Sandia Peak Ski Area, originally La Madera Ski Area, is located in the Sandia Mountains in the Cibola National Forest. It is New Mexico’s first ski area, opening to skiers in 1936 and has long been where Albuquerque learns to ski and ride.
Sandia Peak Ski Area, New Mexico’s oldest ski resort, closed since 2022, has triumphantly reopened, offering its entire 300-acre terrain, inclusive of 35 trails, to skiers and snowboarders.
Managed and now owned by Mountain Capital Partners (MCP), the resort announced affordable ticket prices starting as low as $79 for the weekend and special rates from $19 on select dates. This presents a budget-friendly option compared to other ski areas in states like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. With MCP’s acquisition in October 2023, Sandia Peak, founded in 1936 and located just 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque, is now accessible by the iconic Sandia Peak Tramway. The resort, which had remained closed for three seasons due to various challenges, now operates with extended hours and offers all essential services, including ski school and rentals, albeit with some limitations. The MCP Powder Pass grants unlimited access to Sandia Peak and other MCP locations, with free skiing for children 12 and under. All tickets and services must be prepurchased online, ensuring visitors can enjoy reliable snow conditions.