At This Resort, The Owner is Driving A Snowcat, Turning Wrenches, and Fixing Broken Fences

At Ski Santa Fe, the third-generation owner Ben Abruzzo has been observed driving a snowcat and turning wrenches on chairlifts, according to the article. During a lift ride on November 2, 2026, Abruzzo interrupted his tour of the New Mexico-based resort to direct staff via walkie-talkie to address a squeaky chairlift, a groomer in need of maintenance, and a fallen safety fence. The mountain, which his family has owned since the mid-1980s, is described as “woven into the very fabric of” Abruzzo, who has worked on the property since age 12.

Abruzzo, who took over the resort before the COVID-19 pandemic, requires senior staff to be “well-versed in the blue-collar side of things,” including himself. His family’s ownership dates to 1985, following his grandfather’s purchase of the Sandia Peak Ski Area in the late 1950s. The resort, located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, receives over 200 inches of snowfall annually and sees around 20 powder days. Staff members, including the grooming and operations managers, have worked at the resort for thirty years, with Abruzzo citing a “familial sensibility” as a reason for their longevity.

Owner’s Hands-On Management

Abruzzo’s involvement extends beyond oversight. The report notes he drives snowcats and performs manual repairs, a practice he enforces for all senior staff. During the November 2 ride, he apologized mid-interview to issue instructions, emphasizing the constant need for maintenance on a mountain that welcomes roughly 250,000 visitors yearly. His father, grandfather, and uncles also worked the property, with the family’s history deeply tied to the resort’s operations.

Family Legacy and Staff Loyalty

The Abruzzo family’s stewardship of Ski Santa Fe includes a focus on community and long-term staff relationships. Abruzzo stated, “We treat our folks right,” attributing the loyalty of employees to this philosophy. The mountain’s ticketing manager, for instance, has 32 years of service. The resort’s location, about a 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, is described as “the only ski area in the vicinity,” with a dedicated road crew managing the two-lane access road.

Challenges of a Remote Location

Despite its popularity, Ski Santa Fe faces logistical hurdles. Abruzzo acknowledged that snowy days and weekends can impact commute times, though the road crew works to maintain access. The resort’s remote setting underscores the importance of its staff’s expertise and commitment. However, the article does not address how Abruzzo’s hands-on approach or the family’s long-term ownership will shape the resort’s future amid evolving industry pressures.

Source: Skimag