The Gulf of California Rift Zone (GCRZ) is also known as the East Pacific Rise.

This zone is an active tectonic plate boundary that runs through the Gulf of California. While not strictly a volcanic belt, it is associated with volcanic activity and features submarine volcanoes and hydrothermal vents.

This rift zone contributes to the geological complexity of the region and provides insights into the processes of seafloor spreading and continental rifting.

The Valley of Mexico, where Mexico City is situated, is surrounded by several volcanoes, some of which are active or have the potential to be dangerous. Here are some of the notable volcanoes in the region:

Popocatépetl is one of the most active and potentially dangerous volcanoes in Mexico. Popocatépetl has erupted multiple times in recent history, and its eruptions can produce ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows.

Iztaccíhuatl is located to the north of Popocatépetl and is often referred to as the “Sleeping Woman” due to its shape. Iztaccíhuatl is currently considered a dormant volcano and not an active threat.

Nevado de Toluca is another significant volcano in the region, located to the west of Mexico City. While it is not considered highly active, it has had eruptions in the past. It is primarily known for its picturesque crater lakes.

La Malinche, also known as Matlalcueye, is considered dormant. It is located to the east of Mexico City. La Malinche is not an active volcano and is often used for hiking and recreational activities.

Cofre de Perote is located to the east of Mexico City. Cofre de Perote is another dormant volcano in the region. Cofre de Perote is characterized by its distinctive shape. It is not currently considered an active threat.

Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, is located to the southeast of the Valley of Mexico. It is the highest mountain and volcano in Mexico and is considered dormant. It is a popular destination for mountaineers.

Throughout history, the Valley of Mexico has experienced numerous significant earthquakes, including events in the colonial period and during pre-Columbian times. These events have shaped the region’s history and architecture.

The Valley of Mexico has a long history of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location near the convergence of tectonic plates. Here are some significant volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that have occurred in the region over the centuries:

Xitle Eruption (around 200-300 AD): The Xitle volcano, located within the Valley of Mexico, erupted and caused significant changes in the landscape. This eruption covered several pre-Columbian settlements with volcanic ash and lava flows.

Cuicuilco Eruption (around 100 AD): Cuicuilco, another volcano within the Valley of Mexico, experienced a major eruption that led to the abandonment of the Cuicuilco archaeological site.

Popocatépetl Eruptions: Popocatépetl, one of the most active volcanoes near Mexico City, has had multiple eruptions over the centuries. Notable eruptions occurred in the 14th and 15th centuries, impacting nearby populations.

While Mexico may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of top destinations for ski enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that plenty of mountains and slopes in Mexico offer thrilling opportunities to hit the snow.

Although Mexico is not recognized as a top destination for ski enthusiasts, it is possible to find mountains and slopes to slide.

Here are the best recommendations and suggested places in Mexico where you will see snowfall:

Skiing in Arteaga, Coahuila

Just 45 minutes from Saltillo, nestled in the Sierra de Arteaga, is Bosques de Monterreal, a tourist development where it is possible to ski and snowboard any day thanks to its artificial snow slope.

Bosques de Monterreal is the only ski center in Mexico. This first alpine ski center in Mexico is located in the municipality of Arteaga in the state of Coahuila, where you can ski all year round.

Natural snowfalls in the winter months, beautify the landscape. There are Swiss chalet-style cabins, equipped with whirlpool tubs, a kitchenette, and a fireplace with wood, to spend a few days with family or a group of friends.

The first alpine ski center in Mexico called Bosques de Monterreal is located in the municipality of Arteaga in the state of Coahuila, where you can ski all year round.

In the place, there are two ski slopes with facilities adapted for learning this sport throughout the year. You can ski with natural snow in December and January; if the snowfall is intense and the quality of snow is adequate.

The ski slope was designed under high-quality standards.

The development has a main track with a length of 230 meters, a 20-degree incline on the natural terrain that is considered a blue track in technical terms and there is also a second learning track and sleds with a length of 45 meters.

These tracks were designed for Olympic athletes to allow them to have high levels of competitiveness when there is no presence of snow.

You can also enjoy other activities full of adrenaline such as rappelling, zip lines, and horseback riding or ATVs.

Here is the highest golf course in the country (2,900 meters above sea level).

Although in Mexico the options for skiing are limited, there are immense and fascinating geological structures that are spoiled by adventurers who enjoy extreme sports: volcanoes.

There are more than 2000 scattered throughout the territory and the skirts of some come to have the perfect conditions for the most intrepid skiers. A vast array of volcanoes offer a unique and thrilling experience for those willing to take on the challenge.

