With nearly 50 years in the ski industry, Jerry Blann has played a pivotal role in shaping some of North America’s most respected mountain destinations—while remaining deeply committed to the communities they serve.

From 1995 to 2018, Blann served as President and Board Member of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, guiding the resort through a period of thoughtful growth and modernization. During his tenure, the mountain expanded lift infrastructure, welcomed nearly 650,000 skier visits annually, and earned national recognition as the #1 Ski Resort in North America by Ski Magazine, along with top rankings from Forbes. Among his most notable accomplishments was overseeing the replacement of Jackson Hole’s iconic aerial tram, home to the longest sustained vertical drop of any ski resort in North America.

Blann’s leadership extends well beyond the slopes. He served for 22 years on the Jackson Hole Airport Board and is a founding member of JH AIR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing nonstop air service into Jackson Hole. The organization has significantly increased air access to the region, strengthening both the local economy and visitor experience.

Today, Jerry serves as Chair of the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission and remains active on numerous boards and community initiatives. His career also includes President of Bear Mountain in California and Aspen Skiing Company, as well as long-standing service with the National Ski Areas Association, where he chaired the Environmental Committee for ten years. Under his stewardship, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort received the prestigious Golden Eagle Award for environmental excellence.

A former All-American ski racer at the University of Denver, Blann grew up immersed in the ski world, inspired by his father, who served as General Manager of Mt. Bachelor for 25 years. His lifetime of achievement has been recognized with numerous honors, including the National Ski Areas Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ride for the Brand Award from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, the Big WYO Award for Advancement of Tourism, and Business Person of the Year from the Teton Board of Realtors.

Married to Rebecca Ryan and the father of four daughters, Jerry Blann continues to share his expertise through consulting, speaking, and community involvement—while enjoying the active mountain lifestyle he has spent a lifetime helping to preserve.