Jackson Hole Mountain Guides had its beginnings in the winter of 1967-1968 when Barry Corbet, a well-known guide and skier, reached an agreement with Teton Village developers to operate a climbing school at the resort. He acquired a Forest Service permit for activities around the ski area, a climbing concession from Grand Teton National Park and hired long-time climbing ranger Pete Sinclair as chief guide. That March Corbet was paralyzed in a helicopter accident while filming a ski movie and thereafter had very little to do with the company.



JHMG operated out of Teton Village from 1968 to 1986. Pete Sinclair got the first season going with the assistance of Peter Koedt. Sinclair established High Camp in 1969; for many years tents and caves were the only facilities and access was via a rocky route next to the stream. Sinclair continued running the company until mid-season 1970. Other guides of the early days were Ray Jacquot, Ted Wilson, Jim Greig and Jack Turner, soon followed by Carlos Plummer, Bill Thompson and George Hurley.

Long time Wilson resident Jim Huidekoper owned JHMG from about 1970 to 1975. Bill Thompson, first the director, eventually became a majority owner until 1985. He was responsible for much of the foundation that underlies the guide service and he and Andy Carson remain the two most influential figures in the history of the business.