Results of Superhuman Effort

Written by Lorne O’Connor

For the millions who, year after year, devotedly follow World Cup Alpine competition, few are aware that what they are seeing or viewing is the result of the often superhuman efforts of a small army of volunteers who prepare the slopes for the events.

A legend in his own time, and with a 30-year record of exemplary service to skiing, Owen Carney is one such volunteer. Carney got his start supporting his son Michael’s racing career through to national competition. His interest and experience as an official has continued from the local level, through to provincial, national, and, eventually, international level. 

His indisputable leadership qualities and ability to motivate others led to one of his greatest accomplishments – the development of a unique team of committed, skilled volunteers known as the "Weasel Workers" who prepare the courses for Alpine events in Canada and abroad. Led by Carney, over the years the group has grown to more than 400 dedicated volunteers ,many of whom have become his lifelong friends. Said Doug Forseth, senior vice-president, operations, Intrawest Corporation, "Owen is not just the leader of this group, he is the inspiration, the heart and soul of the Weasel Workers."

As chief of course since 1984 for the World Cup, NorAm and Canadian Championship Alpine Races in Whistler, Carney would probably count his involvement at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City as his most significant contributions. Under his supervision as chief of course, the Calgary Olympic downhill run is widely regarded as one of the most respected courses created to date.

Carney was one of three people inducted into the Canadian Ski of Hall of Fame on November 13, 2004 in recognition of his volunteer work in building and managing race courses as well as his leadership of the Weasel Workers. Carney recognizes Whistler Blackcomb for its support of the races over the years. He admits that his role as president of Waste Management, a local business in the Sea-to-Sky corridor for the past 45 years, has given him the flexibility to be on the mountain while attending to his business as needed.  His dedication to skiing has resulted in him being involved in and recognized by a number of other organizations including:

1. British Columbia Alpine Presidents Award, 1998
2. Director, Vancouver Ski Foundation
3. Technical Delegate, BC Alpine Ski Association (retired 2002)
4. Contributed to the bid process in Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter
   Games
5. Volunteer of the Year, Alpine Canada Alpin and the British Columbia Alpine ski
   Association (1990)
6. Alpine Chair, Coast Alpine Event Club also known as Whistler Weasel Workers.