Feb. 12—Sandia Peak Ski Area opened Saturday under a new operator for the first time since the 2020-21 ski season.
Sandia had been closed for the 2021-22 season and in September 2022 canceled the 2022-23 ski season at the ski area near Albuquerque, citing staffing shortages and dismal snow.
The Abruzzo family, which also owns Ski Santa Fe, has owned and operated Sandia Peak since 1958. The Abruzzos entered into a joint venture in October with Durango, Colo.-based Mountain Capital Partners, which also owns and operates Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort south of Taos and Pajarito Mountain in Los Alamos.
Mountain Capital entered into a 50-50 ownership with Abruzzo at that time, but as of Friday, Mountain Capital has full ownership and is operating the ski area atop the Sandia Mountains at the terminus of the Sandia Peak Tramway. The Abruzzos still own the tramway and restaurants atop the mountain, Mountain Capital's Stacey Glaser said.
"The reopening of Sandia Peak was never an 'if' but a 'when' for this team," said Scott Leigh, Sandia Peak and Mountain Capital Partners project manager, in a news release.
All ski terrain is open, and operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 19.
Lift tickets for Saturday and Sunday start at $79, and tickets will be available starting at $19 on select dates throughout the season. All tickets, ski school lessons and rentals must be pre-purchased online at sandia.ski.