STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- May 29, 2015-Dave Herman, lift system engineer at the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, was honored with the Robert E. Lesage Award during the Rocky Mountain Lift Association Conference earlier this month. This award, which represents the highest lift honor in the ski and snowboard industry, comes after four decades of service in the lift field by Herman.
 
“Dave is at the forefront in designing, constructing and implementing innovative projects to improve the operations of the resort’s lifts and enhance the overall guest experience,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “His technical contributions have touched every lift and continue to have a lasting impact not only at the resort but across the industry.”
 
For example, his comprehensive design and development work has moved the resort from the first microprocessor lift-control system to today’s pioneering Ignition Lift Monitoring System. This new live remote-access technology allows individuals to monitor, troubleshoot and anticipate lift issues in real time, remotely from a desktop or mobile device, even before the mechanic is on site. This program reduces down time, increases efficiencies and optimization while scrutinizing mechanical matters in real time. In addition, teams can relive and examine issues that occurred earlier in the day, week or month as well as implement future scenarios and address those in training sessions.
 
Currently, he oversees all engineering for Steamboat’s lift system, which encompasses 18 lifts including the 8-passenger Doppelmayr gondola and six high-speed chairlifts. Herman holds an associate science degree in electronics technology from Rangley Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in engineering technology from Weber State University. He has held several positions in the lift maintenance department, including electrician, electrical supervisor, and electrical and gondola maintenance director since first joining the resort in 1976.
 
“Dave has redefined lift technology providing innovation and revolutionary changes which have moved the resort from early relays and wire to smart technology well before it was trendy and commonplace,” said Kurt Castor, director of lift maintenance. “Steamboat cultivates one of the best working environments in the industry, and we are honored to have employees, such as Dave, who continually raise the bar for excellence and are at the top of their field.”
 
In addition to his on-mountain efforts, Herman served on the Rocky Mountain Lift Association board of directors from 1993-95, holding the positions of board member and vice president during his tenure. He is a captain in the Civil Air Patrol and an active member of the local CAP squadron since 1996. Prior to moving to Steamboat, Herman served four years active duty in the US Air Force stationed in the Philippines and worked for Atmos Corporation out of Dallas.
 
The RMLA is a professional and educational association founded in 1971 to meet the needs of the growing ski industry in Colorado. The organization was established as the Rocky Mountain Lift Maintenance Association and was dedicated to sharing information and problem-solving ideas among lift maintenance personnel. In 1976, the name was changed to Rocky Mountain Lift Association  to recognize the vital roles played by all lift operations and maintenance personnel.
 
Herman joins a growing list of lift professionals to be honored by the RMLA, including previous Steamboat recipients Doug Allen (2104), Ted Serafy (2013), Derek Fritz (2013), Mark Emery (2011) and Frank Fidler (2009).