Skiing in Lesotho

snowy slopes

Have you heard of Lesotho? It’s a small kingdom in South Africa and it’s the only snow sports park within the Lesotho region. Afriski ski resort in Lesotho is located in the Drakensberg – Maluti Mountains 3,322 m (10,900 ft) above sea level. It’s not a large ski resort by any means but it is unique and offers great skiing in Lesotho. For those who like to take their time on quiet slopes and admire the views, this ski resort is ideal. It has just two pistes and spectacular scenery and is one of the most unusual places to ski in the world.

Afriski is located 3,050 m above sea level, it’s in southern Africa close to the northern border of Lesotho and South Africa. It’s one of just two ski resorts in southern Africa and skiing in Lesotho serves up a luxurious resort which is a treat for all.

Afriski Mountain Resort – is located in the Butha-Buthe District in Lesotho, South Africa

  • The nearest town to the ski resort of Lesotho is Butha-Buthe which is 76 km drive away
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • 1.8 km of slopes
  • Elevations are between 3,030 and 3,222 m
  • There are 0.2 km of beginner runs, 0.6 km of intermediate runs and 1 km for advanced skiers
  • The longest run is 1 km
  • 2 ski lifts – moving 1,500 passengers per hour
  • 1 T-bar lift and 1 rope tow/beginner lift
  • 3 people movers
  • The total length of ski lift is 1.1 km
  • A valley run
  • Artificial snowmaking facilities on 100% of the slopes
  • 34 snow cannons
  • Snow park/ Fun park
  • Bum boarding & tubing alleys
  • Summer season
  • 2.1 out of 5 stars
  • Ski winter season is from early June – late August

The picturesque mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is rich in culture and its mountain regions are rugged and beautiful. The Afriski ski resort is hidden away in the northern highlands of South Africa and it’s just a matter of time before this lovely secret is well and truly out! Après ski is good and offers roaring fires where you can relax after a day on the slopes.

Those who enjoy the great outdoors will love this pretty location where they can ski and snowboard in one of the most popular countries around the globe to visit. Its facilities are second to none with superb restaurants and summer facilities offering a great summer escape too. The ski resort of Lesotho in the summer months is the place to head to for those who enjoy mountain biking, trail-running, hiking, fly fishing, and walking enthusiasts. Bike park and trails, quad bikes, monster rollers, and enduro outrides. Picturesque walking paths, trails and pretty flowing streams make for a pleasant stay in the mountains.

Sightseeing in the area will take up any spare time you may have. Lesotho is landlocked and is made up of high altitude mountain ranges and rivers. The imposing Thabana Ntlenyana Mountain which translates to “beautiful little mountain” is the highest point in Lesotho and the highest mountain in southern Africa. It sits north of Sani Pass on the Mohlesi Ridge of the Drakensberg-Maloti Mountains, where it proudly stands at 3,482 m high.

The capital of Lesotho is Maseru, and on the Thaba Bosiu Plateau near to Maseru, are ruins dating back to when King Moshoeshoe I reigned in the 19th century. Thaba Bosiu overlooks Mount Qiloane which is easily recognisable by its unusual peak. Gabasheane Masupha was the chief of Basotho from 1940 until 1941 and he named Mount Qiloane as Mother and Father.

Skiing in Lesotho is an unusual experience and one not to be missed!