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 Cobabe’s multifaceted career that eventually led to his establishing Powder Mountain.

While his numerous exploits are noteworthy, skiing was always in his veins…and 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 family’s ranch at the bottom of Wolf Creek Canyon. In February 1972 Powder Mountain was born. Cobabe operated the ski site’s medical clinic as well as serving as general manager, while family members oversaw the area’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 skier’s paradise will be rekindled every time it snows in Eden.