A crisp December morning greets Sandia Peak Ski Area on December 21, 2025, with overnight lows dipping to a mild 29°F. Sandia Peak Ski Area is a ski resort located in New Mexico offering 37 trails for skiing and snowboarding.
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Unfortunately, early-season skiers will find limited terrain, as the snowpack depth sits at just 2 inches—staggeringly 79% below average for this time of year. With a Snow Water Equivalent of only 0.8 inches, the mountain is still eagerly awaiting a substantial storm to kick off the season in earnest. No significant snowfall is forecasted in the coming days, and all primary lifts remain closed as operators monitor weather conditions and continue snowmaking where possible.
Despite the meager snow, there's buzz in the air: for the first time since 2022, Sandia Peak has reopened under new management by Mountain Capital Partners. The change in operations has brought renewed optimism, with the ski area aiming to run all lifts this season once conditions permit. Visitors should note recent power outages and a dramatic tram incident earlier this year—a reminder that while the mountain is open, operations are still stabilizing. Locals are hopeful that a late-December snowstorm could turn things around, but for now, thrill-seekers may want to keep their skis waxed and ready for better days ahead.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Quemazon.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Sandia Peak Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sandia Peak Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Sandia Peak Ski Area is located in the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. The most pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Sandia Mountains: The ski area is situated in the Sandia Mountains, which are part of the southern Rocky Mountains in New Mexico. The Sandia Mountains offer a range of terrain for skiing and snowboarding, with elevations reaching up to 10,678 feet at Sandia Crest.
2. South-facing slopes: The ski area primarily features south-facing slopes, which can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. This aspect can impact the quality and condition of the snow, as well as the overall skiing experience.
3. Northeast-facing slopes: While the majority of the ski area faces south, there are also some northeast-facing slopes that can offer different skiing conditions and challenges. These slopes may receive less direct sunlight and may hold onto snow longer, providing a different experience for skiers and snowboarders.
Overall, the varied terrain and aspects of the Sandia Peak Ski Area in the Sandia Mountains provide a diverse and exciting experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
The resort's best trails are considered to be Nose Dive, Loki, and Devil's Elbow. An interesting fact about this resort is that it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. For beginners, the easiest trail is called the "Easy Street" which is a 0.6-mile long trail. For après ski, the best bar is the Double Eagle Restaurant and Bar, which offers a stunning view of the Sandia Mountains while serving delicious food and drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 52. west wind 10 to 15 mph.
New Mexico ski conditions remain mostly stable with minimal recent snowfall and limited snow in the forecast. The only notable accumulation in the past 24 hours occurred at Hopewell (near Chama), reporting 1.0" of fresh snow and a solid 13" snowpack—the deepest in the state. With a modest 1" forecast for the next five days, this area remains the best ... Read more