Taking a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway near Albuquerque is a unique experience, especially with the charismatic guide, Terrance Tsosie, also known as “Positive Terrance.” Tsosie has been guiding passengers on this attraction for 9 years, sharing that the journey spans 2.7 miles with a 4,000-feet gain to reach the mountain’s summit. Lasting about 15 minutes, Tsosie keeps passengers entertained with jokes and stories, often mentioning the tram’s reputation for romance, including weddings and proposals.
Dealing with varying weather conditions, such as strong winds and snow, adds challenges to Tsosie’s role. The tram operators are tasked with maintenance and snow removal at the mountain peak, sometimes requiring them to ride outside on top of the cable car. Despite the demanding tasks, Tsosie finds moments of awe in the breathtaking views of clouds, sunsets, mountains, and the city.
When feeling low, Tsosie finds solace in a favorite quote from the Old Testament, citing, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” The article featured an interview with Terrance Tsosie by weather.com producer and editor Dan Wright, while Weather.com staff writer Jan Childs covers news and features regarding weather, space, climate change, the environment, and more.
