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JOE CIUFO NAMED SKI AREA VEHICLE MAINTENANCE’S MECHANIC OF THE YEAR

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- June 10, 2009- The accolades keeping rolling in for Steamboat Ski Resort. Last month, Joe Ciufo, a member of the Steamboat vehicle maintenance department was recognized as the Mechanic of the Year with the Tim Crouse Memorial Award at the 24th Annual Ski Area Vehicle Maintenance Institute (SAVMI) Conference. 

“We are thrilled that Joe’s hard work and dedication has been recognized by such industry leaders,” said Chris Diamond, president and COO for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat continues to provide the best experience for our guests by cultivating one of the best working environments in the industry. We are honored to have employees such as Joe and his hard working team. They continually raise the bar for excellence and are at the top of their field in skills.”

SAVMI has been honoring “Tech of the Year” since 1995 and officially created The Tim Crouse Memorial Award 1999. Each year SAVMI presents the award “to a deserving ski area mechanic/technician who exemplifies outstanding qualities in the field of vehicle maintenance.” Ski resorts from across the country are asked to submit their top candidates for excellence in vehicle maintenance; Ciufo was nominated by his peers and supervisors.

Joe began working at the mountain a year and a half ago. He moved to Steamboat from Northern California where he worked in the timber industry as a timber feller, operator, mechanic and truck driver. Ciufo brings 20 years of experience maintaining and repairing diesel and hydraulic equipment to the vehicle maintenance department. His versatility and knowledgeable background allow him to repair the resort’s machines, but to operate them as well. Ciufo continues to educate himself and learn more about the ski industry by attending continuing education classes and taking on new tasks to gain more experience. His attention to detail and his acute awareness of safety make him a leader among his peers and a standout employee at the resort.

“Joe is an outstanding representative, and very deserving of the Tim Crouse Memorial Award,” said David Crisler, slope maintenance director for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “When Joe is given a job, you can be assured it will be done completely, and to the highest standards.”

Steamboat is no stranger to SAVMI awards, with two other team members having been honored with the Tim Crouse Memorial Award: Sean Luciano in 2003, Frank Case in 2000.  Earlier this spring Scott Livingston was selected as Snowmaker of the Year by Colorado Ski Country, USA and Frank Fidler was honored as Lift Mechanic of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Lift Association.