Bob Nordhaus, who returned to Albuquerque from Yale University in 1935, was a major force in the early history of the Sandia Peak Ski Area. He and friends skied the Sandias at Tree Spring. In the summer of 1937, after the Forest Service agreed to develop a ski area further up from Tree Spring, a few trails were cleared at the top of the Crest for the new ski area, originally called La Madera and later changed to Sandia Peak. Until a truck engine was used to pull a rope tow in 1937, the only way to ski from Sandia Peak was to hike or ski, by attaching skins to the skis for traction, up to the Crest. A second rope tow was added in 1938. The first T-bar lift was installed in 1946, and the old rope tows were phased out. A double chairlift was installed in 1963. Today, Sandia Peak has four chairlifts, two surface lifts, and 25 miles of trails. Skiers can reach Sandia Peak via Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, Highway 536, and Sandia Peak Tramway. It is an active area with all the amenities for winter skiing and summer enjoyment. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a day lodge in 1938, which was replaced by the current day lodge in 1983.