Mountain Capital Partners will be adding another New Mexico ski area to its operation.

The company announced Monday that it entered a joint venture agreement with Sandia Peak Ski Area. The company now oversees the operations of 14 ski, golf and bike resorts, including Purgatory Resort and Arizona Snowbowl.

MCP managing partner James Coleman said in a news release his work in the ski industry began in New Mexico back in 2000, when he purchased Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort near Taos.

“The foundations of our company were built on the lessons we learned from skiers and snowboarders in New Mexico,” Coleman said. “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.”

Sandia Peak Ski Area is about 30 miles northeast of Albuquerque in the Cibola National Forest.

Sandia Peak is adjacent to the Duke City. An aerial tramway called the Sandia Peak Tramway connects the ski resort and city.

MCP will take over operations of the ski area, but Sandia Companies will continue to operate the tramway and the TEN 3 restaurant located at the ski area.

Sandia Peak Ski Area offers three double chairlifts, one surface lift, 35 trails and 300 skiable acres that feature 1,700 vertical feet, and MCP is still considering upgrades. The ski area will be available through the power pass offered by MCP.

“Sandia Peak had some challenges for the last number of years with staffing, weather and aging infrastructure. Getting new partner volunteers, who are maybe going to look at things a little different and have some different motivations is what we thought needed to move that place forward,” said Sandia Peak General Manager Ben Abruzzo.

Abruzzo’s grandfather, Ben L. Abruzzo, purchased the ski area in 1958. The Abruzzo family also owns and operates Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak Tramway and TEN 3 Restaurant.

MCP Project Manager Scott Leigh said they don’t have a specific timeline as to when the resort will be operational, but are hoping to open as soon as possible.

“It's extremely close to large population base, and Albuquerque is a growing area and outdoor recreation is important there, so it made sense,” Leigh said of the agreement.

tbrown@durangoherald.com