From the towering heights of Citlaltépetl or Pico de Orizaba to the accessible slopes of Toluca, Mexico’s volcanoes offer a one-of-a-kind skiing experience that is sure to leave you breathless.

From the stunning views to the adrenaline-fueled rush of zooming down the mountain, skiing on the slopes of a volcano is an unforgettable experience that every thrill-seeker should try at least once.

Toluca Volcano

Toluca Volcano, also known as Xinantécatl, is a magnificent and imposing stratovolcano that looms over the State of Mexico.

Toluca Volcano is also a popular destination for hikers and skiers. Its rugged terrain and challenging trails offer an unforgettable experience for winter activity, and its snow-covered slopes provide the perfect conditions for a skiing adventure.

Toluca is the only volcano in the world whose crater can be reached by road. This unique feature has made the volcano a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to admire its natural beauty.

For a long time, there were plans to build a ski resort on the slopes of the Toluca Volcano, but it seems this project was abandoned due to the potential environmental impact on the area.

While it’s possible to ski or snowboard on the Toluca Volcano, it’s recommended only for those in good physical condition, as the equipment needs to be carried up the mountain.

Skiing on Toluca Volcano requires some expertise, as the snow conditions can be highly variable and unpredictable, unlike the well-groomed resorts of North America or Europe.

Skiing on Toluca Volcano is an experience that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. From the unique access to the crater to the rush of zooming down the mountain, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss.

Pico de Orizaba

At a staggering height of over 5,000 meters, Citlaltépetl or Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico and is often considered one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring ski destinations in the world.

In the highest parts of the mountain, the incline reaches nearly 50 degrees, which is equivalent to the steep and demanding so-called “black slopes” found in the world’s most renowned ski resorts.

So-called black slopes, also known as “black runs”, are the most technically challenging and demanding slopes on the mountain, reserved only for the most skilled and the most experienced skiers.

Not only are black slopes technically difficult to ski down, but they are often incredibly steep and icy, requiring a high level of skill, agility, and concentration from the skier. One misstep on a black slope can lead to a serious fall or injury.

For adventurous skiers looking for the ultimate challenge, Citlaltépetl or Pico de Orizaba’s black slopes offer an unforgettable and exhilarating experience that will test even the most skilled and experienced skiers.

From the breathtaking views at the summit to the heart-pumping rush of speeding down the mountain, skiing on the black slopes of Pico de Orizaba is an adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Pico de Orizaba overlooks the valley and city of Orizaba, from which it gets its name.

During the colonial era, the volcano was also known as Cerro de San Andrés due to the nearby settlement of San Andrés Chalchicomula at its base.

Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, from Nahuatl language “citlal(in)” = “star” and “tepētl” = “mountain” and thus means “Star Mountain”. This name is thought to be based on the fact that the snow-covered peak can be seen year-round for hundreds of kilometers throughout the region.

The Nahuatl speakers of the Orizaba area, call it Istaktepetl or Iztactépetl, whch means “White Mountain”.

Other name, Poyauhtecatl, which means “the one that colors or illuminates”, has also been recorded. This name was given by the Tlaxcaltecs in memory of their lost country.

Pico de Orizaba is one of only three volcanoes in México that continue to support glaciers and is home to the largest glacier in Mexico, Gran Glaciar Norte.

Orizaba has nine known glaciers:

• Gran Glaciar Norte
• Lengua del Chichimeco
• Jamapa
• Toro
• Glaciar de la Barba
• Noroccidental
• Occidental
• Suroccidental
• Oriental

The equilibrium line altitude (ELA) is not known for Orizaba. Snow on the south and southeast sides of the volcano melts quickly because of solar radiation, but lower temperatures on the northwest and north sides allow for glaciers.

The insolation angle and wind redeposition on the northwest and north sides allow for the constant accumulation of snow providing a source for the outlet glaciers.

On the north side of Orizaba, the Gran Glaciar Norte fills the elongated highland basin and is the source for seven outlet glaciers.

The main glacier extends 3.5 km north of the crater rim, has a surface area of about 9.08 km2 descending from 5,650 m to about 5,000 m. It has a slightly irregular and stepped profile that is caused in part by the configuration of the bedrock. Most crevasses show an ice thickness of approximately 50 m.

Below the 5,000 m in elevation on the north side of the volcano, the outlet glaciers Lengua del Chichimeco and Jamapa extend north and northwest another 1.5 km and 2 km respectively.

