Sandia Peak Ski Area. Credit: Jak & Flux, Visit Albuquerque
The largest ski resort management company in the Southwest adds its third ski area in NM
Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) and Sandia Peak Ski Company have announced a joint venture agreement for the operation of Sandia Peak Ski Area, located near Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the company’s third New Mexico ski area, bringing the total portfolio to 14 ski, bike, and golf resorts across the Southwest, Oregon, and Chile.
MCP managing partner James Coleman said his work in the ski industry began in New Mexico back in 2000 when he purchased Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort near Taos. He continued expansion into New Mexico in 2015 when MCP began operating Los Alamos’ Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and he said he looks forward to bringing his trademark “Skiing First” philosophy to Sandia Peak.
“The foundations of our company were built on the lessons we learned from skiers and snowboarders in New Mexico. Sandia Peak presents an incredible opportunity for us to bring the best practices we’ve learned for the benefit of Albuquerque and visitors from around the region.”
– James Coleman
Located in the Sandia Mountains just 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque and operating on Cibola National Forest, Sandia Peak is known for its close proximity to the Duke City – the ski area and city are connected by the Sandia Peak Tramway, an aerial tramway with the world’s third longest single span. The Tramway and adjoining TEN 3 Restaurant are not included in the Sandia Peak Ski Area special permit and will continue to be operated by Sandia Companies under the direction of the Abruzzo family.
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Sandia Peak Ski Area offers three double chairlifts, one surface lift, 35 trails, and 300 skiable acres that feature 1,700 vertical feet. Resort upgrades are still being considered, although MCP confirmed Sandia will introduce a new season pass lineup that’s headlined by MCP’s flagship product, the Power Pass. Power Pass Core guests will enjoy unlimited access to Sandia Peak, Sipapu, and Pajarito, with limited access at Purgatory Resort and more. Power Kids, the no-strings-attached FREE season pass for kids ages 12 and younger, will include access to Sandia Peak in addition to MCP’s 11 additional ski areas and bike parks.
Staffing shortages and weather challenges have kept the ski area closed since 2022, and resort officials are actively working on their operating plan, Coleman said. “Like many skiers in and around Albuquerque, the number one question we have is not if – but when – Sandia Peak will open, and we’re exploring this now,” he said.
Sandia Peak general manager Ben Abruzzo said MCP was a natural choice for him and his team as they considered who would continue the family business. Abruzzo’s grandfather, adventurer, and hot air balloonist Ben L. Abruzzo, purchased the ski area in 1958. The Abruzzo family owns and operates Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak Tramway, and TEN 3 Restaurant.
“Skiing in the Southwest offers unique challenges that have been amplified over the last several years. This partnership will help address those challenges and provide a future for skiing in Albuquerque,” Abruzzo said.
“Sandia Peak didn’t just introduce skiing to Albuquerque, this ski area brought our sport to the entire state,” Coleman said. “Generations of skiers have been recreating at Sandia since 1936, and I am honored to continue that legacy while building on the many successes that Ben Abruzzo and his family have cultivated.”
All Sandia Peak Ski Area staffing will remain in place, and MCP is actively recruiting for key leadership roles. Open positions and their job descriptions will be posted at mcp.ski.
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For more than two decades, MCP, the Southwest’s largest ski resort management company, has strengthened its position in the region, acquiring, building, developing and successfully growing resorts in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Texas and, most recently, Lee Canyon Resort, located outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. One year ago, MCP introduced a new geographical region to the company with the addition of Willamette Pass Resort in Oregon, and added its first international resort in March 2023 when MCP became the majority owner of Valle Nevado near Santiago Chile, the largest ski resort in the Americas.
About Sandia Peak Ski Area
Sandia Peak Ski Area, originally La Madera Ski Area, is located in the Sandia Mountains in the Cibola National Forest. It is New Mexico’s first ski area, opening to skiers in 1936 and has long been where Albuquerque learns to ski and ride.
