Renny Jackson

About Renny

I live in the small town of Kelly, Wyoming, a town of about 150 people on the east side of the Jackson Hole valley, about 12 miles north of the actual town of Jackson. I work as a ski patrolman at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. I am a retired National Park Service Ranger, a career that spanned 34 years, and two National Parks, Grand Teton and Denali. I retired as the Jenny Lake Sub-District Ranger at Grand Teton NP, where I directed Search and Rescue operations for many years. I have been a climber and mountaineer for over 40 years and have climbed and traveled all over the world, including a number of trips to the Himalaya. I co-authored The Climbers’ Guide to the Teton Range with Leigh Ortenburger.

Career Background

For as long as I can remember I have been interested in mountains, skiing, and climbing. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and started ski patrolling at what is now called The Canyons (formerly ParkWest Ski Area) in 1978. From there I moved permanently to Jackson Hole in 1981 and ski patrolled at Jackson Hole in the winter and worked as a climbing ranger in Grand Teton. I managed the helicopter rescue program at Grand Teton for 20 years and helped develop and refine the Helicopter Short-Haul program. I now act as a consultant for Denali National Park’s helicopter rescue program in Alaska each spring. For the last two summers I have worked as a mountain guide for Exum Mountain Guides which is based here in the Tetons. I would love to continue what I am doing for as long as I can.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

On October 19th I underwent surgery at the Steadman Clinic to repair a torn medial and lateral meniscus in my right knee as well as some additional repair to the patella and the articular cartilage. Since that time I have been undergoing physical therapy here in Jackson in order to prepare for my return to work at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The rehabilitation plan has included PT twice/week as well as much time on a stationary bicycle and strength and conditioning exercises. I hope to be back on skis and ready to return to the full range of patrol work by December 1st.

Testimonial

"I believe that the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation made my return to the work that I love possible by facilitating my surgery at the Steadman Clinic and by getting me started immediately with physical therapy. I would highly recommend The Steadman Clinic to anyone who is anticipating orthopedic surgery of this type. I would like to thank everyone who was involved during my stay in Vail including: the staff at the Vail Resort Hotel; all of the folks at the Steadman Clinic; all of the folks in the physical therapy department; and The Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation whose help and support made it all possible. It was an incredible experience! "

- Renny Jackson