If you love skiing, you probably felt a bit disappointed when our only local spot shut down during COVID. Tiffindell in the Eastern Cape was South Africa’s go-to snow destination, but heavy financial losses during the pandemic forced it to close permanently.
ALSO SEE:Five South African destinations that come alive in spring
But you don’t actually have to fly to Europe or America to hit the slopes. We have two incredible options right here on the continent — from Lesotho to Morocco.
1. Lesotho: Afriski Mountain Resort
Completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is home to Afriski, the only operating ski resort in Southern Africa. High up in the Maluti Mountains, it is the easiest snow trip for South Africans.
-
Travel time: It takes about 5 hours to drive from Johannesburg or 8 hours from Durban via the Caledonspoort border post.
-
Accommodation: You can book mountain chalets, self-catering lodges, or budget dorms directly on the resort grounds.
-
The skiing: The season runs from June to August. They use snowmaking machines to keep a 1 km main slope open, complete with gear hire and a ski school for beginners.
2. Morocco: Oukaïmeden & Michlifen
For an international getaway, Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains offer a totally unique ski experience.
-
Travel time: Fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Marrakech (around 14 to 18 hours with a layover). From Marrakech, the main resort is a 2-hour drive.
-
Accommodation: Most people stay in boutique hotels or traditional riads in Marrakech and take a day trip to the mountain.
-
The skiing: The season runs from December to March. Oukaïmeden is the highest ski resort in Africa, featuring chairlifts, steep slopes, and dramatic mountain views. For a calmer trip, Michlifen near Ifrane offers easy slopes set inside cedar forests.
ALSO SEE:
Featurd Image: Unsplash
