Common Folk in the Boat (Ep. 20 Ben Berend)

Steamboat Locals

In this episode, presented by Billo Premium Cannabis, we sit down with Ben Berend, a name that resonates deeply with the heart of Steamboat Springs.

A native of this vibrant mountain town, Ben grew up carving his path on the legendary slopes of Howelsen Hill, fueled by a dream of Olympic glory. That dream became reality in 2018 when Ben represented the United States in Nordic combined skiing at the Winter Olympics, etching his name among Steamboat’s elite athletic legends.

But Ben’s story doesn’t stop at the Olympics. He’s a bridge between Steamboat’s storied past and its evolving present. From the early days of watching local heroes like Jonny Spillane and Todd Lodwick redefine Nordic combined on the world stage, to reflecting on the rich legacy of Carl Howelsen—the Flying Norwegian who founded the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club—Ben shares how these influences shaped his journey.

We’ll also explore the challenges and triumphs of his post-Olympic transition. Now a leading real estate professional with The Boyd & Berend Group at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, Ben has found a new way to impact his community, helping others discover their dreams in the Yampa Valley.

Throughout the conversation, Ben offers thoughtful insights into pressing issues facing Nordic combined today, including the fight for gender equality in the sport, the looming threat of Olympic exclusion, and the critical role grassroots efforts play in sustaining its future.

Join us as we uncover Ben’s reflections on his journey—from his childhood on Howelsen Hill to standing under the Olympic spotlight, and now, helping others build lives in the valley that gave him so much. This is a story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Steamboat Springs.