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 third annual Rise Up Challenge.

The 2023 Rise Up Challenge has begun. Six resorts have been chosen to create a video highlighting the strengths and potential of an up-and-coming lift mechanic: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.; Deer Valley, Utah; Killington Resort, Vt.; Mansfield Ski Club, Ont.; Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore.; and Powder Ridge, Minn.

Voting closed at 11:59pm August 14. The team with the most votes will win an education grant valued at $3,500, courtesy of Leitner-Poma of America, so stay tuned for the news! You can still view all the videos today 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

"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 2022 Rise Up Challenge and from the inaugural 2021 Rise Up Challenge.