Ski in Africa - Put Afriski on Your Bucket List

When can you ski in Africa?

June through early October, skiers fly south, to the southern hemisphere in search of a good ski day.  Africa is in the southern hemisphere. But when I think of Africa I think of desserts, open safari land, and very hot weather. Wintry mountains don’t come to mind at all. So, I started looking into the question, can you snow ski in Africa? You sure can! It looks like a royally good time.

First, be sure you know what part of Africa to ski at what time of year. South of the equator think of Late July, and August as the ski season. In northern Africa, Morocco and Algeria are above the equator. Moroccan ski season - yes there is one - corresponds with Europe and North America's season, but shorter.

For a list of ski areas in Africa, scroll down.

First let's talk about a southern resort with a very cool vibe

in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Where is Lesotho? It is a landlocked country in the middle of South Africa. It includes the highest peak in southern Africa and is home to a population of 2.3 million. Formed in formed in 1824 by King Moshoeshoe I, the government and rule of Lesotho have changed over the years. In 1993, its constitutional government was restored and Lesotho remains a kingdom today.

Lesotho is the only nation in the world completely above an elevation of 1,000 m. In fact, at least 80% of the kingdom is above 1,800 meters. With mountainous terrain, Lesotho is also the coldest country in Africa. Winter's average low temps are just below the freezing point. It is not uncommon to see temps drop as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 8 Celsius during their winter months So if you're going to create a ski slope in Africa, this is the logical spot. A good snow-making system to supplement any natural snow is a must here.

Afriski Mountain Resort

Pronounced  AF-ri-ski, (not Aaah-Frisky) is a royal skiing gem located high in Lesotho. I've not been there, but after doing a little research, this spot is going on my bucket list. Visiting the website alone shows Afriski as a fun and lively place. Design incorporates cheery teal blue and yellow colors plus some retro graphics that remind me of Saturday morning cartoons from my youth. Other graphics evoke memories of 1980s arcade games. Their social media exudes a spirit of energy and playfulness. The tagline is, "Your Mountain Kingdom Playground."

Besides lessons and passes for skiing and snow tubing, you can buy all ages passes for bum boarding. What on earth is bum boarding? I think it might be a close cousin of sledding.

The journey to the mountain looks like an adventure. Cars in Lesotho are not typically equipped for snow travel. Afriski's website gives certain precautions for the ascent like making sure your vehicle is in good shape, minding the potholes and watching out for - donkeys? Yes, donkeys.

The ski area terrain covers 17 hectares (42 acres) and has an uphill capacity of 1,500 skiers per hour. Most of the skiing happens on 1 main, wide run down to the base area. The run is a little over a mile long at 1.7 km with a 630 foot vertical. When there is no natural snow, aerial views of Afriski look like a long white stripe of manmade snow amidst brown mountains. There is also snow park and beginner zone. Amenities include lodging and the Sky Restaurant at over 3,000 meters above sea level.

Winterfest is Afriski's largest event, happening near the end of August. The weekend includes plenty of live music, dancing and a festive atmosphere. Skiers and snowboarders share the big slope while non-skiers slide down beginner areas on tubes and I assume bumboards.

Afriski may be limited on terrain. But it looks like they know how to have a very good time. If an African safari is already on your retirement travel or bucket list, plan for July or August so you an add a day of skiing.

Listing of Ski Resorts in Africa

Some of these ski areas have limited seasons due to weather. If you are planning travel, please visit the individual ski resort websites to check when they are in operation. 

Southern Hemisphere

Afriski, Lesotho is the only true ski resort in this region.

Matroosberg in South Africa has a ski run, but looks like it caters to boarders & tubers

Ski Namibia This s NOT snow skiing, but sand skiing.

No longer open but for sale - Tiffindell Ski Resort South Africa

Northern Hemisphere

Chréa, Algeria

Tikjda, Algeria

Oukaimeden in Morocco is currently closed, but skiers hike it.

Mischlifen Ski Station in Morocco

Ski Egypt (Indoor Skiing) in you guessed it, Egypt.

Jbei Hebri, Morocco

Djebel Bou Iblane in Morocco, backcountry only

Rif Gebirg, Morocco

Ifrane, Morocco

References:
Afriski Resort
World Atlas
AP