FOSM has sponsored this January event under a Forest Service permit since 2001 with cancellations in 2018 (lack of snow) and 2021 (COVID). Registration fees are set to provide modest net income after expenses. Generous sponsors provide refreshments and “swag” for the participants. Registration is limited to 175 participants.
Former director Lou Romero (2014-2017) has published a brief history of the event. The intention has always been that the event be a fun time for participants of all ages and skiils, but elite racers participate and some pointed out a couple of years ago that the course was a little short of a 5K (3.2 miles) race. Because of this, we stopped calling it the Sandia Snowshoe Race and began referring to it as the Sandia Snowshoe Classic. Nonetheless, in 2024 we lengthened the course to a full 5K using a section of the Tram service road and hired professional timing experts and their equipment.
Photos and videos from recent events can be accessed by clicking on a photo below.
for recent winter pictures from the mountain see: Sandia Mountains Winter Scenes
