Afriski

• Email
• Tweet
• Print

Hit the snowy slopes at Afriski.

© Bronwyn Mccarthy

Afriski has established itself as a top skiing and snowboarding destination. Situated 3222m above sea level, high up in Lesotho's Maluti Mountains, the resort is one of only 2 ski resorts on the African continent.

There are a number of chalets and other forms of accommodation at Afriski, and the clientele is a mix of seasonal residents and first-time visitors. Various ski and snowboarding competitions are held at Afriski in the winter months, attracting many top international competitors.

Bronwyn McCarthy, who has been a ski and snowboarding instructor at Afriski for several years, advises that the best time to visit is towards the end of July, when the snow is at its thickest and the school holiday rush is over.

Bronwyn explains that it is now compulsory for all novices to take lessons before they are allowed on the slopes, to avoid unnecessary accidents. She adds that all instructors have international qualifications in skiing and snowboarding.

It is advisable to book lessons in advance during busy times, such as early June when most South African schools are on holiday. Lessons can also be booked at the instructors' office on arrival.

As important as the skiiing is the after skiing fun, with plenty of hilarity in the bar or pub at Afriski. One of the highlights is the "snowboard challenge" whereby a snowboard is attached to the roof of the bar at Afriski and it is a popular tradition for guests to see how many shooters they can manage to down while hanging upside down from the snowboard. You have to be there to experience the fall down laughter it generates.