Lesotho's Afriski Resort Becomes a Skiing Hub for Southern Africa

Lesotho, a small, landlocked mountain kingdom, has emerged as an unexpected winter sports destination, drawing thousands of ski enthusiasts from across southern Africa. The Afriski Mountain Resort, nestled in the northern Maluti Mountains at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters (10,499 feet), is the sole fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa.

With winter temperatures in the highlands often dropping to minus 8 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) between June and August, Lesotho's mountainous terrain and high elevation create ideal conditions for skiing. The resort boasts slopes spread over 17 hectares (42 acres), catering to both experienced skiers and beginners. Established 25 years ago, Afriski is a short journey from the nearest major town, Butha-Buthe.

Tourism plays a vital role in Lesotho's economy, contributing about 7% to its annual GDP of $2.6 billion. Afriski provides a significant economic boost to a nation identified by the World Bank as one of the world's poorest. The resort utilizes artificial snow machines to ensure consistent operations throughout the Southern Hemisphere's winter, compensating for potentially scarce natural snowfall due to unreliable weather patterns.

While U.S. President Donald Trump once famously joked about Lesotho being a country few had heard of, the kingdom, bordered entirely by South Africa, is rich in history. It celebrated 200 years of the Basotho nation's founding and 58 years of independence from British rule just a year prior. Most visitors, nearly 70%, arrive from neighboring South Africa, with others coming from within Lesotho or elsewhere in southern Africa. The resort employs 227 full-time and seasonal staff, predominantly Lesotho nationals, alongside about 30 South African skiing instructors.

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almost 70% of the visitors come from South Africa; the rest are mostly from Lesotho or elsewhere in southern Africa.