Here is an excellent article about the pioneers of Southern ski resorts from Skiing History magazine. Become a member of the International Skiing History Association (501c3) for a subscription or follow links to a free trial or issue. Maybe somebody should do brief bios of the pioneers of the Laurel Highlands.

https://www.skiinghistory.org/news/pioneers-southland-skiing

During 1962 construction of Blowing Rock Ski Lodge in North Carolina, early snow sent skiers hiking. Photo courtesy Appalachian Ski Mountain.

 

Good article.  I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Randy Johnson's updated book about skiing in the southeast.  The 2019 edition of Southern Snow is sold in the Massanutten General Store on the mountain.

Interesting that Massanutten wasn't mentioned at all given that it recently celebrated 50 years.  Sel Hannah designed the original trails before doing the same for Wintergreen a few years later.

Of the men mentioned in detail, Gunther Jöchl is still going strong at Sugar.  Has been updating lifts at a slow but steady pace in recent years.  Also managed to add a couple of trails in the last decade.