Sandia Peak

Located high above Albuquerque in the Sandia Mountains, Sandia Peak Ski Area is one of America's most easily accessible ski resorts from a big city. The most distinctive is the iconic Sandia Peak Tramway, which in less than 20 minutes takes skiers over 1,200 metres of altitude directly from the outskirts of the city up to the ski area – an unusual contrast between desert and alpine winter landscape.

The skiing is mainly suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, with long cruisers and smooth slopes rather than extreme steep skiing. At the same time, good snowfall on weekdays can attract more experienced skiers who are looking for calmer conditions. Weekends tend to be more frequented, and the lift system is largely of an older model.

Sandia Peak is New Mexico's oldest ski area, with roots dating back to the 1930s, and has a clear place in the region's ski culture. The combination of high altitude, panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and the peculiar access makes the experience unique, even for experienced skiers.

At the top station is the TEN 3 restaurant, often described as America's highest fine dining restaurant, which helps many visitors combine skiing with sightseeing. The resort also serves as a year-round destination with hiking, cycling and sightseeing trips during the summer.

Sandia Peak is not a large-scale ski resort in the classic sense, but rather a historically and geographically unique ski area where accessibility, views and local character are at least as important as the skiing itself.