Historian Raffi Andonian shares history of skiing in New Mexico

Historian Raffi Andonian detailed the rise of winter sports across New Mexico during an interview. The state marks Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month during January. The local winter sports season is currently in full swing.

The state’s earliest slopes were in the Sandia Mountains, according to Andonian. Winter recreation expanded from those early trails into broader mountain regions. It grew over time.

Andonian noted that the first destination ski resort in the United States opened in Sun Valley, Idaho. That site opened during the 1930s. It was the first resort to feature luxury accommodations.

The Idaho destination used celebrities to create exposure, Andonian said. This showed that the sport was acceptable. It also showed people that these trips offered luxury.

According to Andonian, that same site was the first place to utilize a chair lift. Ski areas across New Mexico followed with modern developments on local peaks.

A destination ski resort provides dedicated lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation on mountain terrain. Chair lifts carry visitors up mountain slopes for winter sports activities.

Modern recreational sites include the Sandia Peak Ski Area, which offers access for year-round outdoor recreation. New Mexico maintains slopes across several mountain locations.