Industry News
New Mexico ski areas Sandia Peak, Sipapu, and Pajarito are investing in new lifts, snowmaking infrastructure and guest amenities ahead of the 2025-26 season, in a push to extend operations and improve the skiing and riding experience across the state. The upgrades, announced this week by Power Pass Resorts, come as the mountains prepare for what they hope will be a longer and more consistent winter. The improvements focus on beginner access, snowmaking efficiency, safety, and rental equipment—key areas that can determine whether guests, especially new skiers and snowboarders, come back.
At Sandia Peak, located just 30 minutes from Albuquerque, a fully rebuilt Chair 4 and a new magic carpet are set to make the learning experience more approachable. The resort also plans to attempt the revival of Chair 2 and modernize snowmaking equipment to allow for earlier openings and better conditions.
Sipapu, near Taos, is replacing Lift 3, installing five new snowmaking hydrants on the popular Butterfly trail, and adding two high-efficiency pumps to boost production speed. The mountain has also refurbished a snowcat for improved grooming and invested $50,000 in new rental gear.
Meanwhile, Pajarito, perched above Los Alamos, is tackling long-term projects through the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project. Plans include building a pipeline from town to improve snowmaking water supply, upgrading electric and fiber optic lines, and installing advanced fire safety systems.
All three ski areas are covered under the Power Pass Core, which offers unlimited skiing and riding at the New Mexico resorts plus select benefits at other Power Pass destinations in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. The upgrades are part of a broader strategy by Power Pass Resorts to strengthen their position in the Southwest ski market by improving reliability, guest comfort and early-season access—factors that can be critical in years when snowfall is unpredictable, which is a reoccurring theme in New Mexico.
Whether it’s spontaneous laps before work or a family’s first turns, it’s clear that Power Pass wants to make it easier for people to spend time on the mountain. The 2025-26 ski season for the three resorts is expected to begin in late November, weather permitting.
