About
About Buddy Werner League
Buddy Werner was an internationally renowned alpine ski racer who was a member of the Olympic Alpine Team in 1956, 1960 and 1964. Buddy was America’s first true world class ski racer. 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.
When Buddy wasn’t racing, he would gather up the local youth and bring them to the mountain to teach them about ski racing. The Buddy Werner Race League pays tribute to his legend by providing a recreational race program that strengthens young skiers grades 2nd – 8th. Participants will have the opportunity to ski with volunteer coaches and others in their age group and ability level for ten days in Beaver Creek.
Seven of our ski days are all-mountain days with some race training and skills building and three days will be devoted to racing. The top 50 skiers will also go to the Western Slope Buddy Werner Race in March to ski against skiers from Sunlight, Powderhorn and Steamboat BWLs. BWRL’s goal is to be an affordable, high-quality ski and race program for all area residents.
Mission Statement
The Buddy Werner League (BWL) inspires young skiers to love the sport while building character and strong skiing skills.
We create a fun and supportive environment where kids learn:
- Safety and skiing etiquette
- Sportsmanship
- Teamwork
- Hard work
- Integrity
- Adventure
- Humility
Through coaching and camaraderie, our skiers develop their athletic abilities and become valuable members of their community.
1936-1964
Wallace “Buddy” Jerold Werner
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:
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.
