Ski visionary Nick Badami dies

By Published On: June 5th, 2008Comments Off on Ski visionary Nick Badami dies

Nick Badami, one of the most influential figures in the history of the U.S. Ski Team, died June 4 at his home in Tucson at the age of 87. Badami's leadership over parts of three decades helped popularize the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, brought the Olympics to Salt Lake City and provided a modern business model for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).
TUCSON, Ariz. (June 5) – Nick Badami, one of the most influential figures in the history of the U.S. Ski Team, died June 4 at his home in Tucson at the age of 87. Badami's leadership over parts of three decades helped popularize the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, brought the Olympics to Salt Lake City and provided a modern business model for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).
    "Nick Badami's contribution to our organization and sports is immeasurable," said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. "Nick was a great visionary but also brought a keen sense of business. Today, thanks to Nick's vigilant guidance and leadership, the USSA is a strong, sound organization providing great opportunities for young people to pursue their Olympic dreams. He kept us focused on our goals and gave us the roadmap for a prosperous future."
    Badami, a former president and board chairman of BVD, a conglomerate of manufacturing and retailing companies, began his tenure in winter sports in 1975 when he purchased Park City Ski Area from Edgar Stern. Together with his son Craig, the Badamis brought global acclaim to the resort through the development of the America's Opening World Cup races, that became the traditional November opening of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup for more than a decade.
    "Nick Badami was a great promoter of alpine skiing and especially of the FIS Alpine World Cup in the USA," said Gian Franco Kasper, president of the International Ski Federation. Badami's World Cup races were legendary for showcasing the sport's excitement like never before with a party atmosphere that was fun for athletes and fans alike.
    The USSA, then U.S. Skiing, moved to Park City in 1988 through Badami's instrumental efforts. He was a strong supporter of the U.S. Ski Team, with his resort sponsoring many of the top athletes – treating them like sports superstars and building the marketing of Park City around their lifestyle and persona.
    Badami continued his support as a board leader with the USSA and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation. He played an extremely active role with the organization in the '80s and '90s, providing his business wisdom and prowess to modernize organization of the sport. He was nominated to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees in 1974 and was unanimously selected to assume the chairmanship of the U.S. Skiing Board the spring of 1994. Badami held the leadership position for four years.
    He also played a pivotal role in helping bring the 2002 Olympics to Salt Lake City. Park City Mountain Resort hosted the alpine giant slalom event as well as snowboarding halfpipe and parallel giant slalom. It was at the resort that Americans Kelly Clark and Ross Powers swept halfpipe gold, with the men taking the entire podium.
    During his more than 20 years of service to the USSA, Badami was honored numerous times. He was a past winner of the Julius Blegen Award in 1992, the organization's highest honor. Twice he also was awarded the USSA John J. Clair, Jr. Award for outstanding service.
    Badami is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Avis, as well as his grandson Nicholas. His only child, Craig, was killed in a helicopter crash at Park City Mountain Resort following a World Cup race in 1989.
    Information on services is pending.

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About the Author: Pete Rugh