For about a decade, the name Buddy Werner and U.S. skiing were synonymous.

Werner began his skiing career in Steamboat Springs at the young age of two. According to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Werner was “earmarked for greatness” by the time he was twelve. He won the combined title in the National Junior Ski Championships in 1952 at the age of 15 and made the U.S. team for the World (FIS) Championships two years later.

Breaking into the European-dominated sport, Werner was the first American to ever win a downhill event at the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Norway in February 1954.

Werner was later named to the 1956 and 1964 Olympic teams, and although he never won any medals, he helped pave the way for skiers like Billy Kidd and Jim Heuga to make an Olympic breakthrough for the U.S. Unfortunately, Werner was unable to compete in the 1960 Olympics because of a broken leg.

On April 12, 1964 Werner tragically passed away after being caught in an avalanche in St. Moritz, Switzerland. After the 1964 Olympics (where he placed eighth in slalom and 17th in downhill), Werner announced his retirement from competitive skiing. According to the Steamboat Pilot, Werner traveled to Switzerland to film a Willy Bogner, Jr. ski movie with some other international skiers. The group accidentally triggered an avalanche. Werner and another skier, Barbara Henneberger, were caught in a second slide. Werner was only 28 years old when he died.

The Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat Springs opened on Feb. 4, 1967. The library includes an extensive display that honors Werner. Visitors can find team jackets, gear and clothing that Werner wore while representing Team USA, trophies and awards, keepsakes, scrapbook clippings, historical photos, and even film footage of Werner competing at the exhibit.

Werner highlighted competitive skiing in America and helped raise the profile of the mountain town of Steamboat Springs. As he played a pivotal role in the establishment of alpine ski racing in the U.S., Werner set the stage for the sport’s continued growth and recognition.

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