[NMCCSC] Sandia Ski outing

[Amy Mathis]

Happy New year skiers!
On New Years Eve day I decided to park at the Sandia Ski area and skin up to the top to check out the snow conditions.  It is a low snow year to be sure, but I love our little mountain with its varied terrain and expansive vistas.  There were about 8 other folks out doing the same thing, so I kept my distance and did not follow too closely to others.  I enjoyed the peacefulness of the solo walk up the mountain as I traversed up Cibola Ridge and then on to Inhibition.  I wasn't sure where to descend as the cover at the top was extremely thin.  I decided to go down Exhibition.  As a new tele skier, I found about an 1-2 inches of fresh powder (oh boy not much!), making for some lovely turns near the top.  I didn't have the confidence in the terrain to fully enjoy it though as there were many rocks and other obstacles to deal with.  I got hung up on some rocks near the top that gouged my skis.  As I neared the bottom, the snow conditions were much deeper from snow-making capabilities, but due to the snow-cat tracks that had iced over in places, the terrain was pretty cruddy and treacherous.  In some places I had to side-ski down through the crud.  All in all, I enjoyed the few places of powder that I could find, the solitude of the mountain, and the vigorous exercise.  I don't think I will try that again unless we get more snow.  My son's Ski Patrol instructor informed us that Sandia will not be able to open this year unless they receive another 12 inches of snow.  So...if you are curious about Sandia Ski, ski it at your own risk and know that your skis may not be happy with your decision.  Ski Sante Fe is scheduled to open the rest of their mountain today, but it doesn't look like there is a ton of snow coverage near the top there either.  Yesterday I got hung up on some rocks off of Thunderbird run.  
-Amy
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