SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 5, 2024—Voting is now open for the fourth annual Rise Up Challenge, a video contest highlighting a handful of skilled young lift mechanics who will keep chairs spinning at resorts for decades to come. This year, six resorts were chosen to submit a video, each featuring an up-and-coming mechanic from the resort’s lift maintenance team:

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

The resort that’s video receives the most votes by midnight Aug. 16, 2024, will win a $3,500 educational grant, courtesy of Leitner-Poma of America, created to support the development of the next generation of lift maintenance professionals. 

“Lift mechanics are vital partners in delivering safe and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions at ski resorts,” said Daren Cole, president of Leitner-Poma of America. "It’s an honor to celebrate the remarkable talent and dedication of these rising stars through the Rise Up Challenge. We’re proud to recognize their contributions to mountain transportation and look forward to working with them to keep our ski resorts and mountain lifestyle thriving."

“Lift mechanics keep our operations spinning,” said SAM magazine publisher Olivia Rowan. “These team members are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable ski experience for all, and we are proud to partner with Leitner-Poma of America to recognize these up-and-coming lift mechanics and their teams. The $3,500 educational grant will help ensure these men and women continue to rise up in their field.”

To watch the Rise Up Challenge videos—and vote—visit www.saminfo.com/riseup.  

Voting is open through midnight on Aug. 16, 2024. Individuals are eligible to vote once per day.