The Powder Mountain story
Our Story
Epically picturesque and pristine, Powder Mountain has welcomed outdoor revelers for generations. In the early 20th century, Frederick Cobabe accumulated 8,000 acres of Wasatch Mountain land as range for his sheep herd. His son Alvin eventually purchased the livestock company and land from him, turning it into a ski resort in 1972. The resort quickly became a coveted local’s destination.
Even as the land has changed hands over the years, growing to become the nation’s largest multi-season ski resort by acerage, it’s always done so while retaining its history, ecosystem, and authentic character. In 2016, ground was broken on a master-planned community involving an interconnected trail system, 500 residences, hotels, restaurants, shops, and event spaces. Everything was thoughtfully and sustainably planned to ensure Powder Mountain remains unspoiled for future generations.
Sustainability
Everything we do is centered around making minimal environmental impact. Our foundational philosophy is to preserve the exquisite ecosystem that makes Powder Mountain one of the most enchanting, inspiring places on the planet.
Within the community, ecologically driven design and development ensures the ethereal landscape and all it protects will remain safe and pristine for centuries to come. In keeping with this, our master development plan is limited to a small percentage of overall property acreage, retaining 80% of our Weber County lands as open space for residents and visitors to revel in. Everything we’ve done has been heavily vetted by various wildlife and environmental groups.
Our History
Humble Beginnings
Frederick established a summer range in the Grand Targhee area. A prohibition on grazing was enacted when the land was incorporated into the national forest system. Between 1902 and 1948, Fred accumulated land for a summer range around Eden, Utah.
Old timers say that this property was severely overgrazed by previous owners and hardly a blade of grass could be found. The watershed was so poor that Wolf Creek dried up each fall. Fred’s soil conservation practices greatly improved the vegetation and Powder Mountain now is known as one of the best watersheds in the Wasatch Mountains.
Alvin F. Cobabe
Fred’s son, Alvin F. Cobabe bought the livestock company with its 8,000 acres in 1948. Just a few months later, Fred was killed in an automobile accident. In 1956, at 42, Alvin sold the companies to enroll in pre-med classes at Weber College. Although the businesses were sold, he retained the property. He graduated from the University of Utah Medical School at age 45 and returned to northern Utah to establish a medical practice.
Lightning Ridge Exploration
While horseback riding with friends along Lightning Ridge in the 1950’s, someone casually mentioned that the terrain would make a great ski resort. The idea rang true with Dr. Cobabe and he began to amass adjacent property adding to the thousands acquired from his father. When the resort opened on February 19, 1972, he owned 14,000 acres.
Powder Mountain Opens
Only the Sundown lift was open during Powder Mountain’s first season. The area was lit for night skiing and a ski school was established. Food was prepared on an outdoor barbecue. Alvin’s wife, June, helped out in many capacities, acting as chief cook and managing ticket sales.
Main Lodge Opens
For Powder's second season, the Sundown Lodge and the Timberline lift were added to operations and propelled the growth of the mountain.
Hidden Lake Lift Added
Alvin Cobabe climbed aboard a small Cessna plane to determine where his third lift should be installed. When he found himself back on solid ground, he couldn’t locate the terrain he had pinpointed for the new lift. This is how Hidden Lake earned its name. The Hidden Lake lift was opened on New Year’s Day in 1975. It was the longest lift in Utah at the time—over a mile—measuring more than 6,000 feet.
Powder Country & Woody's World Opens
Powder opened a new and exciting chapter in the ‘80s thanks to the tireless work of local legend, Richard Wood, who most called Woody. In 1981, Woody fired up shuttle service for employees and those who ventured out into the untracked snow of Powder Country. As customers were frequently requesting rides, the Powder Country shuttle was born and the mountain continues to operate three busses today.
Hidden Lake Lodge Opens
To round out the 80s, the Hidden Lake Day Lodge was opened. Snowboarders were welcomed at Powder Mountain with open arms for the 1984-1985 season and it was the first resort in Utah to permit the new-fangled sport.
Massive Terrain Expansion
The Sunrise platter tow was added in 1994 but it was soon eclipsed by the addition of the Paradise quad chair in 1999. This expansion added 1,300 acres of lift-accessed terrain. Another 700 acres was made accessible by relocating the snowcat skiing operations to Lightning Ridge, where Dr. Cobabe originally envisioned his ski area.
Dr. Cobabe Sells Powder Mountain
At the age of 88, having lived such a full life, Dr. Cobabe sold Powder Mountain Inc. in 2006 to Western American Holdings. His daughter, Aleta Cobabe continued to lead the resort with the same management team. Over the coming years, Powder Mountain would change hands three times.
