SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 28, 2023—The 2023 Rise Up Challenge, sponsored by Leitner-Poma of America, highlighted up-and-coming lift mechanics and their lift maintenance teams from six ski areas across North America: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.; Deer Valley, Utah; Killington Resort, Vt.; Mansfield Ski Club, Ont.; Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore.; and Powder Ridge, Minn. Each resort produced a behind-the-scenes video featuring their rising-star lift mechanic, and the videos were posted to SAM’s website and social media channels for people to watch and then vote for their favorite.

A total of 3,700 votes were cast, and Leitner-Poma of America president Daren Cole has the honor of revealing the Rise Up Challenge winner in the video below.

As always, the winner will receive a $3,500 education grant furnished by Leitner-Poma of America—but the company is also rewarding the efforts of the five other lift mechanics and their teams this year with a $1,500 grant for the runner-up, and $500 grants for the four other participating teams. 

“Congratulations to Tait and all of this year’s participants,” said Leitner-Poma of America president and CEO Daren Cole. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the next generation of lift mechanics and the promise in the industry’s future. We could not be prouder of what the Rise Up Challenge has become.”

SAM publisher Olivia Rowan added, “SAM magazine thanks LPOA for stepping up to support this important recognition and to each of the six resorts for creating videos that celebrate the next gen of lift mechanics. SAM has a long history of supporting and recognizing the ski industry’s next generation of leaders and we love the energy and positivity The Rise Up Challenge brings to these unsung heroes of our mountains''

Six resorts were chosen in 2023 to create a video highlighting the strengths and potential of an up-and-coming lift mechanic. Congratulations to Tait Lineham of Killington! He won an education grant valued at $3,500, courtesy of Leitner-Poma of America. You can still view all the videos below and be inspired.

Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Up-and-comer: Meg Kane

Deer Valley, Utah, Up-and-comer: Kyler Matthews

Killington, Vt., Up-and-comer: Tait Linehan

Mansfield Ski Club, Ont., Up-and-comer: Gabrielle Ralphs

Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore., Up-and-comer: Julie Zaremskiy 

Powder Ridge, Minn., Up-and-comer: Ryan Anderson