Town of Banff

Dave Spence

Dave Spence pioneered the development of alpine skiing in Western Canada in the 1940s and 1950s

Banff Sports Hall of Fame - 2006: Builder

Dave Spence was one of alpine skiing’s earliest advocates. He was the Western President of the Canadian Amateur Ski Association for ten years, from 1946 to 1956.

In post-World War II Canada, much of the decision-making took place in Eastern Canada. But Dave was instrumental in first dividing the Association into four main disciplines: the alpine disciplines of downhill and slalom, and the nordic disciplines of jumping and cross-country.

Next, he used his strong interpersonal skills and relationship with Sidney Dawes, the Eastern President, to cultivate more training and races in Western Canada. This meant more events, more coaches, and more officials in this part of the country.

Dave truly was a trailblazer for the interests of our area, and the legacy of his early efforts is certainly evident in the quality of the skiing landscape we now see.

Dave was also an active member of our community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and he was successful in managing the Banff Winter Carnival and many other events.