiring health and wellness in every day life.

Betty lives in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she vacationed with her family as a child, remains a part owner of the Resort. Her devotion to the area, the ski industry, the outdoors and the environment provides support for the efforts of Jay and Connie in Jackson Hole. Betty oversees retail and customer service aspects of the CM Ranch.

Learn about the founders, Paul McCollister and Alex Morley