Wallace “Buddy” Jerold Werner

1936-1964

Bud Werner was an internationally renowned alpine ski racer who died trying to outrace an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on April 12, 1964.

A native of Steamboat Springs, Buddy had a breakneck style which caused spectacular spills, but also enabled him to win virtually every championship available during his mercurial career. He was America’s first truly world class ski racer.

Among his accomplishments were:

• Member, Olympic Alpine Team, 1956; 1960; 1964.
• Member, Federation International du Ski Alpine Team, 1954 (alternate); 1958, when he was the first American selected; 1962.
• Posthumously inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame, 1964.
• Three time Holmenkollen Champion in Norway, with the best showing to date by an American Alpine skier in international competition, 1954; 1956; 1962.
• Three time National Alpine Champion in Giant Slalom, 1957; 1959; 1963.
• Two time winner of the Roche Cup, 1961; 1959.

To help the participants of our Buddy Werner League learn more about Buddy Werner, an Integrity Program was implemented this year called Werner Wisdom.

Each non-race day our coaches speak to our skiers about one of the following themes:  Safety, Sportsmanship, teamwork, Integrity, Hard Work, Adventure and Humility.  They tie these themes into the sport of skiing and racing.  Our hope is that we can pass on the Buddy Werner Legacy to our participants and that they think of Buddy and all that he did for the sport of skiing.

Want to learn more?  Click HERE