STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-May 25, 2016- Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.’s Vice President of Mountain Operations Doug Allen was recognized by the National Ski Area Association and American National Standards Institute, Accredited Standards Committee (B77) with the first Jan W. Leonard Award at last week’s annual conference in Nashville, Tenn. Allen is the first individual to be recognized by the organization for his commitment to safety and standards in the ski industry.

“Doug has been a vital contributor to Steamboat’s success for the past 30 years,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “Through his leadership, guidance and wealth of industry knowledge Steamboat, has grown from a ski resort to a world-class, year round vacation destination. We are incredibly proud of this recognition for Doug, as his contributions have had a lasting impact not only at the resort but across the industry.”

The prestigious Jan W. Leonard Award is given for exceptional contribution to the national committee (B77) responsible for the development of a system of principles, specifications and performance objectives reflecting the state-of-the-art passenger ropeway design, as well as operation and maintenance of ski lifts, chairlifts, gondolas and aerial tramways. As a more than 25 year member of the B77 committee, Allen has been a prominent figure in the development, refinement and implementation of lift standards including clearance issues, electronic innovations, ropeways systems and safety standards. He has represented the ski industry in code development and previously held an elected position to the National Tramway Standards Board. Allen was selected based on his longevity with the B77 committee, leadership, commitment to voicing his opinion and a deep passion for the ropeway industry.

“I am humbled to receive this honor in its inaugural year,” said Allen. “This organization sets the standards for our industry and beyond and I’ve had the pleasure of working with the best in the business. This recognition is thanks to the incredible teams of people I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my 42-year career, both on and off the slopes.”

Allen began his career as a lift operator at Copper Mountain and filled numerous positions in lift operations and maintenance during his 14 year tenure at the resort. He moved to Steamboat in 1986 for a lift manager position, which he held until 1990 when he became director of mountain operation. In 2003 Allen was promoted to vice president of mountain operations for Steamboat Ski Resort. In his leadership role, Allen oversees the Lift Operations, Lift Maintenance, Slope Maintenance, Snowmaking and Ski Patrol departments.  Allen was appointed by the governor to the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board from 1990 to 1998, holding the chairman position for the last three years of his term and served as ski area representative on the board’s Technical Committee. The safety board regulates aerial tramways, surface lifts and tows used for recreational purposes in Colorado.

Allen, who is also a member of the Colorado Ski Country, USA Operations Committee, has been instrumental in the efforts to re-energize Steamboat’s base area by helping develop the resort’s recent Master Plan, introducing night skiing and riding, and coordinating efforts for the planned mountain coaster. In 2014, Allen was awarded the Bob LeSage Award by the Rocky Mountain Lift Association (RMLA) for contribution and unselfish devotion to the ski lift industry.