Not many South Africans think of skiing first when it comes to planning for a long weekend or their next vacation. This is understandable, with limited skiing facilities and unpredictable and erratic snowfall. And that is what I thought as well until my kids convinced me to go and look for snow in July – a time we normally go to Sodwana for a bit of scuba diving and warm weather.
Many phone calls and hours spent on the internet left us with the certain knowledge that it all boils down to luck. We booked in at a resort ear Clarens and started watching the TV weather reports with great interest.
With high hopes and shrinking budget, we chased non-existing snow for a few days. We then found snow on a trip to the Khatse Dam in Lesotho – it boasts a 185 meter high dam wall – the highest in Africa. Then I found what I though might be the Holy Grail - Afri Ski, nestled in the northern part of Lesotho, just 80 km from the Caledonspoort Border Post outside of Fouriesburg.
With great excitement we endured the border crossing at 6H00. A left turn before Butha-Buthe took us through a beautiful, undulating area for about twenty kilometers. Then we hit the two mountain passes (Moteng and Mahlasela) and for the next fifty-odd kilometers, we were treated to a majestic sight of mountains covered in snow on both sides and of frozen waterfalls. The steep passes twists and turns, dips and rises as you regularity ascend or descend five to six hundred meters in less that a kilometer! The road is newly tarred and in very good condition, but watch out for fallen rocks while driving. The good news is that you do not require a 4x4 to get to Afri Ski.
About four kilometers from Afri Ski (according to my GPS), we reached the highest point in the pass at 2222 meters. The snow on the side of the road was so thick, that we had to stop and play, despite the – 8 degrees C temperature. The ski slope was clearly visible from this viewpoint. After enjoying and freezing our butts off, we drove the last few kilometers and realized that we had found, if not the Holy Grail, at least, the crown jewels.
Afri Ski has a ski slope of around a kilometer (depending on the weather) in length; with a fall from the top of the ski-lift to the beginners slope of around 100 meters. Afri Ski operates from around June to the end of August / early September, when the autumn rain melts the snow. During the summer months, they offer various outdoor activities, like 4x4, quad bikes, mountain trails, etc.
There is a beginners’ slope and an advanced slope which you can take in stages of increasing gradient and adrenalin levels, as your skiing ability improves. Access to the top of the slopes is via a pull-rope and ski-lift.
There are three lakes, which feed the eight snow-guns, on of which was frozen solid. The snow guns are used to assist in producing fresh snow during the cold nights; ensuring a consistent surface.
Their rental shop is well equipped and manned by very friendly and extremely helpful, competent staff. They give advice on equipment and help you set it up. It is a good idea to get there early as queues can become long around nine-thirty.
For those who have never ventured out on skis, you can hire an instructor to teach you the basics in one hour – more than enough to enjoy the rest of the day.
Day visitors have the option of a half day or full day pass and prices, including ski- and boot rental, are very affordable.
A small restaurant serves a variety of meals and snack and, importantly, coffee. Prices here are also reasonable.
For those who wish to stay over, there a couple of log cabins on site. Booking well is advanced is advised. They are fairly expensive, as is Oxbow Lodge some 14 kilometers from Afri Ski. On our three subsequent visits (since mid-July!), we stayed at Carolina Guest Farm, a cozy and affordable facility five kilometers from the border.
In summary, it is beautiful, it is less than 5 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, it is a beautiful drive and a great, relatively inexpensive way to spend a day or weekend. Just remember, you do need a passport to enter Lesotho.
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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