By Shannon Lukens. (Nancy and Gary Gray)
Nancy Gray is the recipient of the Hazie Werner Award this year. Nancy Gray was born and raised in Steamboat Springs. She worked at Steamboat Resort for 53 years, mostly as a ski instructor. She has been highly involved in Winter Carnival, the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church, and she was a longtime swimming instructor and lesson coordinator.
The Hazie Werner Award is presented by Steamboat Ski Resort. It honors a local female community member who represents Hazie Werner’s legacy of volunteer work and community commitment.
Nancy Gray will be celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 5:30-7 p.m. at a reception at the Steamboat Art Museum. Everyone is invited, including the 36 past recipients of the Hazie Werner Award.
Press Release from Steamboat Resort; Feb. 13, 2025.
Nancy Gray Announced as 2025 Hazie Werner Award Winner
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- February 13, 2025- Steamboat Ski Resort selected Nancy Gray as the 2025 Hazie Werner Award recipient in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the Yampa Valley community. The Hazie Werner Award recognizes a local female community member who represents Hazie Werner’s legacy through volunteer work, community commitment and support of local organizations. Hazie, the matriarch of the Werner family that Mt. Werner is named for, was known in the Yampa Valley for her inspirational dedication, gracious and caring philosophy of giving, and tireless commitment to making Steamboat Springs the unique, supportive town it is today.
“Nancy really embodies what the essence of Steamboat is all about. Embracing the outdoor life, serving her community, and loving her family are what she’s all about. There is no way to measure the impact of her life in the valley other than to say that we are all better because she is here among us!” said Tim Selby, in his nomination of Gray. Numerous Steamboat locals submitted nominations for Gray including Kathy Gayer and fellow Hazie Werner Awardee Jane Howell.
Nancy Gray was born and raised in Steamboat Springs, only leaving the valley for a short period to attend college but still spending winter breaks to come home and work. Her thought, “if you already live in paradise, why leave?” She began working for the resort in 1972 raking rocks at the golf course being built and the tennis courts near the Sheraton. Eventually deciding to remain working at the mountain, Nancy found a passion that lasted a lifetime and a 53-year career at the resort that never felt like work. She had a variety of roles throughout the years, but Ski Instructor was the one she loved the most because of the amazing people she was able to ski with and work with.
Throughout her decades of dedication to the community Nancy’s footprint can be found on every component that makes Steamboat unique. An avid Winter Carnival fan, having participated in many events herself, she was the co-chair for three years and in charge of many night shows. “I love the excitement of kids that get to carry fire for the first time; the smell of sulfur and the clapping gloves,” said Gray.
Gray was also a board member for Tread of Pioneers for six years, successfully raising funds to add the Gloria Gossard addition enabling collections and artifacts to be safer and easier to keep for later generations and organizing the annual Festival of Trees. Other organizations that have benefited from Gray’s tireless commitment to Steamboat Springs include Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church Compassion Group, Professional Ski Instructors of America, and Old Town Hot Springs where she was the swim lessons coordinator helping many local steamboat children learn to swim and be safe around water; as well as mentor numerous young adults in their first job experience. Nancy has supported her brother Moose’s community efforts and continues his legacy through The Moose’s Loose Golf Tournament and Mickey’s Fund.
“Hazie’s life represented true grace,” said Gray. “She never seemed to feel as though she deserved anything, but always treated people as though they deserved all of her attention. She worked hard, but she always took time for you. She was welcoming, kind and humble.
The History Behind Hazie Werner Award Video
Gray joins 36 other recipients who have received the Hazie Werner Award since its inception in 1989. Previous recipients include: Skeeter Werner Walker, Katy Rodolph Wyatt, Eleanor Bliss, Carol Baily, Lucile Bogue, Criss Fetcher, Dorothy Wither (posthumously), Sureva Towler, Rita Valentine (posthumously), Geneva Taylor, Carol Schaffer, Gloria Gossard, Jayne Hill, Elaine Gay, Millie Beall, Arianthe Stettner, Wanda Redmond, Margi Briggs-Casson, Margaret ”Poogie” Dawes (posthumously), Nancy Stahoviak, Carol Booth Fox, Diane Moore, Susan E. Birch, Christine Painter, Marsha Daughenbaugh, Sarah Floyd, Nancy Kramer, Deb Werner, Jane Howell, Betse Grassby, Jan Fritz, Gretchen Van De Carr, Jane Romberg, Nancy Mucklow, Kate Nowak and Paula Cooper Black.
In addition to the Hazie Werner Award, Steamboat Ski Resort will present two Snowball Community Grants. Routt County Crisis Support and Partners for Youth will both receive a $10,000 donation to continue the meaningful work they do in the Steamboat Springs community.
Nancy Gray and the Snowball Grant recipients will be celebrated on February 26 (three days after Hazie’s birthday) at the Steamboat Art Museum from 5:30-7 p.m. The celebration will include previous Hazie Werner Award recipients and the public is invited to attend.