How to Go Skiing in Sandia Peak, New Mexico

A small but easily accessed ski area, Sandia Peak, New Mexico is the closest ski area to any major city in the state. Located in the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Peak Ski Area is a 30-minute drive from metropolitan Albuquerque on Tramway Boulevard. Besides location, Sandia Peak boasts some of the best cruising terrain in New Mexico and a breathtaking tram ride to the top of the mountain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Choose Lodging and Transportation in Sandia Peak

1. Book a stay in one of Albuquerque's 12,000 available rooms. As a major American city, Albuquerque offers every type of lodging, from economy to four-star and from motels to bed-and-breakfasts to expensive luxury hotels. The small town of Cedar Crest, which is 10 miles from the base of Sandia Peak, also offers several small but cozy options.
2. Find lists of nearby accommodations at the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site (see Resources below). You can search by type or location, and many properties offer online booking through the site. Call 800-284-2282 or email [e-mail] if you'd like assistance from a Visitors Bureau representative.
3. Fly into Albuquerque's Sunport International Airport, and take a cab to the tramway. From the east side of the mountain, Sandia Peak can be accessed from Highway 536, which is also where the beginners' ski area is located.

Get Familiar With Your Ski Destination of Sandia Peak

4. Experience Sandia Peak's terrain, which caters mainly to beginning and intermediate skiers, with long, flatter cruising areas that are known throughout the state as being truly exceptional. With a 1779-foot vertical drop, 25 trails 200 skiable acres and great powder ratings, Sandia Peak is a relaxing ski area that is great for learning.
5. Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the country's most breathtaking scenery from Sandia Peak's 'World's Longest Tramway,' which goes from the eastern outskirts of Albuquerque to the mountain top. During the 2.7-mile ride, you can take in an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view on your way up to Sandia Peak.

Prepare for your Ski Trip to Sandia Peak

6. Make it a point to visit the Sandia Peak and Tramway official Web site (see Resources below). Though simple, the Web site offers plenty of handy information to make your trip run smoothly. Find pricing and rates for the tramway, ski school, rentals and season tickets.
7. Check the snow reports for Sandia Peak on the resort's Web site. Doing so can help you avoid a very bad trip, as skiing without snow is never much fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Many ski lessons and classes require you to book reservations in advance. You can do so at the Ski Area's Web site (see Resources below), or by calling their general information number: 505-242-9052.
• Book your accommodations online to make use of the handy reservations and rates calendars.
• Sandia Peak is known for having old lifts that are slower than average, so especially on weekends, plan extra time for standing in line.

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