While millions of people across Europe are sweating in a record-breaking summer, others are skiing in Africa. Do not worry. This is not another sign of climate change but rather the fascinating anomaly of Lesotho, a small mountainous kingdom completely surrounded by South Africa.
Lesotho has geographical fame: it is the only country on Earth where every inch of its territory is more than 3,280 feet above sea level. ‘southern hemisphere. And while cold winters are not uncommon in Southern Africa, snow is and ski resorts are even rarer.
At an elevation of 9,842 feet, Afrski in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains is Africa’s only operating ski resort south of the equator. “I’ve never seen snow in my life,” said Kafi Mojapelo, who traveled the short distance from South Africa for a ski vacation she never thought she’d take. “So, it’s a great experience.”
Afriski’s Kapoko Snow Park is the only freestyle snowpark on the continent.
Competitors lined up last month for the annual Winter Whip Snowboarding Slopestyle and ski racing. Sekholo Ramonotsi, a 13-year-old who practices regularly in Afriski, won the snowboard and ski junior divisions. “I would really like to ski in Europe,” he said.
Lesotho has geographical fame: it is the only country on Earth where every inch of its territory is more than 3,280 feet above sea level. ‘southern hemisphere. And while cold winters are not uncommon in Southern Africa, snow is and ski resorts are even rarer.
At an elevation of 9,842 feet, Afrski in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains is Africa’s only operating ski resort south of the equator. “I’ve never seen snow in my life,” said Kafi Mojapelo, who traveled the short distance from South Africa for a ski vacation she never thought she’d take. “So, it’s a great experience.”
Afriski’s Kapoko Snow Park is the only freestyle snowpark on the continent.
Competitors lined up last month for the annual Winter Whip Snowboarding Slopestyle and ski racing. Sekholo Ramonotsi, a 13-year-old who practices regularly in Afriski, won the snowboard and ski junior divisions. “I would really like to ski in Europe,” he said.
