Comments sought on Sandia coaster project

Ranger district taking public input on ski area attraction until March 30

The Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is inviting the public to offer comments on the proposed Mountain Coaster project at the Sandia Peak Ski Area.

The proposed mountain coaster would begin and end near the top terminal of Sandia Peak’s Ski Area’s Chair lift #2 and the top terminal of the Sandia Peak Tramway.

The coaster would be gravity-powered with cars similar to bobsleds attached to tracks. The ride would end with an ascent back to the starting point. The proposed mountain coaster would cross existing ski and mountain biking trails managed by Sandia Peak Ski Area.

The existing Rob’s Run ski trail, and portions of the existing Fred’s Run and Inhibition ski trails, would be closed to avoid conflicts between users of the existing and proposed infrastructure.

In addition, four or five switchbacks on the existing Golden Eagle mountain biking trail would be rerouted to accommodate the proposed mountain coaster.

No national forest service managed trails would be crossed, closed or rerouted for the proposed mountain coaster.

A terminal building, for mountain coaster operations and for storage and maintenance, along with a yurt-like structure serving limited food and beverage options are also being proposed. For more information on the project visit, fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56985.

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is requesting public comments by March 30, 2021.

Written comments should be submitted to Crystal Powell, District Ranger, Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, 11776 Hwy 337, Tijeras, N.M., 87059, Attention: Bryan West

Electronic comments can be submitted to: https://cara.ecosystemmanagement.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=56985.