Patagonia Boycotts Jackson Hole over Right-Wing Fundraiser

22nd August 2021

Last modified on August 30th, 2021

The outdoor clothing company has pulled its products from shops in the Wyoming resort after the resort’s co-owner hosted a fundraiser for the ‘House Freedom Caucus’.

On August 5th the resort co-owner, Jay Kemmerer, held a fund-raiser for the organisation that has a bloc of conservative Congress members who have allied themselves closely with former President Trump.

At the event was was US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and US Rep Jim Jordan.

The organisation was formed in 2015, and both Jordan and Meadows have led it.

The three have all supported the former President’s false claims of election fraud and have questionable views on the environment.

Greene has been suspended from Twitter after claiming that coronavirus vaccines are failing.

She also previously compared being compelled to wear a face mask to Nazi policies of labeling Jews with Star of David badges.

Patagonia has now said it would not sell its products to the resort.

The company has championed environmentalism and liberal causes and said the event did not align with its values.

It operates retail stores in Teton Village that is at the base of the ski area as well as Hoback Sports and the Jackson Hole Resort Store in the nearby town of Jackson.

Jackson Hole is known for its steep off piste terrain and big snowfalls, and is on the bucket list of many advanced skiers and snowboarders.

PlanetSKI last visited back in the 2017 season:

Jackson Hole….

A Jackson Hole virgin

PlanetSKI in Jackson Hole. Image © PlanetSKI

Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI

See here for the full article on Wyofile that first reported the story.

Patagonia said it made the decision based on “our really strong commitment to using both our business and our brand to advocate for our strong priorities.”

“When there’s a misalignment on that, then we take action,” said head of communications and policy at Patagonia, Corley Kenna.

“We join with the local community that is using its voice in protest.

“We will continue to use our business to advocate for stronger policies to protect our planet, end hate speech and support voting rights and a strong democracy,” she added

It is also claimed that the House Freedom Caucus has divergent views on social priorities like voting rights and advocacy for minorities and disadvantaged groups, according to reported public statements and positions.

Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI

The resort of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort said it is committed to the environment.

“JHMR retail will continue to offer world-class brands across our retail locations with the aim to provide the best service and product assortment for our guests,” said the resort president, Mary Kate Buckley, said in a statement.

“We have been a leader in the ski industry in adopting initiatives to reduce our energy consumption, recycle the consumables used by our employees and guests, and treat the spectacular natural habitat which surrounds us with vision and care.

“We are proud to be the largest mountain resort operating on 100% wind today,” the statement reads.

“We will remain focused on operating a world-class mountain resort and protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees.”

Patagonia said it would reconsider its boycott if the resort owners demonstrated what it called “a commitment to a healthy planet and healthy communities.”