SAM Magazine-Hot Springs, Va., Aug. 4, 2010-Sepp Kober, known as the "Father of Southern Skiing," died Aug. 3. He was 88.

Kober was one of the greatest pioneers in the development of Southern skiing. He introduced snowmaking at The Homestead, Va., which he managed for several years, and brought organized ski instruction and master planning to the region. He helped develop several ski areas from North Carolina to Arkansas and was a manufacturer's rep for both retail and resort suppliers.

Kober was first and only instructor on the first rope tows erected below the Mason-Dixon Line, at Weiss Knob, W.Va., and Wisp, Md., in 1958. The next year he helped launch skiing at The Homestead. He went on to help design trails and launch other Southern areas, including Cataloochee Ski Area, Hound Ears, Fairfield-Sapphire Valley and Wolf Laurel, N.C.; Ober Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Bryce Resort, Va.; Tan-Tara in the Missouri Ozarks; and the Dog Patch USA, Ark. To promote skiing in the South, he traveled extensively, helping to establish retail shops and ski clubs across the region.

Kober with his grandson

Kober also helped establish key industry organizations. He was a co-founder of the Southeastern Ski Areas Association, and in 1962 represented the Southeast as a charter member of the National Ski Areas Association at its inaugural meeting at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In 1970, Kober helped form the Southeastern Ski Representatives Association, serving as president for six years. He repped for Ski Lift International, Borvig, CTEC, Beconta Ski Company, White Stag, and the Head Ski Company.

The funeral service will be held Aug. 27 at St. Luke's Church in Hot Springs, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bath County Community Hospital, 106 Park Lane, Hot Springs VA 24445, or to the U.S National Ski Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 191, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

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