A good lift mechanic is hard to find. Leitner-Poma of America wants to help the industry rise up to the challenge of supporting the next generation of lift mechanics, with the fourth annual Rise Up Challenge.

The crews from Castle Mountain, Alberta; Loveland Ski Area, Colo.; Massanutten Resort, Va.; Mount Snow, Vt.; Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, N.M.; and Spirit Mountain, Minn., have been chosen as finalists in the sixth annual Rise Up Challenge

The six chosen ski areas will now create videos showcasing the up-and-coming talent 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 title of 2026 Rise Up Champion.

View all things lifts at our Lift Operations Mountain Department! 

"A resort's lift infrastructure is truly the lifeblood and foundation for all operations and a cornerstone of customer experience and satisfaction. As a supplier, we are committed to helping the industry foster and develop the absolute best technicians possible to support this infrastructure. This program has been long overdue in recognizing the best of the best."

- Daren Cole, President, Leitner-Poma of America

Check out the contestant videos from the previous years: 

2025 Rise Up Challenge

2024 Rise Up Challenge

2023 Rise Up Challenge

2022 Rise Up Challenge

2021 Rise Up Challenge.