In 1945, David Christie began his skiing career on the slopes of Blue Mountain. After 6 winters, Dave had progressed from his self-proclaimed high speed downhill adventures due to a lack of turns to entering his first race in 1951.
David’s ascent to the podium quickly outpaced his downhill career. In 1953, David was crowned as the Province’s top skier in the Ontario Junior Alpine Championships. He promptly reclaimed his title in the 1954 Ontario Junior Championships a result of his 1st place Slalom, 3rd place downhill finishes. This result qualified him for the 1954 Canadian Junior Championships at the Fort William Ski Club in Lakehead where he took home a Top 20 national ranking.
After his successful ski racing career, David turned his attention towards supporting the Blue Mountain Ski Club in recognition of their past support for his career. As President and racing member, David participated in a number of agreements resulting in the acquisition of lands and building of the Collingwood Ski Club (CSC). David recognizes Jim Russell, Sonny Foley, Don Mason, Jack McMurchy, Greg Titus, Alex Stevens, Bev Willis, Grant Michel and Garth Paton for their invaluable work in the construction of the clubhouse.
During the 1970’s, the CSC flourished as its membership worked alongside Blue Mountain to host the 1972 Benson & Hedges Pro-Am races that attracted world class racers such as Spider Sabich and Jean Claude Killy (3x Olympic medalist). Today, the Collingwood Ski Club maintains a strong and active membership at the north end of Blue Mountain Resort.
On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes David Christie as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.