Snow skiing in SA!

The wind whooshes past my ears, the cold biting my face. Pieces of snow jump up from my skis, sticking to my brows and eyelashes. I push the rods deeper into the snow to speed down the hill. I bend my knees even lower, squint my eyes and zigzag down into the valley below. The blood gushes through my veins; my stomach churns as I charge to the bottom. Panic sets in; will I ever be able to slow down? Fear burns inside my belly and I make the mistake of standing upright, allowing my legs to slip beneath my body, and causing me to fall onto my back, and swirl around so that my head is facing downhill. Needless to say I tumble down the slope until I eventually stop against a tree. I remain frozen for a few seconds, trying to register what has happened. Laughter erupts from my belly. Wow… that was fun.

Snow is not common in South Africa, but there is one dedicated ski resort in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg region called Tiffindell. Tiffindell Ski and Alpine Resort was established in 1993 on the slopes of the Ben McDhui peak (3 001m) and is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. In the winter months from June to August, over 5 000 visitors from all over the country take part in activities on the slopes. The natural snow is supplemented by a snowmaking system that guarantees an average of 95 days of skiing per year. Tiffindell has a 700-metre long ski slope with lifts, instructors and ski- and snow board rental so all you have to do is arrive.


The lifestyle around the skiing is also important and there is cosy alpine style accommodation, good food and of course a great bar and much partying to be had. If you love the mountains, partying and even a little bit of skiing then you can find it here at Tiffindell.
 

 
Compared to skiing in Europe or the States you’ll find that this is by far the most affordable skiing experience in the world. The demand for snow-fun results in an overflow of visitors into the nearby hamlet of Rhodes in the valley 20km away, a town steeped in a 100-year history. Rhodes is the snow and sun playground of South Africa, lying deeply in the southern Drakensberg in the quiet of the highest mountains of the Eastern Cape, where the purest water springs offer a retreat from civilisation.

In summer the mountain rivers run clean while the rains bring greenness to the valleys which resemble the Scottish Highlands. The famous wild trout makes this area a fly fisherman’s paradise. The accommodation ranges from campsites and self-catering, through to comfortable resort lodging with central heating and glowing fires. Hiking, mountain biking and horseriding in this pristine environment - together with the many Bushmen paintings - make this the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature at her best.
 

There are other places where one can ski close by in Lesotho - one being at Sani Top in the Southern Drakensberg Mountains - but they are not formal ski areas so you will have to be really keen and adventurous. If you have the extra money and are lucky with the snowfall, there is some wild and unchartered heli-skiing on offer too.

By Rizel Delano

Eastern Cape Tourism: www.ectourism.co.za