Critics fear lodge sale will make Jackson 'another Vail'

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Critics fear Jackson will become a characterless resort community as the result of the purchase of Grand Teton Lodge Co. by Colorado ski company Vail Resorts Inc.

Vail Resorts plans to spend $50 million to buy the company, which operates three lodges in Grand Teton National Park.

The sale includes Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village and Jackson Lake Lodge.

"Probably the worst example of development overkill distorting community character is the town of Vail," said Horton Spitzer, a Jackson resident.

Vail Resorts owns Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone and Beaver Creek ski resorts in Colorado.

Critics of the Grand Teton sale fault Teton County commissioners for rezoning Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis as a resort area last year. Critics said the rezoning increased the value of the lodge company in preparation for its sale.

Grand Teton Lodge Co. is owned by CSX Corp. CSX general manager Clay James said CSX is selling the company because it is not one of its core assets.

Adam Aron, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts, said his company plans to improve the lodges and called them "some of the best lodging property in all of the national parks system."

He said he has no plans to replace or lay off any employees.

The sale is expected to be completed in early summer, pending approval by the National Park Service. Park officials must assess Vail Resorts' financial stability because the company plans to take over a contract for concessions at park facilities.