Thousands of winter skiers are heading to Lesotho for Africa’s snow season

Perched high in the Maluti Mountains, Afriski Mountain Resort sits at an elevation of 3,200 metres, making it the only fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. The resort’s 17-hectare ski area has become a winter favourite for visitors looking to swap beaches for snow without leaving the continent.

Lesotho is uniquely positioned for winter tourism. The entire country lies above 1,000 metres above sea level, making it Africa’s highest nation by average elevation. Between June and August, temperatures in the highlands regularly plunge to around -8°C, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Natural snowfall is supplemented by artificial snowmaking, ensuring reliable ski conditions throughout the Southern Hemisphere’s winter despite increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

A growing winter tourism destination

Tourism plays an important role in Lesotho’s economy, contributing around 7% to the country’s GDP last year. Afriski has become a significant employer and tourism driver, supporting hundreds of jobs while encouraging visitors to explore more of the surrounding region.

According to Afriski CEO Theo Ferreira, nearly 70% of visitors come from South Africa, with the remainder travelling from Lesotho and elsewhere in southern Africa. The resort employs more than 220 permanent and seasonal staff, the majority of whom are Lesotho nationals.

Although Afriski accommodates around 420 overnight guests, nearby towns such as Butha-Buthe and Mohlokong provide additional lodging during the busy winter season. This year, the resort has already welcomed more than 1,400 visitors in a single day.

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Learning to ski in Africa

For many visitors, Afriski offers a first taste of skiing without the expense of travelling to Europe or North America. Beginners can take lessons before tackling the slopes, while experienced skiers enjoy the novelty of carving through snow in Africa.

Student Janco Smits from Cape Town told AP News that Afriski is an excellent place to learn.

“At the start it was a little discouraging because you fall, and you fall hard. But the people here gave me one lesson, and after an hour, honestly, I felt confident.”

First-time visitor Thato Ramaphoko from Pretoria said the experience challenged common perceptions of Africa.

“When you think of the African continent, you don’t think of snow… But that you can actually go to all that and also come here and it also snows at the same time, it is just mind-blowing.”

Beyond the slopes

A visit to Afriski isn’t only about skiing. Travellers can sample local flavours, including traditional sausage rolls and Lesotho’s well-known Maluti Lager, before browsing for colourful Basotho blankets, one of the country’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

With spectacular mountain scenery, reliable winter snow and easy road access from South Africa, Lesotho continues to prove that Africa’s travel experiences extend well beyond wildlife safaris and sunny coastlines.

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