The terminal lobe of Lengua del Chichimeco at 4,740 m, having a gradient of only 140 m/km, is a low, broad ice fan that has a convex-upward profile, a front typical of almost all Mexican glaciers.

The most distinct glacier is Glaciar de Jamapa, which leaves Gran Glaciar Norte at about 4,975 m and, after 2 km with a gradient of 145 m/km, divides into two small tongues that end at 4,650 m and 4,640 m. Both tongues terminate in broad convex-upward ice fans thinning along their edges. The retreat of these tongues prior to 1994 produced much erosion downstream and buried their edges by ablation rock debris.

The west side of Gran Glaciar Norte generates five outlet glaciers. From north to south, the first two, Glaciar del Toro and Glaciar de la Barba, are hanging cliff or icefall glaciers, reaching the tops of giant lava steps at 4,930 m and 5,090 m, respectively. They then descend 200 to 300 m farther down into the heads of stream valleys as huge ice blocks but are not regenerated there.

About 1 km, Glaciar Noroccidental, a small outlet glacier 300 m long, drains away from the side of

Gran Glaciar Norte at about 5,100 m and draws down the ice surface a few tens of meters over a distance of 500 m, descending to 4,920 m with a gradient of 255 m/km.

Another 1 km still farther south, Glaciar Occidental breaks away from Gran Glaciar Norte west of the summit crater at about 5,175 m as a steep, 1 km long glacier having a gradient of 270 m/km that ends at 4,930 m.

From the southwest corner of the mountain, another outlet glacier, Glaciar Suroccidental, 1.6 km long, flows from Gran Glaciar Norte at 5,250 m with a gradient of 200 m/km, which also ends at 4,930 m in a long smooth surface.

East of the summit cone, a separate steep niche glacier, Glaciar Oriental, 1.2 km long and has a gradient of 440 m/km, flows down the mountainside from about 5,600 to 5,070 m; it contains many crevasses and seracs and is the most difficult glacier to climb.

Glacier Oriental had a surface area of about 420,000 m2 in 1958, which makes the total area of glaciers and firn field on Citlaltépetl about 9.5 km2. No earlier historical record of glacier tongue activity (advance or recession) is known for Citlaltépetl’s glaciers.

Although the Gran Glaciar Norte ice cap is covered with snow, it is possible to see the seven outlet glaciers on the irregular west margin of the ice cap, especially Glaciar de Jamapa and Glaciar Occidental.

The climate of Pico de Orizaba, like the Sierra Madre Oriental, varies greatly due to the change of elevation and prevailing winds. Due to the latitude and the extremely rugged terrain the volcano experiences many microclimates. Vegetation varies from tropical at the lower elevations on the eastern face to alpine forests in the higher elevations.

Large amounts of precipitation fall on the eastern face of the volcano due to adiabatic cooling and condensation from the trade winds that bring moisture off the Gulf of Mexico.

The eastern face is frequently covered by fog and low cloud cover. The climate of the eastern face varies from tropical at the lower elevations to subtropical highland at the higher elevations, with mild variation in temperatures and an average annual rainfall of 1,600 mm.

Subtropical climates are found between 2,200–3,200 m above sea level with a regular rainfall all year long. Autumn and winter come with frequent freezes and light snow, but the snow on the south and southeast sides melt quickly due to solar radiation.

The northern face is dominated by subtropical highland. The southern face mostly experiences humid subtropical climate which experiences the highest annual temperatures in the month of April.

Due to katabatic winds, the western side is dominated by steppe creating a rain shadow below 2,600 m above sea level. Although there are some areas on the western side that experience most of the area is semi-dry with temperate to warm temperatures and an annual precipitation average of 550 mm. The vegetation here is grass and shrubs with few alpine species.

Between 3,200–4,300 m where temperatures usually are between 2 to 5 °C, continental subarctic climate predominates.

Over 4,300 m with an annual average low of −2 °C, alpine tundra prevails to the summit; heavy snowfalls and blizzards are common throughout the year. Snow on the south and southeast melts due to solar radiation but continually remains on the north and northwestern faces. Extreme cold dominates a surface area of approximately 31 km2.

Pico de Orizaba is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Orizaba is located 200 kilometers east of Mexico City lies on the border between the states of Veracruz and Puebla.

The volcano is approximately 480 kilometers south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Orizaba is found at the southeastern end of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a volcanic chain that runs from west to east across Central Mexico; it is the only historically active volcano in the area.

A companion peak lying about six km to the southwest of Pico de Orizaba is the Sierra Negra, at 4,640 meters. This subsidiary peak is significantly lower than its massive neighbor but is traversed by the highest road in North America passing over its summit.

