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KristinAcua Ski
Xoxocotla, Morelos, Mexico
This exotic winter escape is sure to heat up your skiing and relax your soul.
The experience
Originally built as a skiing haven for the Ramirez family in Central Mexico, Acua Ski — now run by third-generation skier Sergio Ramirez — is perfect for the three-event skier seeking stellar conditions and an authentic Mexican experience. With enviable year-round weather and minimal windy days, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an unskiable day here. When booking your week, be sure to check the coaching calendar — and don’t be surprised to see big names like Marcus Brown and Jamie Beauchesne on the roster. If you aren’t ruling the course at shortline, don’t fret. Acua Ski takes great pride in teaching beginner skiers the ropes. As for your accommodations, there is a three-bedroom cottage with private bathrooms just steps away from the starting dock, or opt for one of the many four- and five-star resorts in the surrounding area. (Acua Ski will pick you up every morning to ski.) When the skiing is over for the day, you can visit many of the surrounding cities for a taste of historical Mexico. Day trips include the large city of Cuernavaca, where you’ll find museums, exhibits and ancient architecture, as well as the must-see Grutas de Cacahuamilpa caverns — one of the largest cave systems in the world.
Dates
Year-round, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Climate
Exceptionally dry and warm, with temperatures in the upper 70s in November through March
Price
Approximately $1,600, but prices vary depending on the package you choose
What you get for the money
Five days of skiing on a man-made, private lake; daily excursions to a variety of destinations; lodging in the lakeside, three-bedroom cottage; breakfast and lunch daily; and airport pickup (airfare not included)
Word of Mouth
“Acua Ski is tough to beat when it comes to offseason water ski getaways. The vibe at the lake is super chill and laid-back. As you relax in the large palapa overlooking the lake, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to book your flight. Besides the perfect man-made site with great skiing conditions, the food is phenomenal and there’s a lot to do within the area. The Cortez castle and the pyramid tour were the highlight excursions for me.” — Marcus Brown, pro skier and Acua Ski guest coach
Insider Info
— Fly into Benito Juarez International Airport (in Mexico City, airport code: MEX).
— The Mexican peso is the local currency.
— According to locals, the nearby city of Tepoztlan possesses mystical curative powers. If your muscles are aching, you know where to go!
— Leaving Mexico without some silver is unacceptable! Taxco, “the silver city,” offers the largest selection in the entire country, and it is only a few miles from Acua Ski. Oh, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a fair price.
— Don’t be offended if someone refers to you as “gringo.” Regardless of your nationality, it’s what they call Caucasian tourists and is often a term of affection.
More info: acuaski.com or call +52 1 777 370 0020
Words: Arlyn Hernandez Photos: Bill Doster
