SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., July 28, 2021—There is one week of voting left in the inaugural “Rise Up Challenge,” a new contest highlighting the skilled, young lift mechanics who will keep ski area lifts spinning for decades to come. A $3,500 educational grant, courtesy of sponsor Leitner-Poma of America, goes to the winning resort to support this next generation of men and women in lift maintenance. The contest has already garnered over 2,500 votes in its first week.

Of the up-and-coming lift mechanics nominated to be a part of the first Rise Up Challenge, six lift techs and their crews were chosen to compete:

• Leah Parkes from Craigleith Ski Club, Ont.
• Brady Pickett from Hunter Mountain, N.Y. 
• Kelly Wasco from Jack Frost, Pa.
• Zach Martinez from Purgatory, Colo.
• Robby Fullmer from Snowbasin, Utah
• Eric Barela from Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

"A resort's lift infrastructure is truly the lifeblood and foundation for all operations and a cornerstone of customer experience and satisfaction,” said Leitner-Poma president Daren Cole.  “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."

“Ski lifts are an integral part of a resort’s operation, and lift mechanics are the driving force ensuring they are safe and running smoothly,” said SAM Magazine publisher Olivia Rowan. “We are proud to partner with Leitner-Poma to shine the light on this critical role. A $3,500 educational grant will go a long way toward helping these individuals continue to grow in this career.”

Each tech and their crew created a video for the 2021 Rise Up Challenge. To watch—and, more importantly, to vote—go to www.saminfo.com. Voting is open through August 4, 2021. Individuals can vote daily.