Pico de Orizaba, like the Sierra Madre Oriental, forms a barrier between the coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Plateau.

The volcano blocks the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico from saturating central Mexico and influences the climates of both areas. Both the state of Veracruz and Puebla depend on Pico de Orizaba for supplying fresh water. The largest river originating on the volcano is the Jamapa River.

Topography

The peak of Citlaltépetl rises dramatically to an elevation of 5,636 m above sea level. It has a topographic prominence of 4,922 m. Regionally dominant, Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico and the highest volcano in North America.

It is also the third highest peak in North America after Denali and Mount Logan. Orizaba is ranked 7th in the world in topographic prominence. It is the second most prominent volcanic peak in the world after Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, and the volcano is also ranked 16th in the world for topographic isolation.

About 110 km to the west of the port of Veracruz, its peak is visible to ships approaching the port in the Gulf of Mexico, and at dawn rays of sunlight strike the Pico while Veracruz still lies in shadow.

The topography of Pico de Orizaba is asymmetrical from the center of the crater. The eastern face is the steepest side of the volcano and the northwestern face the most gradual side. The gradual slopes of the northwestern face of the volcano allows for the presence of large glaciers and is the most traveled route to take for hikers traveling to the summit.

Geology

The volcano is currently dormant but not extinct. The latest eruption of the volcano occurred in 1846 with a magnitude of VEI 2.

Previous eruptions occurred in: 1687, 1613, 1589–1569, 1566, 1555–1545,1539–1533, 1351, 1260, 1187, 1175, 1157, 220 AD, 140 AD, 90 AD, 40 AD, ~780 BC, ~1500 BC, ~2110 BC, ~2300, ~2500, ~2780, ~4690, ~6220, ~6710, ~7030, and ~7530.

The most violent eruption in the volcano’s history is thought to have occurred around 6710 BC reaching a magnitude of VEI 5 characterized by lava dome extrusion and pyroclastic flow.

The volcano’s crater is elliptical with a transverse diameter measuring 478 m and a conjugate diameter measuring 410 m. The crater has an estimated 154,830 m2 with a maximum depth of 300 m.

Pico de Orizaba is constantly covered by an ice cap consisting of several glaciers. An outlet glacier, known as Jamapa Glacier is located on the northeastern side of the peak; it has been a powerful force in shaping the volcano. The Jamapa Glacier is responsible for a significant portion of the geomorphologic evolution of the region surrounding the volcano.

Pico de Orizaba was important in pre-Hispanic cultures, such as those of the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs and the Totonacs. The volcano is part of many native mythologies.

During the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, Hernán Cortés passed through the foothills of Pico de Orizaba; the volcano and the surrounding mountains made his journey to Tenochtitlan more difficult and delayed him for many days.

During the 1600s, the Spanish Crown financed several roads to be built that would circumvent Citlaltépetl. One of the roads was routed south of the volcano through the cities of Orizaba and Fortín de las Flores, which became the main trade route between Mexico City and Veracruz on the Gulf Coast. A short road was later built by Jesuits to establish settlements at the base of Pico de Orizaba.

The Spanish used the volcano as a landmark to guide themselves to the port of Veracruz. Many battles were fought near this volcano throughout Mexico’s struggle for independence.

In 1839, Henri Galeotti was the first European to explore the volcano, but did not hike to the summit.

During the American occupation of Mexico in 1848, two American soldiers, F. Maynard and William F. Raynolds, were the first known hikers to reach the summit of Pico de Orizaba.

Later that year the French explorer, Alejandro Doignon also reached the summit.

During the mid-19th century Citlaltépetl was explored by many scientists, including the German botanist, Hugo Fink who was the first to record the numerous species of flora found on the volcano.

In 1873, Martin Tritschler raised the Mexican flag at the summit.

On December 16, 1936, President Lázaro Cárdenas, in an effort to protect the natural beauty of Pico de Orizaba, created a national park with an area of 19,750 hectares which included the volcano with the surrounding area and the settlements of Tlachichuca, Ciudad Serdán, La Perla, Mariano Escobedo, and Calcahualco. The federal decree became federal law on January 4, 1937.

Pico de Orizaba attracts a large number of international climbers every year. There are multiple routes for approaching and climbing the volcano, and many people attempt it.

Most people climb the mountain during the period from October to March when the weather is most ideal; temperatures do not vary many months to month due to being in the tropics and April through September are rainy months in the region.

