Five SE Group Alumni in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame honors the most influential leaders, innovators, athletes, and builders in the history of skiing and snowboarding in America. Among its distinguished members are five individuals who have been part of SE Group’s team over the years. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects SE Group’s longstanding influence on mountain planning and ski area development.
Together, these five SE Group team members embody SE Group’s legacy of innovation, vision, and leadership in the ski industry. From early pioneers like Sel Hannah to modern leaders like Chris Cushing, their Hall of Fame recognition represents not only individual achievement but a lasting imprint on how ski resorts are designed, developed, and experienced around the world.
Selden J. Hannah: 1968
One of the earliest legends of modern ski area design, Selden (Sel) Hannah was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968. A prolific ski area architect and competitive skier, Sel founded Sno.engineering in 1958 and helped shape more than 250 ski areas across North America during his career. His passion for blending terrain with natural landscapes laid the groundwork for modern resort design, and his influence is still seen across the industry today and prevalent in our work at SE Group.
Ted Farwell: 1992
Ted Farwell was inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1992 for his dual impact as an elite athlete and a pioneer in ski industry economics and planning. A three-time Olympian in Nordic combined, he was among the top competitors of his era, earning national titles and representing the U.S. on the world stage. After his competitive career, Farwell became a foundational figure in ski area planning. As a partner at Sno-engineering, he helped shape ski area development across the United States and pioneered skier market research and economic analysis. His work established industry standards that continue to guide ski area planning and operations today.
Phil Gravink: 2011
Phil Gravink entered the Hall of Fame in 2011 for his long and impactful career as a ski area executive and builder. From co-founding New York’s Peek’n Peak ski area to leadership roles at Gore Mountain, Loon Mountain, and Attitash, Phil’s work helped shape the operational and design standards of many major resorts. Beyond his operational legacy, he was a strong advocate for industry safety standards and served in leadership roles with Ski Areas of New York and the National Ski Areas Association.
Joe Cushing: 2014
A true pioneer in mountain planning, Joe Cushing was inducted in 2014 for his transformative contributions to ski area design. Starting his career with Selden Hannah at Sno.engineering, now SE Group, in the 1960s, Joe helped establish design principles that prioritize flow, accessibility, and balanced terrain for skiers of all abilities. Over his 35-year career, his planning work influenced more than 150 projects across the United States and helped define the modern ski experience.
Chris Cushing: 2025
Continuing the family tradition, Chris Cushing, son of Joe Cushing, was selected for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. With a career spanning four decades, Chris has become one of the most respected mountain planners worldwide, contributing to more than 200 ski area projects on five continents. His work on resorts such as Deer Valley and Steamboat, along with recognition through honors like the NSAA Industry Impact Award, reflects his lasting influence on mountain design.
