Afriski Resort in Lesotho, Africa’s only ski destination, has officially ended its winter season. Located high in the mountains at 3,000 meters above sea level, Afriski has been a special place for skiing since it opened in 2002. The resort is open from June to August each year and draws many skiers, especially from nearby South Africa.
This past winter was especially difficult for Afriski. The resort, which features 2 kilometers of ski slopes and five ski lifts, struggled with frequent power outages and other logistical problems. These issues led to a temporary closure last year, which affected the resort’s operations and the experience for visitors.
Despite these challenges, Afriski remains a key spot for winter sports in Africa, offering a rare chance to ski on the continent. To make up for the limited natural snow, Afriski uses snow cannons to ensure a good skiing experience throughout the season. The resort is also known for its friendly atmosphere, which is ideal for beginners who want to try skiing for the first time.
Afriski attracts over a million visitors each year, with most coming from South Africa. The appeal of skiing in the Southern Hemisphere and the resort’s welcoming environment have helped establish Afriski as a top destination for winter sports in Africa.
However, Afriski’s end of season comes at a time when Africa’s ski industry is undergoing significant changes. Tiffindell, the second ski resort on the continent, has closed down due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the tough situation for ski resorts in Africa, where challenges like limited snowfall and the pandemic have put a lot of pressure on their operations.
Social media has shown both the beauty and difficulties of skiing at Afriski. Photos and videos of skiers enjoying the snow against Lesotho’s stunning mountain backdrop highlight the resort’s special charm. At the same time, these platforms have also shown the problems, like the power outages that disrupted the skiing experience.
Jala Holdings Limited, a company based in Lesotho and founded in 2017, manages the resort’s hospitality services, snow operations, and much of the accommodation. Looking ahead, Afriski plans to take time to reflect and improve. The resort’s management will likely focus on fixing logistical issues and ensuring a more reliable power supply to avoid future disruptions. As Africa’s only ski resort, Afriski is important to winter sports fans, and overcoming these challenges will be key to its future success.
As the winter season ends, Afriski and the wider ski community in Africa are thinking about the future. Afriski’s ability to adapt and overcome difficulties will be important as it prepares for the next season. For now, the resort’s closure provides a chance to reflect and get ready for the upcoming snowy season.
Even though Afriski has faced significant challenges this winter, it remains a crucial part of Africa’s winter sports scene. Its unique location and dedication to providing a skiing experience on the continent continue to attract visitors and add to the region’s appeal as a winter sports destination. The next few months will be vital for Afriski as it works through its challenges and gets ready for a new season, hoping to welcome even more skiers in the future.
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