While millions across Europe are sweating in the record-breaking summer heat, others are skiing Africa, Don’t worry. This is not just another sign of climate change, but rather the fascinating anomaly of Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa.
Lesotho has a geographical claim to fame: it is the only country on Earth where every inch of its territory sits at more than 3,280 feet above sea level. This gives Lesotho snow in the winter of the Southern Hemisphere. And while cold winters aren’t rare in southern Africa, snow is and ski resorts are even rarer.
At an elevation of 9,842 feet, Afriski in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho is Africa’s only operating ski resort south of the equator. “I’ve never seen snow in my life,” said Kafi Mozapelo, who traveled a short distance from South Africa for a skiing vacation she never thought she would take. “So, it’s a good experience.”
african Kapoko Snow Park The continent’s only freestyle snow park.
Contestants lined up for the annual Winter Whip last month slopestyle snowboard and ski competition. Sekholo RamonotsiA 13-year-old who practices regularly at Afriski won the junior snowboard and ski divisions. “I would really like to ski in Europe,” he said.
Lesotho has a geographical claim to fame: it is the only country on Earth where every inch of its territory sits at more than 3,280 feet above sea level. This gives Lesotho snow in the winter of the Southern Hemisphere. And while cold winters aren’t rare in southern Africa, snow is and ski resorts are even rarer.
At an elevation of 9,842 feet, Afriski in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho is Africa’s only operating ski resort south of the equator. “I’ve never seen snow in my life,” said Kafi Mozapelo, who traveled a short distance from South Africa for a skiing vacation she never thought she would take. “So, it’s a good experience.”
african Kapoko Snow Park The continent’s only freestyle snow park.
Contestants lined up for the annual Winter Whip last month slopestyle snowboard and ski competition. Sekholo RamonotsiA 13-year-old who practices regularly at Afriski won the junior snowboard and ski divisions. “I would really like to ski in Europe,” he said.