2012 Ski Hall of Fame

Walter “Wally” Dobbs grew up in Mesquite, Texas, and discovered skiing in 1968 during a visit to Red River just before reporting for duty in the U.S. Army. Though his first run took three hours and included many tumbles, his passion for skiing stayed strong through two tours in Vietnam.

After leaving the Army, Wally returned to Texas where he managed a large printing company in Dallas but continued to dream of skiing. He periodically traveled to Colorado and New Mexico before deciding to move to Red River in 1985. Starting as a bartender at Texas Reds and the Alpine Hotel, Wally took up skiing seriously, becoming a ski instructor within a few years. He later founded Red River Adventure Tours, promoting tourism activities including fly fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and Jeep tours.

Recruited by Red River owner Drew Judycki, Wally helped promote the ski area’s centennial celebration and was then asked to stay on as marketing director. For 17 years, he tirelessly promoted Red River and other New Mexico ski areas throughout the central United States. Driving his iconic red 1951 Willys Jeep—with a ski bolted to the front bumper and New Mexico ski posters on the sides—Wally handed out brochures, coupons, and shared his infectious enthusiasm for New Mexico’s ski slopes with anyone who would listen.

By 2000, Wally became director of the Red River Ski School, visiting over 700 ski, sports, and travel groups each summer to promote skiing. Though he slowed briefly in 2009 due to a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy, he was back on the slopes the following winter.

Wally inspired countless skiers through his genuine personal interactions and unwavering passion. A prolific ambassador for alpine skiing in New Mexico, he was a beloved fixture on the slopes of Red River, known for his contagious spirit and energy.

Wally Dobbs was inducted into the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame in 2012 and also honored in the New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love for New Mexico skiing.