Hugh Smythe And Doug Forseth Recognized By Canada West Ski Area Association

Smythe recipient of the Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award and the Canadian Ski Council’s Founders Award While Forseth Receives Jim Marshall Award

Two of Whistler Blackcomb’s leaders, Hugh Smythe and Doug Forseth were recognized last month by the Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA) for their commitment and success in the long term service to the ski industry.

“This is a huge honour and the highlight of my career in the ski industry,” says Doug Forseth, Senior Vice-President of Operations. “Being recognized by your peers is as good as it gets and I am honoured to have my name listed among the other recipients who have made the Canadian ski industry what it is.”

The award is a personal gift from a trust held by the CWSAA in memory of Jim Marshall, an enthusiast of skiing who did not live long enough to give back to the sport he loved. The recipients are chosen annually by a committee composed of past CWSAA chairmen.

“Doug has been a tremendous supporter and tower of strength for the ski industry,” says Dave Gibson, Chairman of the CWSAA. “I commend Doug on his approach to helping other members of the CWSAA, in particular the smaller ski area operations. Whether it is giving his personal time or assisting with training or helping with equipment needs, Doug always does his best to help.”

Forseth has served on CWSAA’s Board of Directors since 1996 in all appointments from Director, Chair for British Columbia and Yukon Zone, and Chairman of the Board.

Hugh Smythe was awarded the Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was created in 2006 when the CWSAA honoured Jimmie Spencer for his exceptional leadership and distinguished service to the CWSAA and the ski industry. Thus far, Smythe is the only other recipient other than Jimmie Spencer since the award is only presented when a deserving individual is identified.

“From patroller to president, from single resort management to multiple resorts around the world, from the creation of Blackcomb to the integration of Whistler Blackcomb, from fixed grip double chairs to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Hugh Smythe may have seen and done more things in this industry than perhaps any other person ever,” says Jimmie Spencer, President and Chief Executive Officer of CWSAA.

Smythe retired on March 12, 2009 after 43 years in the ski industry. One of his most spectacular legacies is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opened on December 12, 2008; the result of Smythe’s dream to bridge the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the spectacular new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, epic biking in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, the family-friendly Adventure Zone, sparkling mountain lakes and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly incredible. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

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