By Shannon Lukens.

Steamboat Resort’s Director of Lift Operations, Deb Werner, has been honored with the prestigious Bob Lesage Award by the Rocky Mountain Lift Association. It’s the highest lift honor in the ski and snowboard industry.

Deb has been with Steamboat Resort for 52 years. She is also the 2016 Hazie Werner Award winner.

She is married to Steamboat native Loris “Bugs” Werner.

 

Press release from Steamboat Resort; May 22, 2024.

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – May 22, 2024 – Deb Werner, director of lift operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, was awarded the prestigious Bob Lesage Award by the Rocky Mountain Lift Association (RMLA), the highest lift honor in the ski and snowboard industry, during its 2024 annual conference earlier this month. This distinguished award is a testament to Deb’s remarkable contributions and unselfish devotion to the ski lift industry over an impressive five-decade career.

 

The Bob Lesage Memorial Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing the ski lift industry. Bob Lesage was a pioneer in the field, known for his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to improving ski lift safety and operations. Each year, the RMLA singles out an individual who has made significant contributions and shows unselfish devotion to the ski lift industry.

 

“Deb’s passion and dedication to the industry is apparent in everything she does, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving individual for this award,” said Dave Hunter, interim Resort Lead for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat continues to provide the best experience for our guests by cultivating one of the best working environments in the industry. We are honored to have Deb as one of our leaders, who has continually raised the bar for excellence not only for our guests, but for our employees as well.”

 

With 52 years of industry experience, Werner is at the forefront of implementing innovative projects to improve the operation of the resort’s lifts and enhance the overall guest experience. Most recently, Deb successfully led her team through the unveiling of Steamboat Resort’s most recent lift additions, Wild Blue Gondola and Mahogany Ridge. Werner oversees the resort’s network of lift operations and approximately 200 winter and summer employees. Her leadership and technical acumen have not only elevated Steamboat Ski Resort but have also set new standards for service excellence across the industry.

 

Deb’s remarkable career at Steamboat Ski Resort includes numerous achievements. In addition to the Bob Lesage Award, she was the 2016 Hazie Werner Award winner, another testament to her caring and compassionate nature and continuous betterment to all that surrounds her.

 

“Deb’s leadership, technical expertise and commitment to mentorship have made her a standout figure in our industry,” continued Hunter. “Her impact extends beyond our organization, positively influencing countless individuals and shaping industry standards. The impact she has had on the ski resort and the entire community will be remembered for years to come.”

 

Married to Steamboat native Loris “Bugs” Werner, she formerly served on the Colorado Mountain College Ski Area Operations Advisory committee and board of directors for Community Agriculture Alliance. Werner joins a growing exclusive list of lift professionals to be honored with the Bob Lesage Award including previous Steamboat recipients – Doug Allen (2014), Ted Serafy (2013), Derek Fritz (2013), Mark Emery (2011) and Frank Fidler (2009).

-www.steamboat.com-