Gene Palmer began his ski teaching career at Kelly Canyon Ski Area, east of Idaho Falls. While attending Colorado University at Boulder, he taught part-time at Lake Eldora, Colorado, and obtained his certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America, Intermountain Division (PSIA-I) in 1968.
Gene was involved with the early development of the Grand Targhee Resort near Driggs, Idaho. He helped secure government loans for the initial building of two chair lifts, a rope tow, day lodge, and a 16-room hotel. He served on the company's Board of Directors for three years prior to the Christmas Day opening of the ski area in 1969. He resigned from the Grand Targhee Board to become the Mountain Manager and Ski School Director, eventually giving up the Mountain Manager position to devote full-time efforts to the ski school. He remained in that position for 26 years, retiring in March 1995.
Gene was on the Board of Directors for ISIA and PSIA-I for over twenty years (1973-1994). He served as President for several years and was also Technical Director, Education Vice President, Examiner, Co-Education and Delegate to the PSIA National Board of Directors.
He was honored as a History Maker by the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library Ski Archives in 2003. Gene was awarded a National Lifetime Membership by both PSIA-I and the PSIA National Organization.
