ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The sun is out and so are the skiers and snowboarders at Sandia Peak Ski Area. Man-made snow here and at other ski areas around the state is helping keep more runs open during this warmer than usual December.

“It’s very fun. I like the weather. It’s very sunny today,” said Carlos Morales, a skier. 

Morales and his family were out getting some practice runs in on the slopes Tuesday afternoon. He and several others were enjoying the snow and the sun. 

“Pretty good. It was a little hot, for sure. I kind of like it because I’m not freezing. I was able to wear my sunglasses and not the goggles, just because it wasn’t too crazy cold today. But it was nice. It was perfect weather,” said Hector Salazar, a snowboarder. 

Salazar says now that Sandia Peak Ski Area is open seven days a week, it’s the perfect time to practice your skills since these slopes are not too crowded.

Ski New Mexico Executive Director Christy Germscheid says things are expected to pick up over the holidays. 

“I think we probably have had slightly slower numbers on weekends and things since Thanksgiving when a lot of the resorts opened now. But Christmas is always rocking up here. We have very loyal Christmas guests,” said Germscheid. 

She says it’s too soon to tell how the season is doing compared to years past. But the early snow pack from November helped lay the groundwork for snow machines. 

“Expanding terrain, opening new terrain, has taken longer, been a little more limited based on the snowfall or lack of natural snow. So we’re hoping that Mother Nature kicks in here real soon,” Germscheid said. 

Germscheid says every ski area in the state has snow machines. Crews at Sandia Peak Ski Area say they’ve been able to make enough snow to get almost all the runs open. 

Snowboarders and skiers don’t seem to mind where the snow comes from.

“It feels good. The man-made snow, you could definitely feel that it’s a little bit harsher, it’s a little bit firmer. So if you were to take a fall, maybe hurt a little bit more, but it felt pretty good the whole time,” said Salazar. 

Everyone is hoping for Mother Nature to give more snow but if not crews are just waiting for the perfect conditions to make more. 

Utah continues to strengthen its receiving corps with the addition of Ryan Davis, a talented wide receiver from New Mexico. Davis announced his commitment to the Utes, marking a significant boost to their offensive depth.

Davis was a standout performer for the Lobos last season, finishing as the team’s second-leading receiver. He totaled 54 receptions for 747 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make plays in crucial moments. His production extended to games against Power 4 competition, with Davis recording 12 catches for 181 yards in matchups against Arizona, Auburn, and Washington State. This ability to perform against high-level opponents highlights his potential impact at Utah.

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Davis is a versatile slot receiver with the capability to stretch the field and contribute at all levels of the passing game. His sure hands and reliable route-running were evident as he recorded at least one catch in each of New Mexico’s final 11 games. Davis also has a track record of academic success, earning Mountain West All-Academic and Scholar-Athlete honors.

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Davis is the third player to transfer from New Mexico to Utah, joining a pipeline established by Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck and wide receivers coach Micah Simon. His familiarity with their system should ease his transition to the Utes’ offense.

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Before his time at New Mexico, Davis played at UAB, where he contributed for three seasons. His experience across multiple programs adds valuable depth and leadership to Utah’s wide receiver room.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Davis brings experience, consistency, and a competitive edge to a Utah team that continues to bolster its offensive firepower heading into the upcoming season.