CNM Ingenuity Announces Winners of 2026 Ski Lift Pitch Competition

CNM Ingenuity announced the winners of its annual Ski Lift Pitch competition, with Guide Theory and SouthLight Services each receiving $10,000 as winners in their respective categories. 

Guide Theory, which won the in-state category, helps seasonal workers gain financial stability and career momentum while giving employers tools to improve retention, readiness, and workforce sustainability. SouthLight Services, a Denver company that won the out-of-state competition, specializes in digitally replacing outdated phone lines that support fire panels, elevators, emergency response systems, and other critical infrastructure, without the need for rewiring or risking compliance issues.

This was the first year the competition included startups from outside New Mexico. Ten companies competed—five from New Mexico and five from other states. 

"Pitching on the ski lift genuinely felt like home," says Sasha Clonts, founder of Guide Theory, who once served as a children’s ski instructor at Taos Ski Valley. “Getting to share Guide Theory in that setting—where seasonal workers literally make the magic happen—was surreal in the best way.”  

Clonts plans to use the funding to implement brand updates, expand pilot programs, and grow the business to reach more communities. 

This year’s Ski Lift Pitch brought together the most investors and venture capitalists in the event’s history. During the two-day event, the competing businesses got the opportunity to network with investors not just from New Mexico, but from across the country. Those connections can often be the most valuable part of the event for businesses. 

Ski Lift Pitch takes place on the chairlifts at Taos Ski Valley, where founders have eight minutes to pitch their companies to investors during the ride up the mountain. Finalists then present in a final round at the resort.