Jimmie Spencer

James Spencer was a central figure in alpine skiing as president and CEO of the Canada West Ski Areas Association for 32 years.

“Jimmie,” as he was known, was born in 1926 in Scotland. As a young man, he lied about his age in 1943 to enlist in the British Army and was thrown directly into the fray as part of the Allies’ Italian campaign. In May 1945, he was deployed to the Austrian Alps and trained in mountain warfare near the Grossglockner, the country’s highest peak.

James’s cross-country prowess earned him a spot on the British Olympic team, and he competed at the 1952 and 1956 Winter Games. He remained active as a competitor and race organizer until his retirement in 1974.

In 1976, James moved to Ontario to investigate the viability of developing a ski manufacturing facility. When the venture proved too risky, he and his family relocated to Calgary in search of new opportunities.

An invitation from Lake Louise Ski Area owner Rodney Touche to attend an industry barbecue at his ranch southwest of Calgary led to James being hired as executive director of the Canada West Ski Areas Association, then a struggling lobby group. From the start, James and his wife Andy, who managed the office, worked with a clear vision for the ski industry.

He spearheaded the adoption of Canada West Way, a best-practices policy that promoted professionalism and dignity in public dealings. He established a ski area operations diploma program at Selkirk College and drafted plain-language regulations for terrain parks.

James retired in 2011 at age 85, dividing his time between Vernon, B.C., and his cabin at nearby SilverStar Mountain.

He was awarded the Order of British Columbia in 2007. In 2011, he was inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University.

Career Highlights

• 1952, 1956 – Competed with the British Olympic ski team
• 1979–2011 – President and CEO, Canada West Ski Areas Association
• Established the Canada West Way best-practices policy
• Founded the ski area operations diploma program at Selkirk College
• 2007 – Awarded the Order of British Columbia
• 2011 – Inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
• 2011 – Received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University

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.