here is another version of today:
we drove up to sandia peak to ski, arriving 8:30, and i thought the road was fine. you had to be careful, as always, going
around shady corners, but i did not find the driving stressful. we were among the cars parked along the side of the road, cuz
the parking lot was full. there was a guy helping park the cars, and it was orderly and easy.
at about 10am, as we were sitting in the lodge, it became clear that there was a mechanical issue with the lifts. i knew
the tram was running, i knew the lifts were running early in the morning, so the prognosis was no bueno. not a problem.
it was a beautiful sunny day with limited wind, so we hiked up in our ski boots for perhaps an hour -- that would be me, my
friend, and my 14-year-old son -- and then enjoyed the ski down. i often skin sandia peak, but we did not have gear
for that. heavy snow, but lots of it, and it was fun.
from what i've read, sandia will be refunding tickets (we have a pass).
i have no info about ellis, or any area above the ski area, but i would suggest driving up there early tomorrow, to avoid
what could be some traffic near the ski area.
tons of snow, just beautiful. enjoy.
pete cogan