Recipients are recognized for the roles they played in the evolution and growth of skiing and winter recreation in Utah and/or the Intermountain West. They are cited for their history-making exploits, large or small, that helped shape the activity into the world-class status it enjoys today. Recognition forms have varied from plaques to specially-enscribed skis.

The award recognizes the accomplishments and/or contributions of an individual, firm or organization to skiing and winter recreation in Utah and/or the Intermountain West. The award is named in honor of the late "Joe" and J.E. Quinney, cofounders of the Alta Ski Area and major benefactors of the J. Willard Marriott Library's Special Collections Dept., which includes the Ski Archives. Recipients receive an exquisite piece of granite mined from a private quarry in Little Cottonwood Canyon, site of Utah's first lift-served skiing that occurred at Alta in 1938.

This is named in honor of the late cofounder of the Ski Archives. It recognizes the individual who has made significant and voluntary contributions of time, talents and resources to the Ski Archives with the same enthusiasm, style and commitment that exemplified Sue Raemer.