Featured Image: Jordan Grant-Krenz
The Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) upheld its position as one of the, if not the, foremost private hospitality company in Grant Teton National Park after being awarded a 15-year contract from the National Parks Service earlier this month.
Owned by Vail Resorts, GTLC operates exclusively in Grand Teton National Park as a concessioner. The Parks Service dishes out over 500 concessioner contracts that, in total, gross around $1 billion annually. These private businesses are awarded contracts, allowing them to operate different services within U.S. National Parks.
But despite being just one of hundreds of concessioner contracts issued, this one stands alone. The official press release noted that this is "one of the most significant visitor services contracts in the National Park System." That's no overstatement, as it's estimated that the contract will serve over 50 million visitors and yield over one billion dollars in revenue throughout its decade-and-a-half-long life.
This is not the start of GTLC's journey in Grand Teton National Park, but just a new chapter. The company was originally created in 1929, morphing from the Teton Lodge Company after John D Rockefeller Jr. purchased much of the nearby town of Moran. They've had a hand in running Jackson Lake Lodge ever since. Their responsibilities also include managing Jenny Lake Lodge, which consists of 37 cabins (quant compared to the 385-room Jackson Lake Lodge), as well as Colter Bay Village, where you'll find 166 cabins and over 330 campsites.
The contract will go into effect on January 1, 2027, and will allow GTLC to continue operating as a concessioner in the park. Aside from running the aforementioned lodges, the contract states the concessioner will also receive funding to build new employee housing, increase marina services at Colter Bay, oversee horseback trips, care for over 400 buildings, operate two new boat tours and much more.
Financial projections for the new Grant Teton National Park concessioners contract awarded to GTLC
Financial projections for the new Grant Teton National Park concessioners contract awarded to GTLC
The payoff will be handsome if all goes according to plan. The Parks Service projects that revenue from the contract could exceed $80 million in 2027 alone, rising to nearly $100 million by 2032. Plus, it will support over 1,000 local jobs.
“This contract helps ensure that visitors continue to enjoy the memorable experiences that make Grand Teton National Park one of America's most treasured destinations,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins in the official press release.
Jenkins continued, “As we approach the park's centennial in 2029, this partnership will support high-quality visitor services, strengthen local communities through job opportunities and economic activity, and advance our commitment to protecting the extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and historic resources that define Grand Teton.”
While Jackson Hole is a must-hit winter destination for any skier (duh), it's also well worth the summer trip. Hopefully, this new contract will help keep Grand Teton National Park organized and accessible for decades to come.
