David L. Jacobs

Few people in the world can match the knowledge and experience of Dave Jacobs across so many areas of skiing. From the time he received his first pair of skis at age 13, the sport became an integral part of his life.

Jacobs began as a competitor, racing for the Canadian national alpine ski team from 1957 to 1961. He won the Canadian downhill championship in 1957 and received the Senior Canadian Ski Instructor’s Medal in 1961.

After retiring from competition, Dave continued to shape the sport in various roles. He served as head coach of the Canadian alpine ski team from 1964 to 1967, directed the ski school at Val-David, Que., and helped design and manage the Talisman ski area in Ontario. He also established himself as a successful businessman in the ski industry.

Dave achieved further success in national racing, including victories in the Quebec Kandahar downhill and combined events in 1956. In 1958, while training with the Canadian FIS team, he suffered a broken leg but continued to contribute to the sport through coaching and product innovation.

One of Dave’s most impactful contributions came through his collaboration with Bob Lange, founder of Lange ski boots. In 1965, Dave and the Canadian alpine team tested Lange’s plastic ski boots. Their feedback led to improvements in the product, and Dave was invited to support further development. This partnership led to the creation of Lange-Jacobs Inc. in 1967 and the opening of a small factory in Montreal to assemble the boots. Dave played a key role in the company’s international growth and operations.

In 1971, Dave turned his focus to apparel, identifying a gap in the market for stylish and functional ski wear for children. He left Lange and launched the Jacobs Corporation, introducing the “Hot Gear” brand in 1972. While the line quickly gained popularity, financial setbacks followed when its backer, the Garcia Corporation, went bankrupt. The brand was eventually sold to investors in Hong Kong.

Undeterred, Dave founded David L. Jacobs Inc. in 1978 to market adult racing apparel. He introduced the innovative “Spider” stretch pants, which featured injection-moulded pads for added protection and flexibility. The line became a major success and eventually evolved into Spyder Active Sports — now synonymous with high-performance ski clothing.

From racing to coaching, equipment innovation and apparel design, Dave has left an enduring mark on the sport of skiing in Canada and beyond.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Canadian downhill champion and national team member (1957–61)
• Head coach, Canadian alpine ski team (1964–67)
• Co-developed Lange plastic ski boots and co-founded Lange-Jacobs Inc.
• Launched Hot Gear children’s ski wear (1972)
• Founded Spyder Active Sports, global leader in ski apparel
• Pioneer in ski coaching, equipment and performance apparel innovation

Note: The information gathered in this biography was compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum. For personal and/or educational use only. All rights reserved.