SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 31, 2022—Six lift maintenance teams have been chosen to participate in the second annual Rise Up Challenge, supported by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA): Arizona Snowbowl, Ariz.; Boston Mills Brandywine, Ohio; Magic Mountain, Vt.; Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.; WinSport, Alberta; and Winter Park, Colo. The teams are competing for an education grant valued at $3,500.  

Resorts across North America nominated their up-and-coming lift maintenance members this Spring to participate in the 2022 Rise Up Challenge. The six chosen teams will now create videos showcasing the lift maintenance and mentoring skills of their respective crews and highlighting future leaders on their teams. The videos will be shared mid-summer 2022, and online voting will decide who walks away with the $3,500 education grant and bragging rights. 

“At Leitner-Poma, we realize that these past couple of years have stressed resort operations, and especially lift maintenance, to the maximum threshold,” said LPOA president Daren Cole. “Without a solid and reliable lift infrastructure resorts are at a standstill. We launched the Rise Up Challenge last year to recognize the talent and potential of lift maintenance crews around the continent and showcase the true heroes they are at their respective resorts. We can’t wait to see what year two brings.”

“Last year’s videos inspired and celebrated lift maintenance teams across North America,” said SAM publisher Olivia Rowan. “We’re proud to be working with Leitner-Poma again to give lift maintenance crews a platform to share their passion and to support their education. We look forward to sharing this next round of videos with our community.”

SAM will share the contestant videos and open the voting process in late July 2022. A winner will be announced in August. Keep up with the challenge at saminfo.com/riseup.