Skiing and Snowboarding in Mexico.
Mexico presents a paradoxical situation for skiing and snowboarding as a sporting activity—despite being a country where snow is common, there is little infrastructure for these winter sports.
Though Mexico is a highly mountainous territory, it is rare for most Mexicans to travel to these areas to practise snow sports during their holidays. In reality, for Mexico’s residents, these sports are elite pursuits, with only a few daring to take them on.
That said, Mexico does boast beautiful mountains and several volcanoes that offer thrilling challenges for skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, and other adventurers.
In its central plateau, we find an approximate latitude of 19°N, classifying any elevation above 4,000 metres above sea level as high-altitude terrain. With mountaineering knowledge or specialised guides, it’s possible to ski or snowboard down these high mountains during favourable seasons, depending on snowfall.
Some of Mexico’s tallest mountains:
- The Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl) in Veracruz is the highest peak in Mexico. This volcano, standing at 5,747 metres, has a snow-capped summit year-round. On its slopes, you can find ideal conditions for alpine skiing and snowboarding.
- The Popocatépetl, rising to 5,452 metres, lies on the border between the states of México, Morelos, and Puebla. Still active, it is the country’s second-highest peak and remains covered in perpetual snow.
- The Iztaccíhuatl, Popocatépetl’s neighbouring volcano, stands at 5,282 metres and spans México and Puebla states. Its name means "Sleeping Woman" due to its three peaks resembling a head, chest, and feet. This is another option for skiing and snowboarding adventurers in Mexico.
- The Nevado de Toluca (Xinantécatl), Mexico’s fourth-highest volcano, reaches 4,558 metres and is located near Toluca. This extinct volcano features two stunning crater lakes—Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna—separated by an ancient lava flow. It also holds remnants of pre-Hispanic ceremonial sites. With seasonal snow, some skiers and snowboarders freely tackle its snowy slopes.
- The Malinche (Malintzin), at 4,461 metres, lies between Puebla and Tlaxcala. This extinct volcano is named after La Malinche, the famed interpreter who aided the Spanish during the Conquest. For the adventurous, it offers free-ride skiing or snowboarding.
- The Nevado de Colima, at 4,450 metres in Jalisco, has a snow-covered summit for much of the year, making it another option for Mexican snow sports enthusiasts.
Other Options?
Despite failed projects for ski resorts in Mexico, winter sports enthusiasts still have alternatives. For those unwilling to attempt backcountry skiing—an adventurous yet risky endeavour—there are controlled ski facilities catering to beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
This option provides the thrill of snowboarding and alpine skiing alongside high-mountain nature immersion, combined with the comforts and services of a dedicated resort for you and your family.
Favourable snow conditions in southeastern Coahuila enabled Mexico’s unique ski tourism development. Since 2002, Bosques de Monte Real, the first alpine ski centre in the Sierra de Arteaga, has allowed year-round skiing.
Currently, the Sierra Nevada and Tarahumara regions have plans for large-scale winter sports complexes, featuring not just slopes but also hotels, apartments, restaurants, and more.
