21-02-2025
Plans for Sandia Peak mountain coaster will not move forward
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was supposed to be a transformative theme park-like ride built on the top of the Sandia Mountains, but the dream of a Sandia Peak Mountain coaster has now been extinguished. 'I think we can sum it up that we are not going to pursue the mountain coaster,' said Gary Forrest General manager, Sandia Peak Ski Area.
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Sandia Peak first sparked the idea a decade ago in the hopes of bringing more thrill seekers to Albuquerque's iconic mountains. Now, the long-discussed mountain coaster is no longer part of the picture for ski area managers.
The official end, for now, came several weeks ago when Bernalillo County Commissioners voted to terminate the possibility of issuing industrial revenue bonds for the project which was first approved in 2016.
Since then, the Sandia Peak Ski Area is now under new management with different ideas. 'It's not the vision that we want to portray for this mountain. We want to portray it as a ski area and improve the facilities that have been here as opposed to just try and replace it with different things,' said Forrest.
Mountain Capital Partners is now going on nearly two years of running the ski area and says it's focused on getting more people there for their more classic thrills.
'If you want to have a real thrill, you need to come up and learn how to ski and board and that's way better than a mountain coaster. It's a sport, what I call a life sport, that if you understand how to use the tools that are provided for you, is life-changing. It's amazing' said Forrest.
They're also looking to upgrade the lodging area, lift chairs and snow-making machines in the future. 'And this winter, if anything, it's just showing people in Albuquerque that we're going to do whatever is possible to keep it open as long as possible,' said Forrest.
Right now, a lack of snow has closed the ski area but crews say they're making more snow with hopes to reopen again this season.
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