About Mountain Capital Partners
Headquartered in Durango, Colo., Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) owns and manages 14 ski resorts (the third largest operator behind Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain CO.), bike parks and golf courses: Purgatory Resort (CO), Arizona Snowbowl (AZ), Brian Head Resort (UT), Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort (NM), Nordic Valley Ski Resort (UT), Pajarito Mountain Ski Area (NM), Hesperus Ski Area (CO), Willamette Pass Resort (OR), Valle Nevado (Chile), Lee Canyon (NV), Sandia Peak Ski Area (NM), Spider Mountain Bike Park (TX) and Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation, Purgatory Snowcat Adventures (CO). In spring 2023, MCP announced its purchase of Silver Creek Golf Course (AZ), which includes the oversight of neighboring Bison Golf Club (AZ). In total, the ski and bike resorts feature 8,000 acres of terrain; more than 500 trails, 70 and 20 terrain parks; and over 35,000 acres of backcountry snowcat skiing. Since 2015, MCP has invested more than $75 million at its resorts, including new chairlifts, snowmaking and other capital improvements. For more information, visit mcp.ski.
Trail map.
Four more states began their early voting processes on Tuesday: Indiana, New Mexico, Wyoming and the major swing state of Ohio.
Here is everything you need to know about casting a ballot in each of the states.
All eyes on the Senate race in Ohio
Ohio is home to one of the most competitive Senate races on the map.
Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown has won the Midwestern state three times, but with Trump pushing White working-class voters toward the GOP and record spending from both parties, this is set to be a tight race. Brown faces Republican businessman Bernie Moreno.
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Republicans have made inroads in the northeastern and heavily industrial areas bordering Pennsylvania. Trumbull County flipped to the GOP in 2016, and Trump increased his margin to 10 points in 2020; Mahoning County flipped in 2020 by almost two points. These counties played a key role in Trump’s statewide wins.
Democrats are performing better than ever in the “three C’s”: Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. These areas have the highest percentages of college-educated voters. President Biden won the counties home to these cities by double-digit margins in 2020, with roughly 30-point wins in Franklin (Columbus) and Cuyahoga (Cleveland).
Unlike in other competitive states, Republicans still hold up in Ohio’s suburban and exurban areas, particularly those surrounding Cincinnati.
Ohio’s Senate race is a toss-up and the presidential race is ranked Likely R on the Fox News Power Rankings.
Vice President Harris and former President Trump are neck and neck in the polls.(Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, New Mexico is also in the “likely” column, both at the presidential and senate level. The state delivered Biden an 11-point win in 2020, but Latino or Hispanic voters made up 35% of the state’s electorate in the 2020 election, and those voters’ support for the Democrat ticket has wavered in recent polls.
Republicans would need to run up their margins with these voters all across the state and keep Harris at bay in places like Doña Ana County, home to Albuquerque and which last voted for Biden by 18 points, to pull off a victory.
Key downballot races in today’s early voting states
Voting also begins today in four House districts ranked Lean or Toss Up on the Fox News Power Rankings. For a full list of competitive races, see the latest Senate and House rankings.
Indiana’s 1st District: Democrat Rep. Frank Mrvan has held this northwest Indiana district since the last presidential election; he won it by 5.6 points in the midterms. This year, he faces Republican Lake County Councilman Randy Niemeyer. It’s Lean D in the Power Rankings.
New Mexico’s 2nd District: New Mexico’s 2nd District occupies most of the southwest land area of the state. It includes Las Cruces and parts of Albuquerque, but it also has a chunk of the rural vote. Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez won the district by just 1,350 votes in the midterms; this year, he faces the seat’s former Republican occupant, Yvette Herrell. This is a Power Rankings Toss Up.
Ohio’s 9th District: This northwestern Ohio seat has been held by populist Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur since 1983, but her margins have shrunk as Ohio has drifted right. She faces conservative Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin on the ballot this year; it’s another Power Rankings Toss Up.
Ohio’s 13th District: Finally, the northeastern 13th District includes Youngstown and parts of Akron; it has been represented by Democrat Rep. Emilia Sykes since 2023. Sykes faces Republican former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin this year. It’s also a Toss Up.
How to vote in Indiana
This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for Indiana.
Voting by mail
Indiana began absentee voting on Tuesday. Residents do not need to provide an excuse in order to receive a ballot. State officials must receive a ballot request by Oct. 24, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
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Early in-person voting
Indiana offers early in-person voting beginning Oct. 8 and running through Nov. 4.
Voter registration
Indiana residents must have registered to vote by Oct. 7.
A voter arrives at a polling location. Indiana began absentee voting on Tuesday. (REUTERS/Joel Page)
How to vote in New Mexico
This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for New Mexico.
