SAM Magazine—South Lake Tahoe, Calif., June 12, 2025—The 2025 Ski California Lift Maintenance & Operations Education (LMOE) Conference drew a record 403 attendees to South Lake Tahoe, June 3-5.
Under the theme “Back to Basics,” this year’s event aimed to reinforce foundational knowledge while addressing the evolving challenges of operating ski areas in an ever-changing environment.
A Deep Dive into the Fundamentals
At the heart of the conference were comprehensive lift maintenance sessions based on the first 11 topics of the Lift Maintenance Resource Guide (LMRG). These topics—ranging from mechanical components and electrical systems to inspections and service bulletins—formed the backbone of the technical education offered.
“These topics are where every lift mechanic starts, and where even veterans return for clarity and recalibration,” said John Rice, president of Ski California, the industry association representing California and Nevada ski areas. “Our focus this year was on building strong foundations—because whether you’re new to the industry or decades in, getting the basics right is what keeps our operations running safely and efficiently.”
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Beyond lift maintenance, the 2025 conference embraced the interconnectedness of mountain operations. Dedicated sessions for vehicle mechanics provided insights into the latest grooming technologies and snowmobile fleet service, while ski patrollers engaged in discussions around emergency response coordination and tower and fall rescue scenarios.
Risk management sessions covered incident documentation, liability trends, and regulatory compliance, while HR professionals and managers across departments tackled topics like training best practices and mental wellness.
“The LMOE Conference is not just for lift maintenance teams—it’s a convergence point for the operational pillars of our resorts,” said Rice, who noted that the event also serves to remind personnel that it’s possible to have a successful career in the ski industry.
Networking and Awards
In total, 62 speakers led 63 classes, with all held at the Tahoe Blue Event Center except for the Lift Operations Bootcamp, which took place at Heavenly’s California Base Area.
The keynote was delivered by Wyoming-based speaker Dallin Cooper, who discussed the importance of not making assumptions about people without trying to understand their perspective.
Vendors took part in the Tuesday evening trade show and opening reception, and a variety of social events included a welcome reception Monday night at Heavenly’s mountaintop Lakeview Lodge, and a networking event complete with live music, cornhole, a raffle with prizes sponsored by Milwaukee Tools, and a taco bar at the Golden Nugget’s outdoor Saltgrass Patio on Wednesday.
Several awards are given out annually at the event, with this year’s Dave McCoy Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mike Bandelin of Diamond Peak. Jeremiah Ferguson (Tahoe Donner) received the Paul Beran Lift Maintenance Person of the Year Award, and Nichole Graham (Palisades Tahoe) was named the Don Lowder Lift Operations Person of the Year. The Top 3 Under 30 went to Austin Jones (Palisades Tahoe), Janessa Staab (Kirkwood), and Jeran Vasquez (China Peak). The California Ski Industry Impact Award was presented to Curt Panter (USFS).
As the industry faces growing complexity—from technological advancements to labor challenges and shifting climate patterns—the “Back to Basics” message rings truer than ever: A strong foundation is the best way to reach the top.
Report by Jess Weaver
