Jackson Hole Resort Unveils $50M Expansion in Wyoming

JACKSON, Wyoming (AP) — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming's premier ski destination, revealed a $50 million expansion plan Thursday to enhance lifts, add lodging and expand terrain, responding to tourism growth that saw 650,000 skier visits in the 2025-26 season, up 8% from the prior year. Resort CEO Jay Gardner said the project, first reported by Cowboy State Daily, targets peak-day bottlenecks at the iconic tram and Sweetwater lifts. Construction is slated to begin summer 2027, with Phase 1 including a new six-pack lift to the summit and 50 additional hotel rooms at the base village.

Teton County's tourism boom, driven by international visitors comprising 35% of Jackson Hole Airport arrivals in 2025, has strained local roads and housing. The expansion includes $5 million for workforce housing units, partnering with the Teton County Housing Authority to house 100 seasonal employees. "This investment secures Jackson Hole's future as Wyoming's top economic engine, generating $1.2 billion annually for the state," Gardner stated at a community forum in Teton Village.

Local stakeholders, including the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, praised the plan for aligning with the county's 2024 tourism master plan, which projects 20% visitor growth by 2030. However, environmental groups like the Greater Yellowstone Coalition urged mitigation for wildlife corridors in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Resort officials committed to zero net habitat loss, citing compliance with U.S. Forest Service permits expected by fall 2026. The project reinforces Jackson Hole's role, where tourism accounts for 65% of Teton County's $2.8 billion GDP.