Steamboat Stories — Loris “Bugs” Werner
U.S. Olympian (1968), Former Steamboat Vice President of Operations & Mountain Manager (1981-84)

Loris “Bugs” Werner was born in Steamboat Springs in 1941, where true to local custom, he began walking and skiing at the same time. The third and youngest member of the Werner family of Olympians, Loris recounts that they were “a tight knit family, heavy on love and light on money,” working together to each pull their share to support their love of skiing. Loris was six when he entered his first downhill competition during Winter Carnival. His siblings Buddy Werner and Skeeter Werner encouraged him to be the best that he could. Like his brother, he began as a jumper and later specialized in downhill skiing.

Nicknamed “Bugs” in junior high school for reasons he insists must remain secret, Loris has grown up on Mt. Werner having worked at Steamboat Resort for 17 years as Ski School Director, Mountain Manager, and Vice President of Operations. He is married to Steamboat’s current Director of Lift Operations, Deb Werner, and if you’re willing to get on the mountain early, you can still find Bugs making first tracks 4-5 days a week. There’s nothing better for your soul and your attitude than being able to get out on the mountain and “blow it out.”

To help celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Steamboat Resort, we have compiled stories of people who have shaped the mountain from its humble beginnings to the resort of today, sharing their deep roots, traditions, and memories.

If you would like to add your own stories and memories of Steamboat, please tag your social media posts with #steamboat60.