Owen Carney

Owen Carney has been a dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years, making significant contributions to skiing from the local level to the international stage.

Carney’s involvement in the sport began as a supporter of his son Michael’s racing career, which led him to officiating. He started at the local level and progressed through provincial, national and international events. His leadership and ability to inspire others played a key role in forming the “Weasel Workers,” a volunteer group of more than 400 skilled individuals who prepare alpine event courses in Canada and abroad. Described as the group’s “inspiration, heart and soul” by Doug Forseth, senior vice-president of operations at Intrawest Corporation, Carney has been central to their success.

Since the early 1980s, Carney has served as chief of course at numerous alpine venues. Among his proudest accomplishments were his contributions to the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. His leadership helped establish the Calgary Olympic downhill run as one of the most respected and revered courses in the history of skiing.

Carney’s dedication extends beyond course preparation. He received the British Columbia Alpine Presidents Award in 1998, served as a director of the Vancouver Ski Foundation and as a technical delegate for the BC Alpine Ski Association until his retirement in 2002. He actively supported Vancouver’s bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and was named Volunteer of the Year by Alpine Canada Alpin and the BC Alpine Ski Association in 1990. He also held the position of Alpine Chair for the Coast Alpine Event Club, also known as the Whistler Weasel Workers.

Carney’s unwavering dedication, leadership and volunteerism have left an indelible mark on skiing, earning him admiration and recognition across Canada and internationally.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Early 1980s–2002 — Chief of course at numerous alpine venues in Canada and internationally.
• 1988 — Chief of course, Olympic Winter Games, Calgary, Alta.
• 1990 — Named Volunteer of the Year by Alpine Canada Alpin and the BC Alpine Ski Association.
• 1998 — Recipient of the British Columbia Alpine Presidents Award.
• 2002 — Chief of course, Olympic Winter Games, Salt Lake City, U.S.A.; retired as Technical Delegate for the BC Alpine Ski Association.
• Ongoing — Director, Vancouver Ski Foundation; Alpine Chair, Coast Alpine Event Club (Whistler Weasel Workers); supporter of Vancouver’s bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Note: Information compiled from several sources; may not include all accomplishments. © Canadian Ski Museum & Hall of Fame. For personal/educational use only. All rights reserved.