SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 30, 2023—Six lift maintenance teams have been chosen to participate in the third annual Rise Up Challenge, which is supported by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA). Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Deer Valley, Utah, Killington Resort, Vt., Mansfield Ski Club, Ont., Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore., and Powder Ridge, Minn., were selected to compete for an education grant valued at $3,500 from LPOA.  

Resorts across North America nominated their up-and-coming lift maintenance members this spring to participate in the 2023 Rise Up Challenge. The six chosen resorts will create videos showcasing the rising stars 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. 

“We launched the Rise Up Challenge two years ago to recognize the skill and potential of lift maintenance crews and work to reverse the loss of tribal knowledge that threatens the industry,” said LPOA president Daren Cole. “Identifying rising talent and showing them a career path is a top priority for LPOA, and with resorts participating from across the continent, the Rise Up Challenge is one of the ways we aim to do this.”

“Over the last two years, the Rise Up Challenge has brought inspiring young leaders in lift maintenance to the forefront and celebrated the all-important lift maintenance teams across North America,” said SAM publisher Olivia Rowan. “We’re proud to work with Leitner-Poma again to showcase the skills, passion, and grit of these vital lift maintenance folks and to support their education. We can’t wait to see what this year’s videos bring.”

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.