The most frequented route begins from the base camp Piedra Grande Hut (“refugio”) via the Jamapa Glacier, located at an elevation of 4,270 m above sea level.

Another option as a starting point is high camp located at the base of the glacier about 4,900 m above sea level.

For a more technical challenge for the experienced climber, there is a technical ice climb called the Serpents Head which involves 10 pitches of grade 3 ice.

Additionally, the southern side offers another challenging option; although the trail is shorter, it is also steeper and more difficult. No glaciers are found on the southern side. The final ascent to the summit is via a normally straightforward and crevasse-free glacier route.

The caldera can be circumnavigated with relative ease, although at one point this requires a short, exposed traverse of steep rock and ice above the Glacier Este.

These are possibly the snowiest places you can visit in Mexico. These destinations offer a unique combination of winter wonder and Mexican charm, making them ideal for those looking for a snowy vacation in Mexico.

All these destinations offer a unique winter experience and enchanting natural beauty.

Monterreal, Coahuila

Monterreal, located in the Coahuila highlands near Arteaga, is Mexico’s premier ski resort.

In winter, especially from December to January, this area turns into a snowy paradise. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Monterreal while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains surrounding you.

Arteaga, Coahuila

Arteaga is a small cozy town on the outskirts of Saltillo. Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” Arteaga exudes a charming winter vibe. Stay here for a winter weekend and explore quaint streets and snow-covered landscapes.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon becomes a winter wonderland, best seen from the Chepe passenger train passing through the Sierra Tarahumara. Snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and periodic snowfalls create a magical scene.

Creel, Chihuahua

Creel is a charming town on the Chepe Route, to see snow-covered views, frozen waterfalls, and the serene beauty of winter in the Sierra Tarahumara. Visit Creel in winter to see snowy pines, waterfalls, and frozen lakes.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexillo National Park, located in the Sierra Madre, attracts adventurers and nature lovers.

Frost-covered landscapes, abandoned tunnels, and icy waterfalls await exploration. Adventurers and nature lovers will enjoy rock climbing and hiking along the many trails of Mexico National Park in their winter gear.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Sombrereteis an old mining town is full of charm and colonial architecture. Sombrerete turns into a snow-covered paradise in winter. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the picturesque churches set against a white backdrop.

The city’s colonial buildings offer visitors a winter landscape rarely seen in Mexico.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

For extreme adventure seekers, the stratovolcano Nevado de Toluca offers an exciting winter playground. Stroll along snow-covered trails of the volcano slopes and enjoy panoramic views from this towering stratovolcano.

La Malinche (Malintzin), Tlaxcala

La Malinche National Park, located next to the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The park’s natural beauty is especially noticeable when it is covered with white snow during the cold winter months.

Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl

These two majestic volcanoes are a challenging adventure for experienced climbers and hikers, especially Popocatepetl. Both volcanoes are not for beginners – it is best to explore them only if you already have some experience.

Pico de Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico to climb and admire the unparalleled snowy landscapes. Due to the dizzying heights and challenging terrain, this adventure is designed for those who do not suffer from vertigo.

Mexico City is located in a valley surrounded by large mountain ranges.

These mountain ranges act as a barrier to the cold air needed to form snow. The city’s low altitude and a subtropical high-altitude climate zone also contribute to milder temperatures, making it less favorable to snowfall.

Snow has occurred only a few times in Mexico City’s entire history. These snowfalls are usually very significant events and are often accompanied by excitement and amazement from the residents and tourists.

One of the recorded snowfalls in Mexico City occurred on March 5, 1940. The next time it snowed was 27 years later, on January 12, 1967, when 5 cm of snow fell in the center of Mexico City and the historic center.

Since these rare climate events, Mexico City has experienced several more notable snowfalls in 2007, 2016, and 2020. All of these events resulted in light to moderate snowfall only in various parts of Mexico City.

Although snowfall is a rare occurrence in Mexico City, it is more common in the surrounding mountainous areas, where higher elevations and cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for snow formation.

On mountain peaks and volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, the thickness of snow ranges from 12 to 25 cm. These areas experience annual snowfall on the high elevations, but such events are usually isolated from Mexico City.

Mexico City typically experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year. The city’s climate was relatively stable in terms of temperature and precipitation, with snowfall occurring on only a few occasions.

Usually, snow requires certain temperature conditions to form, usually around or below freezing. Average temperatures in Mexico City rarely drop low enough to support snow formation, especially in the city center.

The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and human activity, can further increase temperatures. This effect can prevent the formation and accumulation of snow even during cold weather.