ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – This week’s snowstorm has been a boon for New Mexico ski resorts so much so that a handful are opening weeks earlier this usual including the Sandia Peak Ski Area that’s opening months earlier than expected. “For November, the first week of November this much snow to where Sandia is opening tomorrow it’s like, holy smokes,” said Dakota Roller, snowboarder.
Pajarito Mountain to open on Saturday
Sandia Peak Ski Area said its historic November 9 opening comes as they were originally planning a late December start. With a November opening, skiers and snowboarders can expect a different type of terrain on the slopes. “This weekend is gonna be a little more unique for opening day and solely because we are relying on this massive snowstorm we reported three feet of snow and we will not be grooming any of the terrain,” said Kyle Sawatzke, Sandia Ski Area Marketing Team.
The food court, ski rental shop, and ski lessons won’t be available this weekend and only chair lift three will be open for more intermediate and advanced skiers. Access to the 36 trails at the ski area will depend on conditions the morning of. “So we’ll evaluate this, then as we get more snowfall and whatnot, we’re gonna move into those seven-day week operations,” said Sawatzke.