Santa Fe ski area needs upgrades, better parking

As a dedicated season ski pass holder residing a mere 20 minutes from the Santa Fe ski basin, I feel compelled to express my concern and frustration over the current parking situation at the ski resort.

While I understand that weekend mornings can be busy, the two-hour ordeal to secure a parking spot, coupled with a 30-minute ascent up the hill and another hour and a half in a queue, is unacceptable.

The current parking system, which allows one car in only when another leaves, theoretically makes sense. However, on a recent visit, as I eagerly awaited my turn and finally entered the parking area, I was astonished to find numerous vacant spaces. I counted at least 10 to 15 available spots along the corridor leading to the first turn, and an additional five to 10 spots, including a prime location that we refrained from taking due to a friend with a handicapped parking placard.

While I didn’t traverse the entire lot to count all available spots, the sight of empty spaces left me outraged. Ski Santa Fe needs to reevaluate and streamline its parking procedures to ensure efficiency and fairness for all visitors. Furthermore, the recent installation of RFID ticket readers is a positive step forward. However, the efficiency is hampered by the frequent stops of the first lift, known as the quad.

Investing in high-speed lifts, especially at the bottom quad (a high-speed replacement will be installed after this season) and at least one of the top lifts, would significantly enhance the overall experience for skiers and expedite the process of reaching the slopes.

In addition to addressing the immediate parking and lift challenges, I urge Ski Santa Fe to consider a comprehensive overhaul of its facilities. Instead of allocating funds ineffectively, let’s invest in transforming Ski Santa Fe into a worldclass destination befitting the remarkable city of Santa Fe.

Moreover, with Santa Fe consistently ranked among the top cities to visit and live in, there is an opportunity to turn Ski Santa Fe into a year-round attraction. By making the resort accessible and enjoyable throughout the year, we can boost tourism, create jobs and further contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.

It’s time for Ski Santa Fe to not just meet expectations but exceed them, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Let’s make our local ski hill a source of pride for Santa Fe residents and a destination that attracts enthusiasts from far and wide.