Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Another valley leader has been honored for exhibiting special character in the face of a challenge.

Jackson Hole Ski Area CEO Gerald Bland was notified last week that he is a finalist for a Grumpy Gus Award, the prestigious prize given away every three years by Norway’s International Academy of Curmudgeons. 

The nomination could place Bland in an exclusive Pantheon of memorably cantankerous personalities. Past winners include Muppet hecklers Statler and Waldorf, as well as another famous Jackson Hole homeowner, Dick Cheney, who won the prize in 2006.

“Vee have been following Meester Bland for some time now,” explained Dr. Åri Däsz, who heads the Grumpy Gus Award selection committee. “Then, ven vee see his remarks in newspaper, it is very evident that zeez is a man and leader who very much meets zee criteria for zee prize.”

Benedikt was referring to recent statements Bland reportedly made to Jackson Hole’s Valley Daily, in which he expressed disgust and outrage over a snowball incident at JHSA that left broken a window on the new tram.

The broken window will have to be shipped to Switzerland for repairs.

Though usually regarded as media shy – or perhaps kept insulated by his public relations handlers – Bland pulled no punches when he told a reporter the $31 million tram had been “fondled” and warned the tram would stop running on closing day if revelers threw snowballs. 

While Bland said snowballs on Gaper Fools’ and closing had been “tolerated” in the past, the overall tenor of his comment surprised more than a few, including some season pass holders who hold the annual snowball fight to be an accepted tradition of the season. 

“What’s that dude’s problem, man?” said Dustin “Spicoli” Manley, echoing the frustrations of many of his peers. “What, everything’s cool for years, then all the sudden old man Bland comes out telling everybody to get off his lawn? That guy can eat a [redacted].”

The Grumpy Gus Award carries a $250 cash prize, which will be awarded in Oslo next month. Other nominees this year include two-time recipient Rush Limbaugh and a Nebraska resident, “Old Man” Wally Okmonik.

Contacted for comment, Bland said, “Go to Hell.” PJH