Induction Year: 2008

Alvin F. Cobabe

Powder Mountain Ski Area in Eden, Utah owes its existence to a one-time sheep rancher-turned radio and television engineer-turned earth moving contractor-turned medical doctor-turned ski area founder. That explains the incredibly diverse career path of Alvin Cobabe, born in 1918, who, as a youngster, ski jumped off the sloping roofline of the family barn. That daring spirit forged Cobabeโ€™s multifaceted career that eventually led to his establishing Powder Mountain.

While his numerous exploits are noteworthy, skiing was always in his veinsโ€ฆand in his heart. Cobabe answered the siren call of the snowy slopes once again in the early 1960s when he installed a small rope tow on his familyโ€™s ranch at the bottom of Wolf Creek Canyon. In February 1972 Powder Mountain was born. Cobabe operated the ski siteโ€™s medical clinic as well as serving as general manager, while family members oversaw the areaโ€™s other details.

Alvin was instrumental in adding night skiing, new chairlifts and tows, mountain restaurants, overnight accommodations, backcountry shuttles, and a private helicopter skiing service. No doubt his legacy as a pioneer who made Powder Mountain a skierโ€™s paradise will be rekindled every time it snows in Eden.

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