SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 21, 2024—Six lift maintenance teams have been chosen as finalists in the fourth annual Rise Up Challenge, sponsored by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA). The crews from Berkshire East, Mass., Crystal Mountain, Wash., Mt. Sunapee, N.H., Palisades Tahoe, Calif., Purgatory, Colo., and Snowbird, Utah will compete this summer for an education grant valued at $3,500 from LPOA.  

Resorts across North America nominated a rising star on their lift maintenance team this spring to participate in the 2024 Rise Up Challenge. The six chosen resorts will now create videos showcasing the up-and-coming talent on their lift maintenance crews, alongside mentors and teammates. The videos will be shared mid-summer, and online voting will decide who walks away with the education grant and bragging rights.

“Chairlift mechanics are the silent guardians of mountain safety, ensuring mountain transportation is both seamless and secure,” said Leitner-Poma of America president Daren Cole. “Investing in their education is not just a commitment to their expertise, but a dedication to the safety and enjoyment of every skier and snowboarder who embarks on an alpine adventure. We are committed to the Rise Up Challenge to help grow and nurture the best talent in the industry.”

“The Rise Up Challenge highlights the impressive folks who will keep lifts spinning across North America for decades to come,” said SAM publisher Olivia Rowan. “Each year, we are blown away by the dedication, enthusiasm, comradery, and skill of the lift maintenance crews that compete in the challenge, and we are proud to work with Leitner-Poma again to showcase these vital team members and support their ongoing education.”

SAM will share the contestant videos and open the voting process in mid-summer. A winner will be announced in August. Keep up with the challenge at saminfo.com/riseup.