The annual Ski Area Vehicle Maintenance Institute in Grand Junction, Colo., May 13-16 drew nearly 300 attendees. In addition to several workshops dedicated to Prinoth and PistenBully equipment, there were several sessions related to the impacts of the coming Tier 4 implementation—and to compressed natural gas, one alternative to Tier 4 diesel issues. Welding, safety, snow removal, and a wide range of management seminars also filled the schedule.

The annual Ski Area Vehicle Maintenance Institute in Grand Junction, Colo., May 13-16 drew nearly 300 attendees. In addition to several workshops dedicated to Prinoth and PistenBully equipment, there were several sessions related to the impacts of the coming Tier 4 implementation—and to compressed natural gas, one alternative to Tier 4 diesel issues. Welding, safety, snow removal, and a wide range of management seminars also filled the schedule.

The hands-on sessions at both the Prinoth and PistenBully shops in Grand Junction, as well as those at the Two Rivers Convention Center, were routinely filled to capacity, and afforded mechanics a chance to get hands-on with machines and pick the brains of the companies' technicians. Discussions were full of troubleshooting advice and tips.

SAVMI also takes time to recognize current and longstanding achievements. Chris Nyberg, who has worked for more than one groomer supplier and was with Bombardier/Prinoth through a series of owners, received the lifetime achievement award. Nyberg recently became COO for Powdr Corp. Other honorees include—well, that's what the photo section that follows is for, among other things.

And, as always, the second night's trade show gave mechanics and managers the opportunity to visit with dozens of suppliers and get the latest on products and innovations.