MSS Fall Newsletter

Hello Mountain Sports School Team,

As the beautiful fall weather continues here in Teton County, we’re excited to share some updates on the 2024-2025 winter season at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

On-Mountain Projects

The Mountain Projects team have been busy this summer, and they have a full schedule of fall improvements and maintenance for the winter season.

Sublette

The Sublette lift install is on schedule, here are pictures of the top and bottom terminals (taken on different days). All tower pads (concrete) have been poured, and the remaining towers are scheduled to be flown and placed this week.

Other Projects

Summer grooming is currently underway on Lower Sublette Ridge, with the team moving to Jackson Face next. Glading is also in progress on the Bridger Gondola lift line. The ramp at the top of the Tram has been installed, providing full ADA access to the Grand Teton Skywalk.

Dining

The Tram Dock

RPK3 will be replaced this season by The Tram Dock. The restaurant is getting a facelift, bringing a warmer, more inviting atmosphere that celebrates the history, character, and heritage of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The menu is also being revamped to feature Western pub-style fare, with après ski specials designed to re-energize the bar scene.

Solitude North

The restaurant at Solitude Station is evolving and will become a table service, fine dining experience. We’re still working on finalizing the name and are eagerly awaiting our first look at the new menu. We’ll update you when we have more information to share.

MSS

MSS Values, Mission, and Vision

This will be our second winter with our values, mission, and vision.

MSS Values

• Authentic Experiences – We believe in the power of real mountain adventure and genuine human connection. 

• Engaged Community - We foster a sense of belonging and invest in the success of our co-workers, guests, resort, and community. 

• Inspired Professionals – We share our passion, create joy, and pursue excellence. 

• Integrity – We act with honesty, respect, and accountability.

MSS Mission Statement

We enrich lives and create memories through real mountain adventure and genuine human connection. 

MSS Vision

To empower people through mountain adventure

Throughout our hiring season, Lexey has been making a point to share our Mission, Vision, and Values with prospective instructors. She says, “I am struck, as I talk to eager new instructors, by the value of authentic experiences, real mountain adventure, and genuine human connection. This is what I talk about every time a candidate asks me why I stay. I can see the spark of excitement grow in their faces. It is this excitement that brings us so many fantastic and talented new staff each year.”

Improved Beginner Experience

We’re excited to partner with SNOW Operating to elevate the entire beginner skier/rider experience. We're taking a holistic approach, reviewing everything from a guest's first interaction with our brand website to our post-departure communication. A key aspect of this project is the installation of Terrain Based Learning features at the Solitude beginner area this winter, aimed at dramatically improving the on-snow experience for beginner skiers and riders.

Apprentice Instructor Program

This season we are piloting an apprentice instructor program for local high school students with a high level of skiing skills and interpersonal skills and an interest in teaching kids. This will be a combined working and training program. Participants will receive early season training, have mentorship throughout the season, and team-teach with other instructors a few days over Winter break and 1 weekend day from January-March. At the end of the season, they can be rehired to the MSS without extra training. In the past many of our amazing high school students have come to us through current MSS employees. If you know someone who would be a good fit for this program, please reach out to Ann Schorling, ann.schorling@jacksonhole.com, for more information.

Early Season Kickoff Camps

We're excited to introduce new two-day Kickoff camps for Explorer and Rough Rider aged children on December 7th–8th and 14th–15th. The Kickoff camps will help generate excitement and business volume during a traditionally slow period. Additionally, they will provide valuable work, training, and shadowing opportunities for our staff.

Safety

As always, safety remains our top priority. Every year we review our safety practices with NSAA, our peers and national standards. This season, we are focusing our safety initiatives on reducing reckless skiing and riding through education, enforcement, and operational changes. Here are some initiatives we are implementing this winter.

• Enforcement: We are raising the standard for on-mountain safety for both employees and guests. To support this, we will be enhancing leadership presence on the hill in Slow Zones, and clearly communicating the penalties for reckless skiing/riding and for skiing/riding in closed areas.

• Operational Changes: We are creating Family Zones on the lower mountain to help reduce speed in learning areas. This initiative aims to enhance safety and create a more welcoming environment for families and beginner skiers/riders.

• Education: The core of our educational campaign for both our guests and our employees is the NSAA Triangle of Safety, focusing on three key elements: speed, space, and self. You can learn more by watching the video here: B.A.S.I.C.S. | Triangle of Safety (youtube.com)

Fall Thoughts

As the days get shorter, it’s time to start working on getting fit for the upcoming season. The fall hiking series is live on the ProCard training calendar. Check out the fall fitness class schedule at the Rec Center here. We’re also working with a local fitness coach who provide online classes on a deal for JHMSS staff, stay tuned for details

ProBooking is live, please get your bookings in for the winter season. The earlier you get your schedule solidified, the earlier we can understand our scheduling needs.

As we move forward with these projects, we’ll keep you updated on our progress and any new developments. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your hard work and dedication—we’re looking forward to a fantastic season together!

Mountain Sports School Management

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

P.O. Box 290

Teton Village, WY 83025