A good lift mechanic is hard to find. Leitner-Poma of America wants to help the industry rise up to the challenge of supporting the next generation of lift mechanics, with the fourth annual Rise Up Challenge.

Six lift maintenance teams were chosen to participate in the 2024 Rise Up Challenge: 
Berkshire East, Mass., Crystal Mountain, Wash.. Mt. Sunapee, N.H.. Palisades Tahoe, Calif., Purgatory, Colo., and Snowbird, Utah 

The six chosen resorts created videos showcasing the rising stars on their lift maintenance crews, alongside mentors and teammates. 

This year's Rise Up winner is Chase Clark of Crystal Mountain, Wash.! He won an education grant valued at $3,500, courtesy of Leitner-Poma of America. The company is also rewarding the efforts of the five other lift mechanics and their teams this year with a $1,500 grant for the runner-up, and $500 grants for the four other participating teams."Congratulations to all of the participants and to Chase for a well-deserved win,” said Leitner-Poma of America president and CEO Daren Cole. “The Rise Up Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a showcase of the incredible skill, dedication, and innovation driving the future of our industry. As always, we had an outstanding field of entrants who across the board exemplify the high standard that inspires us all.”

WATCH ALL SIX VIDEOS

View all things lifts at our Lift Operations Mountain Department! 

Berkshire East, Mass. - Rose Dumaine

Crystal Mountain, Wash. - Chase Clark

Mt. Sunapee, N.H. - Connor Medeiros

Palisades Tahoe, Calif. – Andy Sieben

Purgatory, Colo. – Anitra Harjo

Snowbird, Utah – Kim Noel

Congratulations to Tait Linehan of Killington, last year's Rise Up winner! He won an education grant valued at $3,500, courtesy of Leitner-Poma of America.

“Tait will be using the funds to help offset some of his student loan debt for his education in Diesel Mechanics.” – Josh Clement (Killington- Lift Maintenance Manager)

"A resort's lift infrastructure is truly the lifeblood and foundation for all operations and a cornerstone of customer experience and satisfaction. As a supplier, we are committed to helping the industry foster and develop the absolute best technicians possible to support this infrastructure. This program has been long overdue in recognizing the best of the best."

- Daren Cole, President, Leitner-Poma of America

Check out the contestant videos from the 2023 Rise Up Challenge, the 2022 Rise Up Challenge, andfrom the inaugural 2021 Rise Up Challenge.