Voting by mail
New Mexico began absentee voting on Tuesday. Residents do not need to provide an excuse in order to receive a ballot. State officials must receive a ballot request by Oct. 22, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
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Early in-person voting
New Mexico offers early in-person voting beginning Oct. 8 and running through Nov. 2.
Voter registration
New Mexico residents must register to vote by the end of Tuesday.
How to vote in Ohio
This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for Ohio.
Voting by mail
Ohio began absentee voting on Tuesday. Residents do not need to provide an excuse in order to receive a ballot. State officials must receive a ballot request by Oct. 29, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
Early in-person voting
Ohio offers early in-person voting beginning Oct. 8 and running through Nov. 3.
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Voter registration
Ohio residents must have registered to vote by Oct. 7.
Republican presidential nominee former President Trump returns to speak at a campaign rally at the site of his July 21 attempted assassination in Butler, Pa.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
How to vote in Wyoming
This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for Wyoming.
Voting by mail
Wyoming began absentee voting on Tuesday. Residents do not need to provide an excuse in order to receive a ballot. State officials must receive a ballot request by Nov. 4, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
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Early in-person voting
Wyoming offers early in-person voting beginning Oct. 8 and running through Nov. 4.
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Voter registration
Wyoming residents must register to vote by mail by Oct. 21. They can register to vote in person at any time during early voting or on election day.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
A New Mexico man has accepted a plea deal in the 2023 shooting of a Native American activist protesting a conquistador statue, lawyers said on Monday, in a case that highlighted rising political violence in the United States.
Ryan Martinez pleaded no contest to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault for shooting activist Jacob Johns and pointing his handgun at Malaya Peixinho, another demonstrator, according to his lawyer Nicole Moss. He will serve four years in state prison.
“He is still maintaining that he acted in self-defense,” Moss said, adding that Martinez would likely serve under three years in prison by accruing good time, followed by five years probation.
Mariel Nanasi, a lawyer representing Johns and Peixinho, called the shooting “a racially motivated hate crime by a MAGA-proud gun-toting crazed man who came to a peaceful prayer ceremony with a fully loaded live gun.”
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Martinez was at the protest wearing a red cap with the Donald Trump slogan “Make America Great Again.” He was originally charged with attempted murder, which carries up to 15 years in prison.
“This is a continuation of colonial violence. Unfortunately, this criminal process is reflective of the systemic white supremacy that indigenous people face,” Johns said in a statement, adding that as a Native American he would have been sentenced to life imprisonment for shooting someone at a MAGA rally or a Christian prayer service.
New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack Altwies offered the plea deal to Martinez.
“The resolution is in the best interests of justice and the community,” she said in a statement.
Johns, a global climate activist and artist, was shot as he tried to prevent Martinez from pushing his way into the vigil in Espanola, New Mexico, opposing reinstallation of the statue of a 16th century Spanish colonial ruler.
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The Juan de Onate bronze was removed in 2020 from a site just north of Espanola during nationwide anti-racism protests and was to be reinstated at a county complex in the town.
Peixinho called the plea deal inappropriately light.
“However it shows our desire for conflict resolution,” Peixinho said in a statement.
The shooting marked the latest violence around Onate statues put up in the 1990s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Spaniards to New Mexico.
The monuments have long outraged Native Americans and others who decry his brutal 1598 colonization. Onate is known for the 1599 massacre of a Pueblo tribe, leading a group of Spanish settlers into what is now New Mexico.
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Some descendants of Spanish colonial settlers, known as Hispanos, say Onate should be celebrated as part of New Mexico’s Hispanic heritage.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new KOB 4/SurveyUSA poll shows that incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez has a solid lead over Republican challenger Yvette Herrell.
We asked voters in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, “If the election was held today, who would you vote for?” Here were the results:
This race is a rematch of two years ago when Vasquez beat Herrell when she was the incumbent. Vasquez has served CD-2 since winning in 2022, representing much of southern New Mexico, including communities like Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Silver City and Las Cruces, and parts of the Albuquerque metro like the West Side and the South Valley.
We asked voters, “What is your opinion on Gabe Vasquez?”
There are many issues that are playing into elections across the board so we asked CD-2 voters, “Which of these issues will have the most influence on your vote for the U.S. House of Representatives?”
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