Afriski Mountain Resort: Skiing and Snow Fun in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains

Afriski Mountain Resort: Skiing and Snow Fun in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains: History & Culture

Discover Afriski Mountain Resort: Skiing and Snow Fun in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains

Afriski Mountain Resort sits at the top of the Mahlasela Pass in the Maluti Mountains, in Lesotho’s Butha-Buthe District. It is close to the South African border. It is Lesotho’s only ski resort and one of only two in sub-Saharan Africa. That alone makes it one of the most unusual winter stops in Southern Africa.

Quick facts

• Country: Lesotho
• District: Butha-Buthe District, northern Lesotho
• Location: top of the Mahlasela Pass, Maluti Mountains
• Base elevation: 2,917 m
• Top elevation: 3,222 m
• Vertical drop: 305 m
• Sleeps: about 320 people
• Ski season: roughly June to August
• Official site: afriski.africa

A short history of skiing in the Maluti

Skiing here goes back to the 1960s, when the Maluti Ski Club was founded. The club originally ran the ski lodges in these mountains. Today’s resort grew out of that history and is now the only place in Lesotho where you can ski.

Getting to Afriski

Afriski is about 4.5 hours by road from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The route runs via Moteng Pass and Mahlasela Pass on the A1. Because the resort is at the top of a mountain pass, the last stretch of the drive is part of the trip. Check current road conditions, and whether your vehicle is suitable, before you travel. We have not confirmed vehicle requirements for the pass.

Johannesburg is the practical major gateway given the drive time, but we have not confirmed a nearest airport. Confirm your border-crossing requirements before you leave.

Things to do at Afriski

Skiing and snowboarding

The resort has 6 trails totalling 1.7 km. Lift capacity is 1,500 people per hour, and there are terrain parks for riders who want more than groomed runs. Some sources give slightly different slope and lift figures, so treat the trail numbers as a guide and check with the resort.

Lessons and rental

A ski school and equipment rental are on site, so you do not need your own gear. The resort offers both group and private ski lessons.

Bumboarding and family snow play

Bumboarding is on the activity list for anyone who would rather slide than ski. Families can look at the Bambini snowfun packages for children. The resort also lists Yeti and Pudi premium packages.

Events

The resort has hosted WinterFest, held on 22 August in 2026. It has also hosted the IISA South Africa Ice Swimming Championships, listed for 31 July to 2 August 2026. Both of those dates have passed, so check the official site for future dates before you plan a trip around an event.

Summer

The resort’s official site lists summer activities, but gives no details on what they include. If you are thinking of visiting outside the ski season, check with the resort first.

Where to stay

You can stay on site, and the resort sleeps about 320 people in total. Room types listed on the official site include Whistler (2-bedroom), Vail 1, St. Johann and Alpe D’Huez. Rates change, so check current prices directly with the resort.

Where to eat

Sky Restaurant is listed on the resort’s official site. We have not confirmed its menu, prices or opening hours, so ask the resort about catering when you book.

Best time to visit

The ski season runs roughly from June to August. Snow depends on natural snowfall, and one traveller reported that the season ended on 31 August in their year. Because the season can shift, confirm current conditions with the resort before you set off on the long drive.

Planning your trip

• Allow about 4.5 hours by road from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
• Check pass conditions and vehicle suitability before you go.
• Book lessons and rental if you are new to snow sports.
• Check the official site for current activities, packages and event dates.
• Look at our Butha-Buthe destination page for more to see in the district.

Photo: Graham Maclachlan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.