The Freeze Continues

Sandia peak summit photo by Bret Haskins

A 30-minute drive from Albuquerque, or a quick 2.7-mile ride up the aerial tramway, you’ll find some of the best cruising terrain in New Mexico.

On a clear day, you can see forever. During the winter months, skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiasts can take the tram from the northeast side of Albuquerque, spend the day on the slopes, then return to Albuquerque via the tram. Considered an engineering marvel, the tramway sails 2.7 miles over deep canyons and mountainous terrain. The view from the top encompasses the Rio Grande valley, Sandia foothills and other far-off parts of New Mexico. However, skiers and riders needing rental equipment and lessons must drive to the base area — a scenic trip  through Cibola National Forest — where the rental shop, snow sports school and Double Eagle II Day Lodge are located.

The ski area is located on the east face of Sandia Mountain. It has a vertical drop of 1,700 feet, 30 runs and 200 skiable acres. Sandia Peak boasts four double chairlifts with one double suited for beginners and one Mitey Mite surface lift at the children’s ski school. Many cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts either use the tram or drive up to experience the winter wonders in the Cibola National Forest. Sandia Peak has the longest cruising terrain in New Mexico — more than two miles. For freestylers, the Scrapyard Terrain Park has funboxes, rails and jumps.

The Peak Plus Card gives cardholders tremendous savings — especially when paired with the Price Freeze for the upcoming season. Peak Plus members receive $25 off all full-day lift tickets for a savings of 50 percent, plus a $20 savings at Sandia’s sister resort, Ski Santa Fe.

If you’re looking for family fun and easy access, consider Sandia Peak. It’s full of winter adventure options.

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Family Legacy

The Albuquerque Ski Club, founded by Robert Nordhaus, built its first rope tow in 1937 with a second one appearing in 1939. By 1952, Nordhaus had partnered with Ben Abruzzo, a local businessman and developer, and a chairlift was finally installed to carry skiers to the summit. Then, for the 1966-67 season, Nordhaus and Abruzzo took a big risk with the construction of the Sandia Peak Tramway.

A marvel of mechanics and engineering, the tram was constructed to climb some 2.7 miles and 4,000 vertical feet up the west face of the Sandias. With easy access to the summit, Sandia’s popularity exploded – both as a southwestern ski institution and as a summertime escape from the Rio Grande Valley’s dry desert heat.

Today, the next generation of Abruzzos are still actively involved in both Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak.

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