Sandia Snowshoe Classic

22nd Sandia Snowshoe Classic 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026

Sandia Snowshoe Classic History

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.

Former and current event directors – Jeff Young (2001-2005), Lou Romero (2014-2017), Steve Roholt (2019-2020), Mike Madden (2022-present)

Early Years

Newspaper article and T-shirt from 2001 event
Newspaper article and T-shirt from 2002 event

Newspaper article and T-shirt from 2003 event.

Newspaper articles and T-shirt from 2004 and 2005 events both labeled as fourth annual. Was 2004 event canceled?
T-shirts from 2008, 2012, and 2014 events.

Recent Years

Click to watch KOB 4 interview Michelle Hummel and Karl Walczak, winners of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 events.

Photos and videos from recent events can be accessed by clicking on a photo below.

2019 – Michelle leads the pack on Switchback Trail
2020 – Racers Rarin’ to go
2022 – Happy racers
2023 – They’re off!
2024 – Who said it was winter?
2025 – Are we having fun yet?

for recent winter pictures from the mountain see: Sandia Mountains Winter Scenes