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A Copper Mountain ski patroller and snowmaker were named the best in their fields in the state by trade organization Colorado Ski Country USA.
Kevin Lukanski, a 14-year employee of the ski resort who started in the rental shop but now serves as the training coordinator for new members of the ski patrol, was cited for his hard work, positive attitude and sense of humor in winning the top ski-patrol honor.
And Meg McAmmond, a six-year snowmaker at Copper, was lauded as snowmaker of the year for her conscientiousness and safety-mindedness, as well as her love of endless winters: She works in the southern hemisphere in the summers.
Ski Country recognized the pair at its 45th annual meeting at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
“These individuals’ dedication to the sport of skiing helped make Colorado the destination choice for more than 12 million guests this season,” said Rob Perlman, President and CEO of CSCUSA. “They have set the bar for Colorado and ski destinations around the world.”
Each year, coaches, resort supervisors and managers nominate one outstanding candidate from their resort. A committee of judges, comprised of industry peers, chooses award finalists based on an application letter and interview.
Final judging criteria include professionalism, dedication, contribution, leadership and attitude.
The organization gave its lifetime-achievement award to William “Bill” Brown, a legendary mountain manager for 33 years at Vail and veteran of the famed 10th Mountain Division.
Brown’s accomplishments include developing a world-class mountain communications system, designing improvements for slope-maintenance machines, developing a White House Secret Service ski unit and an FBI mountain-trained anti-terrorist detail.
He also developed new standards for re-vegetation and anti-erosion methods, as well as standards and techniques for international race management that were accepted as “state of the art" throughout the world.
Other winners included:
• Slope groomer of the year: Douglas Trostel of Winter Park.
• Terrain master of the year: Sean Daniels of Winter Park.
• Instructor of the year: Dave “Mac” McGuire of Crested Butte.
• Adaptive athlete of the year: Heath Calhoun of Challenge Aspen.
• Male all-star athlete of the year: Zak Watkins of the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club.
• Female all-star athlete of the year: Erika Ghent of the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail.
Kevin Lukanski, a 14-year employee of the ski resort who started in the rental shop but now serves as the training coordinator for new members of the ski patrol, was cited for his hard work, positive attitude and sense of humor in winning the top ski-patrol honor.
And Meg McAmmond, a six-year snowmaker at Copper, was lauded as snowmaker of the year for her conscientiousness and safety-mindedness, as well as her love of endless winters: She works in the southern hemisphere in the summers.
Ski Country recognized the pair at its 45th annual meeting at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
“These individuals’ dedication to the sport of skiing helped make Colorado the destination choice for more than 12 million guests this season,” said Rob Perlman, President and CEO of CSCUSA. “They have set the bar for Colorado and ski destinations around the world.”
Each year, coaches, resort supervisors and managers nominate one outstanding candidate from their resort. A committee of judges, comprised of industry peers, chooses award finalists based on an application letter and interview.
Final judging criteria include professionalism, dedication, contribution, leadership and attitude.
The organization gave its lifetime-achievement award to William “Bill” Brown, a legendary mountain manager for 33 years at Vail and veteran of the famed 10th Mountain Division.
Brown’s accomplishments include developing a world-class mountain communications system, designing improvements for slope-maintenance machines, developing a White House Secret Service ski unit and an FBI mountain-trained anti-terrorist detail.
He also developed new standards for re-vegetation and anti-erosion methods, as well as standards and techniques for international race management that were accepted as “state of the art" throughout the world.
Other winners included:
• Slope groomer of the year: Douglas Trostel of Winter Park.
• Terrain master of the year: Sean Daniels of Winter Park.
• Instructor of the year: Dave “Mac” McGuire of Crested Butte.
• Adaptive athlete of the year: Heath Calhoun of Challenge Aspen.
• Male all-star athlete of the year: Zak Watkins of the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club.
• Female all-star athlete of the year: Erika Ghent of the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail.
