Alpine coaster a real plus for New Mexico tourism

I READ the front-page article in the Sunday Journal (April 11) regarding the proposed Sandia Coaster, and I wanted to share some thoughts.

It seems that there is a perception that the coaster is similar to a roller coaster that one would find at (an) amusement park. I would encourage people to educate themselves as to the differences between the two. Support or opposition to the coaster should be based partially on these facts. An internet search will provide that information.

The coaster is proposed for a very small portion of ski area leased land. The Sandia Peak Ski and Tram Co. has been in existence for decades, and the environmental footprint already exists. The tram, restaurant, ski area and mountain bike trails are present and have been responsibly managed by the ski and tram company for years. I question whether the addition of the coaster would have any negative impact on the forest or the sacred aspect of the mountain.

There are over 37,000 acres in the Sandias that are designated wilderness. For those of us who want the solitude of the wilderness, there is ample opportunity away from more heavily trafficked areas.

In recent years the relative lack of snow has been problematic for the ski area. The number of skier days has greatly diminished over the years. Many ski areas throughout the world have added other year-round recreational opportunities such as mountain bike trails, scenic chairlift rides, coasters and alpine slides.

The ski and tram company is a boon to the New Mexico tourism industry. The tram provides easy, fun access to the top of the mountain. They provide many jobs for local people. I believe the positive aspects of the alpine coaster far outweigh the negatives. Further environmental studies are unwise and unnecessary, in my view. STEVE ROHOLT Albuquerque