SAM Magazine—Sandia Park, N.M., Oct. 16, 2023—Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) and Sandia Peak Ski Company have entered a joint venture agreement for the operation of Sandia Peak Ski Area, located 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque, N.M. This is MCP’s third New Mexico ski area, bringing the company’s total portfolio to 14 ski, bike, and golf resorts across the Southwest, Oregon, and Chile.Credit Sandia Peak Ski Area

MCP managing partner James Coleman said he looks forward to bringing his trademark “Skiing First” philosophy to Sandia Peak. Coleman entered the ski business in 2000 with the purchase of Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. He continued MCP’s expansion into New Mexico in 2015 with the operation of Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. 

“The foundations of our company were built on the lessons we learned from skiers and snowboarders in New Mexico,” Coleman said. “Sandia Peak presents an incredible opportunity for us to bring the best practices we’ve learned for the benefit of Albuquerque and visitors from around the region.”

Sandia Peak Ski Area includes three double chairlifts, one surface lift, 35 trails, and 300 skiable acres with 1,700 feet of vertical. The ski area didn’t open for the 2022-23 season due to staffing shortages and weather challenges, and resort officials are actively working on their operating plan, Coleman said. He added that resort upgrades are still being considered.

“Like many skiers in and around Albuquerque, the number one question we have is not if, but when, Sandia Peak will open, and we’re exploring this now,” he said.

Sandia Peak general manager Ben Abruzzo said MCP was a natural choice for him and his team as they considered who would continue the family business. Abruzzo’s grandfather, adventurer and hot air balloonist Ben L. Abruzzo, purchased the ski area in 1958. The Abruzzo family owns and operates Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak Tramway, and TEN 3 Restaurant. The tramway and restaurant are not included in deal and will continue to be operated by Sandia Companies under the direction of the Abruzzo family.

“Skiing in the Southwest offers unique challenges that have been amplified over the last several years. This partnership will help address those challenges and provide a future for skiing in Albuquerque,” Abruzzo said.

“Sandia Peak didn’t just introduce skiing to Albuquerque, this ski area brought our sport to the entire state,” Coleman said. “Generations of skiers have been recreating at Sandia since 1936, and I am honored to continue that legacy while building on the many successes that Ben Abruzzo and his family have cultivated.”

All Sandia Peak Ski Area staffing will remain in place, and MCP is actively recruiting for key leadership roles.

Sandia will introduce a new season pass lineup and will be included on MCP’s Power Pass providing pass holders with unlimited access to Sandia Peak, Sipapu and Pajarito, with limited access at Purgatory, Colo., and more.