Afriski Mountain Resort

Lesotho

Page created : 6th March 2012
Page updated : 10th June 2024

” . . . had a fantastic time at the Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho . . . the man-made snow was so much better than expected. “

” . . . we were all skiing in no time after some really good skiing lessons “

” Afriski Mountain Resort is world class in many ways and we had an awesome family holiday with the kids! “

AFRISKI MOUNTAIN RESORT, LESOTHO

I should point out that Afriski, despite this page showing it as a winter wonderland, plus its name linking it solely to winter sports, is actually a fantastic destination at any time of the year – winter, spring, summer and autumn!
Hopefully I’ll get to do a page, concentrating on their numerous, diverse summer offerings, at a later stage.

Lesotho is a stunning country, and such an interesting place to visit as a tourist.

THE HISTORY OF SKIING IN LESOTHO – CLUB MALUTI AND OXBOW LODGE

In 1968 – years before Afriski Mountain Resort was even thought of, Club Maluti was established by a few university friends, just a few kilometres from where Afriski now stands
The founding members negotiated with the local chiefs to use the land for a ski-slope, and 50 plus years later, Club Maluti still operates.
This is a link to their Club Maluti Website
Club Maluti GPS Co-ordinates (hdd.dddddd°) : S28.77736° E28.67215°

The Oxbow Lodge, which is on the banks of the Mailbamatsoe River, had a similar beginning, when hikers, exploring the area in 1971, pitched camp here after being caught in a snowstorm.
They subsequently used the same spot as a campsite before the original A frame structures of Oxbow Lodge were built.
The New Oxbow Lodge, came into being after the original lodge, which was built of timber and thatch, was completely destroyed by run away fires in September 1981.
This is a link to the New Oxbow Lodge Website
New Oxbow Lodge GPS Co-ordinates (hdd.dddddd°) : S28.77090° E028.63918°

BEST TIME TO GO SKIING AT AFRISKI IN LESOTHO

The skiing season is during the winter months of June, July and August, with the possibility of bitterly cold weather and heavy snowfalls during July and August (see newspaper report below).

Snowmaking equipment ensures that there is always snow – and good skiing, during these winter months.

You’ll find everything you’ll need – from your apres ski hot chocolate to accommodation and full ski equipment hire!

DIRECTIONS TO AFRISKI IN LESOTHO

The distance from the centre of Johannesburg to the Caledonspoort border, near Fauriesburg in the eastern Free State, is 326kms (203mi), with the ski piste a further 81kms (50mi) from there.

The most common route is to leave Jo’burg on the N3 Durban highway and follow it for approx. 122kms, until Villiers.

At Villiers, turn right onto the R26, over the N3, and head for Frankfort, Reitz, Bethlehem and Fouriesburg and then a further 10kms to the Caledonspoort Border post, which is open from 06h00 – 22h00 (6.00am – 10.00pm)

After clearing the border, take the first tar road left, left again at the T junction, and follow the A1 road past the Liphofung Cave turnoff, up the Moteng Pass, past the New Oxbow Lodge and onto the Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho.
This part of the route is VERY scenic, so take it slow and enjoy the beauty!

ACCOMMODATION AT AFRISKI MOUNTAIN RESORT:

The accommodation at Afriski Resort ranges in quality and price from 4 Star down to Backpackers.
4 Star : Motswale Mountain Chalets and Park City Chalets
3 Star : Lillyhammer Chalets, Maribel Chalets, Innsbruck Chalets, Seefeld Chalets, Chamonix Chalets, Davos Chalets, Courchevel Chalets, Imoya Chalets and St. Moritz Chalets.
3 Star : Tirol Lodge.
2 Star : Vail Lodge.
2 Star : Aspen Apartments.
1 Star : Backpackers.

Entry Level : Backpackers, Andorra Lodge
Lodges : Alpe d’Huez, Vail, Tirol
Apartments : Aspen, Courcheval, Whistler Camp
Chalets : Courchevel, Nepal
Mountain Chalets : Lillehammer, Meribel, St. Moritz, Imoya, Davos, Chamonix, St. Johann, Winterpark, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Park City , Motswale, Snowbird, Livigno

ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATION TO AFRISKI SKI RESORT

The New Oxbow Lodge – on the A1 road, 16 kms before Afriski Mountain Resort .
Tel/Fax : 051 933-2247

Liphofung Cave, a Lesotho National Park – on the A1 road, 45kms. before Afriski Mountain Resort, has VERY reasonable accommodation. The chalets that sleep four are clean and comfortable, but share only one communal bathroom with others.
Tel : +266 22 913-206 or +266 22 460-723

Various establishments in Fouriesberg and Clarens – both in South Africa.
Fouriesberg Accommodation – 90 kms from Afriski Mountain Resort and 8 kms from the  Caledonspoort Border Post.
Clarens Accommodation – 124 kms from Afriski Mountain Resort and 42 kms from the Caledonspoort Border Post.