Big White Ski Resort held a ceremony on Sunday to dedicate its popular skier bridge to a legend of the Canadian ski industry.

The bridge that hangs over Hummingbird run was officially named the “Jimmie Spencer Memorial Bridge” to honour the long standing president of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA).

Photo Credit: Contributed.

"Few people have influenced and propelled the Canadian ski industry as did Mr. Jimmie Spencer,” says Christopher Nicolson, president and CEO of CWSAA.

“And, few leaders have mentored so many personal lives for the better. Jimmie challenged us to be better than we thought we could be. His legacy will continue through the future leaders of our industry."

An Olympic level cross-country skier himself, Spencer served in the British Army for 32 years before moving to Canada.

Photo Credit: Contributed.

His knowledge of the European ski industry had a strong influence on the way resorts developed in Western Canada.

The concept of a ski-in-ski-out Village, like that of Big White’s, was encouraged by Spencer.

The original skier bridge-tunnel was replaced last spring with a tunnel twice its size to accommodate Big White's growing popularity.

Photo Credit: Contributed.