The Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC), which has managed concessions in Grand Teton National Park for almost a century, has retained the contract with the National Park Service there.
The new contract, which takes effect January 1, 2027, runs for 15 years. Under it, GTLC, which was purchased by Vail Resorts in the 1990s, will be responsible for most lodging, food and beverage, retail, and other services at Grand Teton. The contract is the largest concessions contract in Grand Teton.
Under the pact, which is anticipated to generate more than $1 billion in gross receipts, GTLC will be required to make improvements that enhance safety, employee housing, and the overall visitor experience, according to a park release.
Planned projects include construction of employee housing, upgrades to fire protection systems, additional RV electric hookups at campgrounds, two new tour boats with improved accessibility, an expanded boat rental fleet, and bear spray rentals, among other visitor service enhancements.
Additionally, GTLC will care for more than 400 buildings, including two National Historic Landmarks—Jackson Lake Lodge and Brinkerhoff Lodge on the shore of Jackson Lake.
The park's release announcing the contract did not go into specifics regarding any required facility maintenance and repairs. While GTLC works to stay on top of the historic log guest cabins at Colter Bay, some are in need of significant upkeep to chink gaps in log walls and square doors and windows.
Park staff did not immediately reply to an email asking about any specific details that could be shared.
Grand Teton Superintendent Chip Jenkins said that "[A]s 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.”
The concessions operation includes lodging, campgrounds, food and beverage operations, retail, marina services, transportation, guided float trips, guided horseback rides and corrals, service station operations, and shower and laundry facilities.
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