Sunday River Groomer Top PhaTcat

The grooming competition puts operators through a series of complex maneuvers in an obstacle course. In some cases the operators are using machines unfamiliar to them. This was Mills' situation. However he prevailed over 19 other competitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec scoring 830 out of a possible 900 points. According to Marvin Collins, Sunday River's VP of Mountain Operations, "Anyone can drive a snowcat, but it takes years to become a true operator." Mills' 28 years of experience paid off well earning him $1000 and recognition for being the best. According to Collins, groomers can become comfortable with their equipment in about five years, but it takes at least eight to 10 years to become highly skilled.