Thank you for checking out our Frequently Asked Questions!

What months do the chairlifts run?

The chairlifts run during winter operations if the ski area is open for skiing and boarding. In the winter, the ski area is open Friday-Sunday and Holidays. We do not have any Fall or Summer chairlift rides.

Can you access the ski area using the Tram?

Yes, you can use the tram to access the ski area! To do so, you will need to have your own equipment and have intermediate skills to get down the mountain.

Are there lessons and rentals available?

We have lessons for both skiing and snowboarding. We have rentals for skis/boots, boards/boots and helmets. For lesson pricing, please click here . We do recommend making reservations for lessons and equipment is given out as first come, first serve. You can find additional information about our lessons HERE.

Do you offer tubing, sledding or Snow Bikes?

Sandia Peak Ski Area does not allow any tubing, sledding or snow bikes.

How should my ski boots feel?

When trying the boots on, your toes should barely touch the front of the boot when standing up and should pull back slightly when you bend your knees.  The boots should fit snuggly around your foot.  If the boots are loose (more comfortable) it will be harder for you to control the ski.  Finally, don’t tuck your pants or if you have ski pants, the powder cuff into the boot it will hurt as soon as you start to move around.

How should my snowboard boots feel?

Snowboard boots should have a performance fit.  Unlike everyday shoes it is ok for your toes to touch the end of the boot while wearing a single pair of socks.  However, you do not want your toes curled or compressed by the boot.  Once the inner liner and the boot laces/boa are tightened your heel should keep contact with the bottom of the boot even when flexing your knees over your toes.

How many people are in a group lesson?

Generally speaking, there are no more than 7 students in a lesson.  Family and Kinder packages being exceptions with only four to a class.

Do I need ski poles?

At the beginner level, poles are handy for moving around the flat areas but in many cases are more of a hinderance than an aid.  We usually start adults with poles and children without poles.  If you are having trouble getting the hang of it your instructor might ask you to try without them.  Pole use will be introduced at the Green Slope level

Why don’t you offer snowboard lessons for children under seven years old?

Actually, we do offer lessons for the younger ones, it just must be a private lesson and they have to come with their own equipment.  Sandia Peak doesn’t have the specialized rental equipment needed for teaching the smaller snowboarders. 

Do I need a helmet?

There is no requirement to wear a helmet.  It is however a really good idea.  You will notice all of the skiing and snowboarding professionals at Sandia Peak wear helmets

Why are age groups important when learning to ski or snowboard?

Over time, we have noticed that 4-year-olds learn differently than 7-year old’s which learn differently than 14-year old’s etc.  Physical maturation makes a big difference also.  Grouping by age works generally but our instructors are trained to be flexible.

Why are some lessons 2 hours and others 4 hours?

The 4-hour lessons are built with Never-Ever and beginner skiers and snowboarders in mind.  It is our experience that most people need about 4 hours to learn enough to be comfortable skiing or boarding on our beginner terrain.  The more advanced students usually like to get some tips and then go out and practice, hence the 2-hour lessons.  All of our 2-hour lessons can be extended an additional 2 hours if there is sufficient time left in the day. 

What time should I arrive for my lesson?

If you are using our rental equipment, you should plan to arrive at 8AM for a 9-9:30 lesson and no later than 9:30 for an 11-11:30 lesson.  If you are bringing your own equipment, 30 minutes before lesson time is sufficient. 

Do you offer lunches for the children in our lessons?

No.  We will give your children back to you for lunch breaks.  You need to plan to be there to pick them up when they break for lunch.  Their instructor will tell you when the lunch break is planned.  When your children meet their instructor, you will be given a numbered card.  You or whomever is picking up your child needs to bring that card with them to get the child.