Chair of Ski and Snow Sports Archives Board, Barbara Yamada, will present the S.J. Quinney Award, to Conniue Nelson at this years Ski Affair. Connie retired earlier this year after serving as executive director of the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the George Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games Museum at the Utah Olympic Park. Recognizing Nelson’s outstanding preservation work, the International Ski History Association bestowed her with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
“We cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive this award,” comments Barbara Yamada, longtime chair of the Ski and Snow Sports Archives Board. “Connie has built what is known as a premiere museum, one of the best of its kind in our country. We applaud her for her tireless work and contributions.”
At the Archives’ founding, the S. J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation recognized the importance of the project and provided critical seed funding. In 1993, the Archives were incorporated into the newly established Joe Quinney Recreation Archives, which contain materials on river running, hiking clubs, mountaineering, climbing and other outdoor activities. S. J. (Joe) Quinney was Utah’s ski resort pioneer, founding Alta Ski Area; he also was a founding partner of the law firm Ray, Quinney and Nebeker, where he practiced law until he passed at the age of 90. The award being presented to Connie Nelson at the Ski Affair is named in his honor and is presented annually to an individual or organizations in recognition of their contribution to skiing and winter sports in the region.